Lindy Rigging Walleyes (The Complete Guide)

Everything you could ever want to know about livebait rigging (AKA Lindy Rigging) with leeches for walleyes.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ TIMESTAMPS ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 Introduction
0:33 The Rod
1:57 Main Line
2:30 The Weight
4:11 Leader Line
6:02 The Hook
6:30 Rigging up Leeches
7:41 How to Fish a Livebait Rig
11:00 Best Time to Lindy Rig?
12:28 Best Location for Lindy Rigging
13:25 How Long Do You Let Them Eat It?
15:03 A Common Livebait Rigging Mistake
17:00 How I Caught 'em
#walleyefishing #livebait
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[@oliversudden1796]

Getting schooled on a Lindy Rig by a Lindner. Love it!! Thanks for the tips Nick! Always look forward to your content.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Oliver! I appreciate the comment, man 👍

[@Markomyt1]

So awesome. All of my friends are all about trolling. I like the proactive nature of your approach. Thanks!

[@NickLindner]

I’m with ya!

[@n8ter292]

Thanks Nick! These videos are very helpful as most of the time I fish from shore. Looking forward to the new content coming up!👍

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffyusko3336]

awesome video! thanks for all of the info

[@driftlessbowhunter449]

Hey Nick……love the instructional videos…….keep them coming please!

[@NickLindner]

I will!

[@asantefoto]

Great job, Nick! Looking forward to more.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Rob!

[@brucewilliam2008]

Great Video I'm going to try this program this summer before the may fly hatch on Lake Erie and get some more use out of a couple of 7" 6" rods I have in the boat.

[@seanrivard1254]

Very informative video! Definatly going to give it a try! Thank you!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching, Sean.

[@zuke447]

Great video from beginning to end. Keep the information flowing. Merry Christmas!

[@NickLindner]

Merry Christmas Brian

[@davidrauschenbach6871]

Can’t wait for more videos! Thanks for the tips. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks David. Have an excellent 4th!

[@daleroush1960]

Great video! Best one I've seen for live bait rigging. Thanks. Keep it up, just subscribed.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Dale, I really appreciate the comment!

[@jamescooke2713]

I rarely comment on any videos but you have made an excellent video. I can't wait to try this technique this weekend! Great job!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks James!

[@marcgagnon1679]

Very informative video....looking forward to the next one👌

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Marc

[@jtn-minn8105]

I watched to the end Nick, Lots of good info...

[@NickLindner]

Thanks! Hopefully you were able to pick up some helpful nuggets.

[@davidspencer2663]

Best explanation I’ve seen for this technique. This newbie really appreciates it!!

[@NickLindner]

Glad I could help ya out, David!

[@jonstokes3122]

Great video Nick! Looking forward to more videos

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Jon!

[@robertchadwick2925]

That was great. This might be a great approach kayaking and drifting. You're a good teacher.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Robert. Glad you got some value out of the video!

[@JDPMN1]

Great video! Thanks Nick

[@NickLindner]

Glad you liked it!

[@troylindner]

Awesome info!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks cuz!

[@shootermcgavin991]

Nice video Nick! Very well done!!!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks shooter!

[@arrowheadangler]

This is awesome. Lindy rigging, jigging, and slaying!

[@NickLindner]

100%

[@KeenanZeltinger]

Learned a lot from the video, thanks for sharing

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching, Keenan

[@kenalepra6003]

Thanks Nick great informative video

[@NickLindner]

I appreciate the comment, Ken!

[@michaelprevost1229]

Great tips thanks Nick

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching, Michael 👍

[@Riverlifeoutdoors]

Great tips !! Thanks nick 👊🏼

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Joe, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@89shmike]

Used what I learned on this video to snag into a 31.5 inch Walleye on Gull this weekend! Thanks again for the info!

[@NickLindner]

No way - that's awesome dude! Huge congrats

[@elkoperchyshyn9066]

Excellent video Nick!

[@NickLindner]

Much appreciated, Elko 👍

[@fried_nice]

I use the fg knot to tie braid to fluorocarbon. One of my favorite to tie. Also, I like your content. You take the time to go through the process at different angles. I'm subscribing. Thanks!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Larry!

[@gregbroyles2908]

Awesome presentation Nick!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Greg

[@michaelmcdougall4866]

Good stuff Nick loved it ✌️💙🎣🇨🇦✔️

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Michael!

