3 way rigging

I have some questions regarding 3 way rigging.

What line do you like to use for the leader? Do you use fluorocarbon or straight mono?

Do you use willow cats? I was under the impression that willow cats were best used around wingdams in the summer. Do you use regular hooks like an Octopus or Aberdeen or do you use floaters like a Phelps floater? I know James Holst likes to use aberdeens but I’m concerned with how easily they bend out.

When pulling cranks with 3 way rigs, do you go to a heavier drop weight and less of a drop back? Do you increase your lead length for cranks? I usually use a 4 ft. lead for live bait and a 6 ft lead for cranks.

Thanks in advance.

i use straight mono for my leader.

Any live bait can be used on 3 way rigs, just depends what your fishing for. Yes people do use them w/ willow cats

If im fishing for cats or northerns ill use a circle hook,
if im going for eye’s ill use a normal hook or floating jig

I use mono for my long line. Normally 8 to 10Lb test Trilene. I use #2 octopus hooks and a single plastic bead usually fluorescent red-orange. I’m sure willow cats work this time of the year but I prefer nightcrawlers this time of the year. My long line length varies depending on specific conditions but if I had to give an average length I would say around 6 feet. My drop line is normally around 10 inches with up to a 1 oz jig on it. I use high quality snap swivels on my 3-way swivel which keeps the rig from twisting up in the current.

The level of current is what determines how heavy a drop weight I use when pulling cranks on a 3-way. In lighter current I will go as light as 1-1/2 oz. In heavy current I have used as heavy as 3-1/2 oz. I prefer to long line it a bit more than some people as I like to keep some distance between the boat and the rapalas.

Eyehunter

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I know James Holst likes to use aberdeens but I’m concerned with how easily they bend out.

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Not all aberdeen hooks are created equal. Aberdeens offer a far superior hooking ratio when using crawlers… and I have actually been using them more and more on willowcats. TrueTurn has some sharp and very stout aberdeens that I like. Bending them out is not an issue. Fleetfarm carries them if you’re interested in giving them a try. Size #1 or #2 depending on the size of the bait used and your preference.

Thanks for the fast replies everyone!!!

The model # you’ll be looking for is 303. Available in 1/0, 1 & 2.

#2 – wire diameter 0.985
1 – wire diameter 1.07
1/0 – wire diameter 1.20

Heres some good info on 3-ways.

3-ways