Rig Rapalas and minnow plugs for trout the same simple way Cal Kellogg rigs everything. Run your main line to a plastic bead, then a bathtub chain style trolling swivel. Add a 40 to 48 inch fluorocarbon leader of 8 to 10 lb test, tied to a cross lock snap with a Palomar knot, and clip the plug to the snap for free movement and fast lure changes. The bead stops the swivel at the rod tip and marks the line to leader junction when netting in glare. The same rig handles spoons and plugs on leadcore, top line, or downrigger rods. A Trolling Rod Rigging Kit has the parts.
How do I rig a Rapala or minnow plug for trolling?
Run the main line to a good size plastic bead, then a bathtub chain style trolling swivel. Off the swivel, tie a 40 to 48 inch fluorocarbon leader of 8 to 10 lb test down to a cross lock snap with a Palomar knot, and clip the plug to the snap. The snap gives the plug freedom of motion and lets you change lures fast. A Trolling Rod Rigging Kit carries these parts.
Why put a bead above the trolling swivel?
The bead does two jobs. It stops the swivel from being reeled up into the eye of the rod, which protects your rod tip and reel. It also gives you a clear visual indicator of the leader to line junction, so when there is heavy glare on the water you can still see exactly where that connection is while you are netting a fish.
What leader length and pound test for trolling plugs?
Cal runs 8 to 10 lb test fluorocarbon leader material, cut anywhere from 40 to 48 inches long. That length keeps the plug well behind the bead and swivel, and fluorocarbon stays low visibility in clear water. He pre ties a bunch of these leaders and stores them in his tackle box so rods get re rigged fast.
Why a cross lock snap instead of a snap swivel?
Use just a cross lock locking snap, not a snap swivel. The trolling swivel up the line already handles line twist, so the terminal end only needs a simple locking snap. Tied on with a Palomar knot, it gives the plug full freedom of motion for a lively wobble and lets you swap lures in seconds.
Do I rig spoons and plugs differently?
No, the rigging is identical. Cal uses the same bead, trolling swivel, leader, and cross lock snap for spoons and for every kind of plug. Every rod on the guide boat, whether a leadcore rod, a top line rod, or a downrigger rod, is rigged exactly the same. He just picks a spoon or a plug and starts fishing.
What minnow plugs does Cal troll for trout?
Cal pulls plugs early, the first hour to 90 minutes of the day, and they are very effective. He runs minnow plugs, mostly Yo-Zuri with an occasional Rapala, plus Mag Lips and a white shad style plug. His countdown minnow plugs rattle, sink, and come in finishes like golden shiner, chrome, and black silver side.
How do I add a dodger to this rig?
When Cal wants a dodger, he connects it to the trolling swivel and runs whatever leader length he needs behind it. Save the dodger for slow troll offerings like flies or bait. Keep spoons and plugs running clean off the cross lock snap, since they wobble and dive on their own and do not need a dodger.
What makes a good trout minnow plug?
The right size for trout, a strong wiggle, an internal rattle, and a countdown sink rate so you can control depth. Cal's countdown minnow plugs check all of those boxes. Because they cast and control well, you can fish them trolling, in a lake, or in a stream, not just behind the boat.
Watch the technique
Rigging plugs for trout trolling FAQ
A Palomar knot to a cross lock snap. It is a strong, simple knot, and the locking snap it connects to lets Cal change plugs quickly without cutting and re tying.
40 to 48 inches of 8 to 10 lb test fluorocarbon. That range keeps the plug back from the swivel and bead while staying manageable to net and handle.
A plain cross lock locking snap, not a snap swivel. The bathtub chain trolling swivel higher on the rig manages line twist, so the plug just needs a snap that lets it move freely.
The snap gives the plug freedom of motion for its best action and lets you change lures in seconds. Tying direct locks the plug down and slows down every lure change.
No. Cal rigs spoons and plugs exactly the same, with a bead, trolling swivel, fluorocarbon leader, and cross lock snap. He runs that identical setup on every rod on the boat.
Early in the day. Cal pulls plugs for the first hour to 90 minutes and power trolls them, putting nice fish in the box for his clients before switching to other presentations.
Mostly Yo-Zuri minnow plugs, an occasional Rapala, Mag Lips, a white shad style plug, and his own countdown minnow plugs that rattle and sink. Those competitor plugs are named for reference and are not Catch America products.
Yes. Countdown minnow plugs cast and control well, so you can fish them in a lake or a stream as well as behind the boat, which makes them versatile trout lures.