[@jerryfritz1338]

Best live bait video I’ve ever seen. Nice job Nick! I’m glad I found your channel.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching, Jerry!

[@LarryK2024]

Good video that goes into details how to set up and catch fish. Detailed!

[@NickLindner]

Glad you got some value out of it, Larry!

[@justinfurmanek2120]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Justin. Glad you watched

[@stevenfretland5170]

. . . .lock and load!!! Excellent job explaining how to rig lindys. The legacy lives on😎👍🏻.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Steven!

[@loydtromblay411]

Great explanation. Good job. Lord knows i need all the help i can get

[@NickLindner]

Haha, thank Loyd!

[@Tom-fu4cv]

Thank you! This was useful!

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Tom

[@geraldbalciarjr651]

Hi Nick you are making your dad proud you are a good teacher like he is good job.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Gerald!

[@WaterandIceOutdoors]

Great tips!

[@NickLindner]

Much appreciated!

[@johnbennett7244]

Great video. Thanks.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks John

[@timpeterson8564]

Great instructional video. Happy 4th

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Tim. Happy 4th

[@johnhenderson9048]

Enjoyed your content. IMO the instructional video like this is what fellow anglers are looking for. Learned something as well…. I’ve always used a round style bait caster with light drag. I’ll try changing rig to spinning gear.

[@NickLindner]

Honestly, there are probably some advantages to bait casting reels, too. Either tool will get the job done!

[@Tom-fu4cv]

@@NickLindner I do like the bait caster reel with the "flippin" button for bottom structure that changes frequently.

[@walleyeonabudget2641]

Super helpful

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Cody 👍

[@no_regerts5176]

I quit using octopus hooks and started substituting drop shot hooks. At first it was after losing too many kokanee. I made the switch and it’s worked great.

[@user-zn5uk7zt5c]

Great Videos Nick

[@NickLindner]

Thanks!

[@logandelorme5588]

Thank you! From Canada

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching logan

[@craigstevens9734]

enjoyed this video never caught walleye feel like I could almost after video. Gonna be watching more. Down here in GA. we have a few places

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching Craig!

[@ericbook9891]

Great video

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Eric

[@bryaneeles7744]

Easy! Thanks

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching Bryan!

[@muskietime]

Excellent Informative, well explained, well demonstrated video. One of the best “takeaways” is the fact that you worked the First Spot, found it unproductive and then moved on to a new spot. Some folks just park all day trying to catch fish that will not bite.

[@NickLindner]

True! You can't sit on non-bitie fish

[@DiabloOutdoors]

"or whatever you want to call it" LOL I like that, well said. You have a new subscriber.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks man!

[@DiabloOutdoors]

@@NickLindner NP! keep up the good work... as long as you leave some fish for the others... hahaha

[@MrJigginjim]

Great video Nick, Another idea with the hook is a floating bead, or deer hair tied to a plastic tube, ( the tubes from bobber knots). I have also use trout flies tip with a small piece of crawler for large bluegills.

[@NickLindner]

Great stuff, Jim. I gotta give those a try.

[@MrJigginjim]

@@NickLindner Tried a few times to get with Al and Ron to talk about bible deals but... I was even asked to come to fishing workshop in Elk River. I have been guiding for over 23 years, fished tournament, and have gave seminars at expos and fishing club. I now do Taxidermy as well as fish guide trips, in one summer my clients caught and released 3, 30 plus inch walleyes, 2 largemouth bass over 7 lbs, and 5 smallies over 6lbs, Green lake in Spicer, and lake Koronis. I start fly fishing when I was 7 on Diamond lake, for Crappies and gills. I do fly tying for trout, and making flies to catch 4 to 6 lb smallies on a fly rod. Using a 5 weight rod. is like catching large pike on a panfish noodle ice rod. I told Jeremy about this fishing, in central Minnesota. BUT......

[@NickLindner]

@@MrJigginjim BUT....

[@MrJigginjim]

@@NickLindner never heard from Al and Sorry to hear about Ron.

[@NickLindner]

@@MrJigginjim thanks jim

[@kylemartin8654]

Good video 👍🏻

[@NickLindner]

Thanks for watching, Kyle

[@daveschutz5918]

Great video your gramps would be proud

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Dave! He's very missed

[@DirtyJobsGuy1]

Fantastic video!! I’d like to know more on what time of year you are more likely to use this method. Also water temperature!

