Best Three-Way Swivel Rig for Walleye, Catfish & More

Introduction

Fishing for walleye, catfish, or other freshwater species can be unpredictable, but a three-way swivel rig often makes the difference. It allows you to present multiple baits, control depth, and reduce tangles in currents or deep water. Whether you’re drifting, trolling, or anchored, this setup provides flexibility and improves bite chances. From adjusting leader lengths to choosing the right sinker, small tweaks can have a big impact. In this article, we’ll break down how to use a 3-way swivel effectively, share practical tips, and help you get more consistent results on the water.

What is a Three-Way Swivel?

A three-way swivel is a small Y-shaped device that connects three lines at a single point. Typically, the top eye attaches to your main line, one side holds a hook with bait, and the other side carries a sinker or secondary bait. This setup reduces line twist, keeps lines separated, and allows multiple baits or weights to fish simultaneously.

Anglers use it in freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and it’s also effective nearshore in saltwater. By keeping each line independent, the rig lets baits move naturally—an advantage when targeting species like walleye, catfish, or panfish. Compared to single-hook rigs, a three-way swivel rig offers more versatility, letting you control depth, spacing, and presentation without constantly rebuilding your setup.

Benefits of Using a Three-Way Swivel

Using a three-way swivel rig offers several advantages that can improve both efficiency and catch rates:

• Natural Bait Movement: Each leader moves independently, allowing live or artificial baits to appear more lifelike. This can trigger strikes from cautious or selective fish.
• Reduced Tangles: Because the swivel separates the lines, it helps prevent twisting even in strong currents or during long drifts.
• Multiple Fishing Techniques: You can use the same rig for drifting, bottom fishing, trolling, or surf fishing without rebuilding the setup.
• Depth Flexibility: Leaders of different lengths let you present bait at multiple levels in the water column. For walleye in deep lakes, this is particularly useful.
• Controlled Weight Distribution: By adjusting the sinker size, you can hold your bait in place in currents or over uneven bottoms, which is critical for catfish and walleye.
• Adaptability Across Species: From freshwater bass and walleye to saltwater redfish, the rig works in diverse environments, making it a universal tool for anglers.

Experienced anglers also report that the three-way swivel helps protect terminal tackle. Using a light test line for the sinker allows it to break free if snagged, reducing the risk of losing lures or hooks.

Popular Rig Setups for Fishing Three-Way Swivel

Depending on your target species and fishing environment, a three-way swivel rig can be adapted in several effective ways:

• Classic Bottom Rig: Attach one leader to your hook and another to a sinker. This simple setup works well for catfish and walleye, keeping bait near the bottom in lakes or rivers.
• Drift Fishing Rig: Use a lighter sinker and longer leaders to let the bait drift naturally with the current. This technique mimics prey movement and is especially useful for walleye or striped bass in flowing water.
• Trolling Rig: Hook lures or live bait on one line and a sinker on the other. Perfect for covering larger areas or fishing multiple depths at once, often used for lake trout, walleye, or catfish.
• Surf or Shore Rig: Heavy-duty swivels with pyramid sinkers hold bait against waves. Multiple leaders allow different baits to move freely, increasing your chances for species like redfish, sheepshead, or catfish along the shoreline.

These setups highlight the versatility of the three-way swivel, letting you adjust leader length, sinker weight, and bait type according to water conditions, target species, and fishing style.

How to Set Up a Three-Way Swivel Rig

A practical, straightforward setup ensures your rig performs reliably:

• Attach the Main Line: Tie your main line to the top eye using a secure knot, such as the Palomar or Improved Clinch.
• Leader with Hook: Attach a leader line to one side and bait the hook. Leader length depends on whether you’re bottom fishing or suspending bait.
• Sinker or Secondary Bait: Tie a shorter line to the other eye and add a sinker or another bait, depending on your strategy.
• Optional Accessories: Split shots, floats, or weak links can improve presentation or prevent gear loss if snagged.
• Check and Adjust: Inspect knots, test your rig in the water, and make small adjustments. A properly set up three-way swivel reduces tangles and improves performance.

Small tweaks can make a big difference, particularly in challenging currents or with picky fish.

Choosing the Right Swivel

Selecting the proper 3-way swivel is critical for reliability and performance:

• Material: Stainless steel for durability and saltwater resistance; brass or black nickel can work for freshwater.
• Size and Strength: Match your swivel to the line pound-test and expected fish size. Small swivels for panfish, medium for bass or walleye, large for catfish or bigger game.
• Weight Capacity: Ensure the swivel can handle your bait and the expected fish weight.
• Maintenance: Rinse after saltwater use and inspect for wear to avoid gear failure mid-fight.

A good swivel not only prevents failures but also makes rigging and fishing smoother, particularly when targeting multiple species.

Tips for Successful Three-Way Swivel Fishing

Here are some practical tips to make the most of your three-way swivel rig based on real angler experience:

• Match Swivel Size to Line Strength: Ensure your three-way swivel is appropriate for the pound-test of your main line. Too small, and it could break; too large, and it may affect bait presentation.
• Adjust Leader Length: Longer leaders allow bait to drift naturally, ideal for moving water or selective fish. Shorter leaders keep bait closer to the bottom for species like catfish and walleye.
• Choose the Right Sinker: Use a weight that suits water conditions: heavier for strong currents or rough bottoms, lighter for calm waters. A properly weighted sinker keeps bait in position and prevents tangles.
• Check Knots Regularly: Secure knots prevent losing your rig or bait. Popular options include Palomar, Improved Clinch, or Uni knots for leaders and main lines.
• Protect Terminal Tackle: Using a lighter test line for the sinker can prevent losing expensive lures or hooks if the weight snags. Many anglers use this simple “sacrificial” technique successfully.
• Experiment with Bait Placement: Try different leader lengths, bait types, or even floating vs. sinking baits. Observing how fish react helps you fine-tune the rig for maximum catch potential.
• Adapt to Conditions: Whether drifting, trolling, or shore fishing, adjust your setup based on current, depth, or fish activity. Flexibility is key to consistent results.

Conclusion

A well-tied three-way swivel rig can make fishing for walleye, catfish, and other species more consistent and enjoyable. Small adjustments—like leader length, sinker weight, or bait presentation—can change your success on the water. Whether you’re casting from shore, drifting, or trolling, understanding how to use a three-way swivel allows you to adapt to different conditions without overcomplicating your setup. Keep experimenting with variations, observe how fish respond, and over time this simple but versatile rig becomes a reliable tool in your tackle box.