Fall a time for Lindy rigging - or jigging

Fall is my favorite time to fish. The lakes are quiet, the fish eat a lot, they are easier to locate and it's cool. And it's always nice to know that most of the "spots" haven't been fished for at least a day, which always gives a guy a little more confidence.

I still like to Lindy rig during the fall, but jigging is a favorite method, too. Typically, at this time, when I am Lindy rigging, I will go big - big minnows and some heavier-pound test line. You just never know when "jingles" might bite.

Lindy rigging can be difficult for some, but most folks catch on pretty darn quickly. Get that sinker down to the bottom, keep the line taught, a finger on the line with the bail open and be ready to let go at the first sign of a bite.

The first sign of a bite is usually the quivering of the chub. Sometimes they quiver and quiver and that's it - no thump. After the thump, it's time to let out about 8 seconds worth of line, then reel up the slack - and whack.

For those who can't grasp the whole rigging thing, jigging is great and can be as good if not better at times. This year, I plan on jigging with Berkley Gulp Alive, a biodegradable bait that, to the fish, looks and tastes like the real thing.

With the jig presentation, just send that baby down to the bottom and hop it along until you feel something a bit different. Then immediately set the hook - don't think about it, just set the hook and keep the tension on.

WALLEYEDAN Eigen may be reached at (218) 839-5598, walleyedan@brainerd.com or www.walleyedan.com