Three-Way Rig Diagram & Gear List

A three-way swivel splits the rig into a short dropper to the weight and a longer leader to the bait, so the bait swings just off the bottom while the weight bounces along below it. It is the standard river drift and boat drift rig for salmon, stripers, and catfish in current.

Also known as: Three-Way Swivel Rig (US, CA)

Where to use it: river, boat, kayak, lake
Difficulty: beginner
Common in: US, Canada

Gear List

main Line12-20 lb monofilament or 20-30 lb braid
leader12-20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament
leader Length24-48in from the three-way swivel to the hook or lure
hook Range#2 - 3/0 octopus or circle hook, or a drift lure or spoon
weight TypeBank, pencil, or bell sinker, 1-4oz, matched to current
sinker Drop Length6-18in dropper of lighter line so a snagged weight breaks off first
swivelThree-way swivel

Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Three-way fishing swivels Check swivel strength against the main line.Search on Amazon #2 to 3/0 octopus or circle hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Three-Way Rig

Tie the main line to one eye of a three-way swivel.
Tie a 6-18in dropper of lighter line to the second eye and add a 1-4oz bank or pencil weight.
Tie a 24-48in leader to the third eye and finish with the hook, bait, or drift lure.
Drift with the current, lifting the rod just enough to keep the weight ticking bottom.

When and where it works best

Rivers and tidal channels with steady current, and boat drifts over snaggy bottom.

How it differs from similar rigs

The pyramid sinker surf rig uses the same swivel with a short leader and a heavy gripping weight to stay put; the three-way rig uses a long leader and light weight to drift.

Is the Three-Way Rig good for beginners?

Yes. It is rated beginner: quick to tie and forgiving to fish. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the River & Inshore Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Three-Way Rig good for?

Striped Bass Chum Salmon Pink Salmon Flathead Catfish Freshwater Drum

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Three-Way Rig?

A 12-20 lb monofilament or 20-30 lb braid main line, a 12-20 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader (24-48in from the three-way swivel to the hook or lure), a #2 - 3/0 octopus or circle hook, or a drift lure or spoon hook, and a Bank, pencil, or bell sinker, 1-4oz, matched to current. Full gear list is above.

What is a Three-Way Rig best for?

The Three-Way Rig works best for river, boat, kayak, lake fishing, and is a recommended setup for Striped Bass, Chum Salmon, Pink Salmon, Flathead Catfish. Difficulty: beginner.

Is the Three-Way Rig hard to tie?

It is rated beginner. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.