Lake Purdy Night Fishing Rig

While on the water Clint asked me EXACTLY what I was using.  I am going to share with you my rig.  I do not know which elements are critical and which aren’t, I just know this is what I have used there for years and it works. 

THIS INFO IS TO BE SHARED WITH FELLOW CLUB MEMBERS ONLY.

On one rod I tied a DROP SHOT RIG. 

On another rod I tried a TX RIG. 

I would fish the drop shot rig on points and in open water.  I would fish the tx rig on blow downs and bluffs.

My thoughts:

I do not think the fluorocarbon leader is necessary at night on the drop shot rig.  I usually start out with a swivel because I have time to rig it.  After I have my first breakoff I will skip the swivel and the fluorocarbon leader.  If you fish this all night you will get line twists, so the swivel is nice for that reason.  I do think that scent is important, but have had success with several brands.  I think natural blue is the color they like, but I have had luck with other brands as well.  The thing I like about SOS and V&M worms is that they are tougher and I don’t like to have to constantly fiddle with my worms at night.  The ultimate night worm is the neon power worm, but they are soft and have to be straightened all the time. 

This fish were caught in 8' to 20' of water.  This tournament was held at a perfect time.  The five days before a new moon and the five days before a full moon are the best times to fish at night.

PS: I noticed that I misspelled swivel in my illustration...but I'm not going to take the time to redo it.