If you’ve ever wondered how the pros rig their bait to fool deepwater kings, Captain Monte Smith is about to let you in on his go-to setup. It’s not complicated—but it is deadly effective.
Let’s break it down in plain English: if you're trolling for salmon and not getting bit, it might not be your luck—it might be your rig. In this blog, you'll learn how to build a simple yet super effective 3-hook shad harness from Captain Monte himself, of Gold Country Sport Fishing. Whether you're new to trolling or just want to upgrade your rig game, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Need to Build the Rig
First up, gather your supplies. No need for a full tackle shop—just a few essentials:
- Hooks: use a size 2 Owner or Gamakatsu mosquito hook, a size 8 Gamakatsu single egg hook, and a red Owner ST-36 treble hook (size 6).
- Line: 12 lb test fluorocarbon (Capt. Monte likes P-Line Tactical—it’s tough enough for those big-toothed salmon).
- Swivel: Use a ball bearing swivel—not a barrel swivel—to prevent line twist.
- Scissors & Clippers: Sharp scissors for yarn and fingernail clippers for trimming line.
- Black Yarn: Yep, you heard right. Sewing yarn helps keep the egg hook secure while still adjustable.
You don’t need anything fancy—just tools that work.
Step-by-Step: Rigging the Leader
Let’s start with about a 5–6 foot fluorocarbon leader. Here’s how he sets up the hook sequence:
1. Tie the Treble Hook First
- Thread the line through the treble hook eye.
- Wrap 7 times, then feed the tag end back through the eye.
- Wrap again 7 times and snug it up. This hook will act as your stinger—it’s not attached directly to the fish.
2. Add the Mosquito Hook
- Slide the hook about an inch or so ahead of the treble, depending on your shad size.
- Same deal: thread, wrap 7 times, go back through the eye, and wrap again.
- Pull tight. Now you’ve got your main structural hook in place.
3. Add the Single Egg Hook with Yarn
- Run the leader through the hook eye.
- Take a 10-inch piece of black yarn, wet it, and thread it through the eye alongside the leader—do this from both sides.
- Wrap the yarn 8–9 times around the eye, then snug it down just enough so the hook can slide a bit.
The sliding motion of the egg hook helps you get that sweet rolling action later when the bait’s in the water.
Prepping the Shad: Brine & Size Matters
Capt. Monte prefers frozen shad around 2 to 2.5 inches long. The trick? Brine them the night before.
Why? Because a brined shad holds up better. The skin toughens, the belly doesn’t fall out, and it helps the bait last longer on the troll. Brining recipes vary, but the key is salt and refrigeration overnight.
How to Rig the Shad Itself
Once your harness is built and your bait is brined, it’s go time.
Here’s how to hook the shad:
1. Center Hook (Mosquito Hook)
- Insert the hook through the side of the shad near the dorsal fin and out the other side.
- Lay the shank flat against the fish’s side to support the bend.
2. Egg Hook
- Go through the bottom jaw and out through the hard part on top of the head.
- Avoid the eyes! Salmon key in on those, and damaged eyes can turn them off.
3.Treble Hook (Stinger)
- Leave it trailing off the back of the bait. Don’t stick it in the fish.
Now here’s the magic: pull the leader gently and watch that shad start to bend. You can adjust the curve to get a tight or slow roll. That rolling motion is what drives salmon nuts.
Why This Rig Works (And What to Watch For)
This setup is designed with salmon behavior in mind. Here’s why it shines:
- Bait Presentation: The bend and roll make your shad look alive, even at trolling speeds.
- Hook Coverage: Salmon often attack head-first. This rig puts hooks in all the right places to boost hookup ratios.
- Minimal Twist: The ball bearing swivel keeps your line from turning into a spaghetti mess.
- Durability: A brined bait plus tough leader means fewer lost rigs and more landed fish.
One more tip: salmon bites aren’t usually aggressive. Look for light taps, then pull your rod out of the downrigger clip and give it a quick pop. Don’t overdo it—you just need to trigger the hookset.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Roll?
That’s the full breakdown of how Captain Monte rigs his shad for salmon trolling success. It’s simple, smart and built from years of on-the-water experience.
Want to give it a shot? Grab some hooks, prep your brine and start practicing your wraps. Once you get the feel, this rig can become your go-to for kings in lakes like Don Pedro and beyond.
Curious about the gear Capt. Monte uses or want to explore more rigging tips?
Check out our full line of salmon trolling gear at Catch America.
Got questions or a favorite rig of your own? Drop a comment—we love hearing from fellow anglers!