[@NickLindner]

It can technically be effective any time of year in any depth of water. You just need to change how you fish it for it to work in those varying conditions. Warmer water, I favor leeches/crawlers vs. minnows in cold water. Another big one is shallow vs. deep water. Up shallow, you need to modify the rig to make it more casting-friendly, as you want that bait to be further away from the boat in shallow water.

[@jimrosenfeldt4589]

Nick, I use the Lindy rig like what you are showing. I use the spinner rig & shorty . They normally come 30 " . What is the better method & when ? Really enjoy watching you shows & advise. Jig & crawlers are working the best in central Wi.

[@NickLindner]

Spinner rigs are nice when you need to cover water or when the fish like it moving a little bit faster.

[@tjyoursprinklerguy8846]

Hey what's up Nick? Great videos. My buddies and I are heading to North Quebec for Walley and Northern Pick fishing in August. What is your favorite lure to use for both?

[@NickLindner]

This tactic would work really well. Also Puppet Minnows (probably the biggest size) should catch them good if they are deep.

[@mikerafone4736]

Nick, thank Ytube for recomending. How anything can be so simple but really requires insruction to work correctly? What seasons are best? After i watched vid saw your name, had to troll just to know. this is the only channel I hit subscribe, liked, and hit notification bell on the first view. Very best to you and your whole family; some have crazy good skill sets. I still live in Chicago area, better your family went North.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks Mike! I'm glad they moved north, too

[@coltonlaplante6241]

Subscribed.

[@NickLindner]

Thanks!

[@fanniemaemiller767]

Thank you for your great tips. Do you do any river fishing? if so, what are your recommendations to rig something on the river?

[@NickLindner]

A little bit. Honestly, it doesn’t change much. You can get away with shorter leaders and thicker fluorocarbon. That’s about the main difference

[@BirchBarkOutdoors]

It would be awesome once this pandemic is over that you can fish with Clayton Schick and do a fish off him doing dropshot vs your Lindy rig. I think both work awesome but together you guys would make it interesting. I still have a few Lindy rigs from the early 90s. They are VERY crusty at this point!

[@NickLindner]

I think that would be a blast. Clayton is the man

[@donkatz1376]

How about instead of using an octopus hook with the Lindy Rig can you use a small floating jig head to help keep the bait off the bottom?

[@NickLindner]

For sure!

[@TravisInCanada1]

Have you compared drop shotting to this approach? I have always ran a blade on my worm rig or lindy rigs, usually trolling with a bottom bouncer though.

[@NickLindner]

Rigging and drop shotting present the bait differently. Both have a time and place!

[@jeffreymicek9018]

Just now watched this. Great info. You mention Palomar on both sides of swivel? How is that possible? Or did I hear that wrong?

[@NickLindner]

You need to tie the swivel to the leader before you tie the swivel to the main line.

[@89shmike]

Been waiting for a video about this. Looks like you got out on Mille Lacs before the 2 week shut down

[@NickLindner]

Yup! Snuck out last week 👍

[@pain_weaver]

What shut down?

[@89shmike]

@@pain_weaver first two weeks of July no live bait under 9 inches or something

[@pain_weaver]

@@89shmike thats a lame "rule". Minnesota is quite a turd fest law wise or should I say rules wise since many so called laws are not actually laws.

[@89shmike]

@@pain_weaver that’s a Mille lacs specific rule, there’s a lot of bullshit tied into the “management” of that lake

[@shaunhermes7289]

With a 12' long leader, how to you minimize damage to the rod guides when the swivel has to enter the guides in order to get fish close enough to net?

[@NickLindner]

It's an issue for sure. My best advice would be using as long of a rod as you can get your hands on. 8'6" is ideal.

[@MrJoeflynn15]

Good video. I have a few questions. What’s the ideal gear ratio for this? And I use 8lb flouro and 6lb on the leader do to many log and rock snags, so I have to break off. Does increasing lb test increase sensitivity in flouro by limiting line stretch? I rarely fish over 22’.

[@NickLindner]

Generally, I'd say the fast the better for gear ratio. I haven't found there's a big sensitivity difference with heavier fluoro

[@danielstrauss8620]

Might be a dumb question but I'm new to lindy rigging, what do you do for storing/transporting these rods since a 6+ foot leader won't likely hook on your rod like a lot of other setups?

[@NickLindner]

I should have covered that in this video. I wrap it the line under the base of the spinning reel and then put the hook on one of the guides further up on the rod. If I'm using a SUPER long leader, I'll loop it underneath the reel, then up and over one of the guides, then hook it back down on the hook hanger. Hopefully that makes sense!

[@mcmuskie2563]

GREAT TIP- I cut two small V grooves into the top and bottom of a wooden paint stick, then unhook the swivel and wrap the line. 6’ lead six wraps, 8’ 8 warps etc. quick and easy and doesn’t get all tangled.

[@rippatrick1]

Nick - Thanks for the video. One question - I’m confused on the discussion of leader length as it translates to the depth of the sinker. If you have a 12 foot leader, would you still keep the weight about a foot off the bottom? Seems like the leech would definitely be dragging on the bottom once the line sinks. The goal is NOT to have the leech 1 foot off the bottom, right?

[@NickLindner]

Strategies can vary from spot-to-spot or in different situations or with different gear. If you're moving, that will impact how the leech is presented. Ultimately, you need to play around with what is or isn't working. It's not the end of the world if your baits on the bottom sometimes. Other times it's bad.

[@johnkirkwood3445]

Thank you for the lesson Nick. For years, I have been fishing the Lindy rig wrong, letting out way too much line and assuming that the weight it should be bouncing along the bottom. Does a method apply for minnows and nightcrawlers?

[@NickLindner]

Yes, all the same applies crawlers and minnows. The only time I’ll let the weight sit on the bottom on purpose is when I know there’s a big school and I want my bait sitting in them, but I don’t want my boat sitting in it them. In that case, I’ll open my bail and let the line run out with the weight sitting on the bottom while scoot my boat away from the school of fish

[@johnkirkwood3445]

@@NickLindner thanks Nick, I appreciate it and will keep watching.

[@josephgolden1868]

I have seen where some guys put a snap swivel on the line as a slider, and have the ability to change weights without re-tying. Have you done this and what is your opinion?

[@NickLindner]

It's definitely a viable option!

[@darrenandrews5121]

Do you have to add a small float to the worm? What stops it from dragging on the bottom? the weight is off the bottom but wouldn’t the worm sink lower into the mud?

[@NickLindner]

It depends how much you’re moving or not moving around. But generally speaking, a worm blower is a good idea.

[@wisconsinwalleyesguy8442]

"dangle the juice" oh soo accurate

[@chrisweihrauch865]

Great video, what brand is that hat you’re wearing?

[@NickLindner]

Its a Striker hat: strikerbrands.com/collections/ballcaps/products/fossil-fish-patch-trucker-cap-gray

[@gerardhaubert8210]

Do you take the swivel thru the rod guides w/ 9 ft leader

[@NickLindner]

Sometimes, but usually not. It definitely pays to have a long rod.

[@johnlantz7278]

How do artificial leeches work under the same condition ,or do they need to be trolled ,berkley power leeches are they also good for this slip sinker an leader

[@NickLindner]

You're going to do better with real leeches, especially the big juicy ones. Artificial can work, but not as well.

[@danieljacobson5774]

With a 9ft leader tied to a.swivel how do you real it up and secure the hook to the fishing pole at.the end.of.the day??

[@NickLindner]

Wrap the line under the reel, then hook it onto one of the eyelets

[@nchec326]

Do you have a preferred action of rod? Maybe 7'6" to 8' medium light?

[@NickLindner]

I like medium, but I will also admit that I tend to prefer rods with a little heavier power than most walleye anglers.

[@nchec326]

@@NickLindner thanks Nick!

[@coltonlaplante6241]

Yoo you ever fish farm island lake? And if so what’s your preferred method of fishing it when it comes to walleyes?

[@NickLindner]

Fished it a couple times for bass, but haven't fished it for walleyes yet.

[@delbryan3253]

Do you have any idea for shore fishing for walleye just wondering

[@NickLindner]

Bridges can be great

[@CreekWalkerOutdoors]

So you think this or bottom bouncing with spinners n crawlers is more effective in the summer months

[@NickLindner]

Just depends on the situation. Spinners can be VERY good when fish are spread out

[@JL-qo7cs]

What about using a small float like Lindy Rigs come with?

[@NickLindner]

Yeah, those can totally work

[@kaylek3874]

How do you feel about a 8# mono leader?

[@NickLindner]

I think it can work!

[@curtanschuetz3434]

How shallow will you rig? Assuming the water has some stain and a bit of wind.

[@NickLindner]

I'll rig up in super shallow, but the big difference is I'm casting it out away from the boat.

[@curtanschuetz3434]

@@NickLindner Thanks Nick!

[@morrowoutdoors1336]

How do you know if your weight only 1-2 ft off bottom and how fast do u troll

[@NickLindner]

Dropping the weight down every now and then to double-check. I'm moving slow. 0.3ish

[@canyoulikeshutup4868]

So what weight would you recommend for 10-20 feet of water and 30 -40 feet of water?

[@NickLindner]

10-20 feet = 1/4oz 30-40 feet = 1/2oz That all can change based on how quickly you're moving, if there's wind/waves, etc. Drop it down and see how it feels. Do you feel like you have enough control of your bait? If yes, you're probably good. If no, upsize.

[@canyoulikeshutup4868]

@@NickLindner Ok thanks.

[@billbornhausen2244]

light ,med ,heavy power on the rod ? tip ?fast , med , heavy?

[@NickLindner]

I'll usually go with medium power, fast action.

[@alexandrosachilleas7162]

Will this technique work with a baitrunner setup

[@NickLindner]

I wouldn't use the baitrunner function because you want to hold it as you bounce over different cover/structure, then you want 100% zero resistance once they take the bait.

[@alexandrosachilleas7162]

@@NickLindner Thank you

[@ericflynn3008]

What braid weight do you recommend?

[@NickLindner]

I'll typically go with 8 or 10lb, but anything in the ballpark of that range will work.

[@Zj2288]

You talked about rod length but didn’t say anything about rod action. What do you recommend for this?

[@NickLindner]

Sorry! I like medium light fast

[@thomasmeyers497]

How shallow could a person fish in stained water?

[@NickLindner]

Unfortunately, it's one of those deals where you'll have to let the fish tell you. If you're fishing vertically below the boat, you may end up spooking fish for a number of reasons. The best advice I could offer is to just give it a try on your favorite spots and see if it works.

[@Someone-qn2cf]

What lb braid are you using? You said 8lb floro for the leader.

[@NickLindner]

Usually 8lb braid

[@mikevescio8585]

Can you make a video on how to catch walleye on a new Lake only using 2D and GPS

[@NickLindner]

That would be a good topic

[@morrowoutdoors1336]

What would u do if bottom say 2 ft are weed but water 8 ft deep

[@NickLindner]

Hold above weeds, maybe use a floating jig instead of hook.

[@ronniesolomon5235]

With this technique. Are you drifting or anchored…in one spot

[@NickLindner]

Could do either

[@jakedavid8187]

nick you actually think you being a linder will know how to lindy rig? :) jk thanks for going over all the ways to rig. very informative. when you doing your 30 day summer video extravaganza? il watch em

[@NickLindner]

Man, I'm not sure if we'll see a 30 day summer series. That ice version was a BIG project

[@jakedavid8187]

@@NickLindner i bet.. either way keep up the good work

[@jimkimfishing8116]

How do you deal with pesky panfish stealing worms using this technique?

[@NickLindner]

Leeches definitely work better than crawlers in those situations.

[@ajgumper6273]

How do you avoid all the bluegills nipping at your bait?

[@NickLindner]

That can be tough in some areas. My best advice is using large leeches they have a hard time biting. Nightcrawlers are a disaster.

[@ajgumper6273]

@@NickLindner I agree! Seems like using spinner rigs I don't get bit 'as much' by them but still nip at em.

[@justafarmer6473]

So why use a bullet sinker instead of bottom bouncer?

[@NickLindner]

You don't need to have all that extra metal down there. The bullet sinker is much more stealthy.

[@phil6844]

So you took a Carolina rig, renamed it after your self and called it good?

[@NickLindner]

lol Phil. You need to dig a little deeper on the history of this rig

[@EVERYDAYDGF]

My girlfriend would agree and keep learning.

[@NickLindner]

👍