Tackle Tactics » Rigging-Guides » Knots-Rigging » Gary-Browns-Freshwater-Bait-Fishing-Rigs » Mudeye Rigs

Mudeye Rigs

Mudeyes are found in the still waters of ponds, dams and lakes and are best fished when live. They are a part of the diet of trout and Atlantic salmon.

In the three rigs shown you will see that the hook is placed so that the mudeye remains alive. In saying this, the mudeye can also be extremely effective when rigged behind a set of cowbells or Ford fenders on a lead line or down rigger.

Mudeyes are also extremely effective when rigged below a float and allowed to drift down a stream or river. If using in a lake or dam, leave a bit of slack line to allow the trout or Atlantic salmon to swim off with the bait.

Mudeyes can be caught using a small, mesh net pushed or dragged through the weeds or along the bottom, however I find that it’s much easier to go and buy them from your local tackle shop.

You could also try using the mudeye on the following rigs, including the paternoster, running ball sinker down onto the hook, running sinker down onto a swivel and a leader of about a metre, small spit shot or just unweighted. You can check these rigs out in Gary Brown’s essential Saltwater bait rigs.

https://tackletactics.com.au/Rigging-Guides/Knots-Rigging/Gary-Browns-Essential-Bait-Fishing-Rigs

Technique 1

If you have a downrigger, you could try pinning the hook into the neck of the mudeye and then setting it at the depth where the fish are feeding. Make sure you are only trolling very slow, so that you don’t dislodge the mudeye from the hook. Try adding a bit of Pro-Cure Garlic Plus Super Gel Scent to the mudeye, if you don’t get the desired results.

Technique 2

When storing your mudeyes, use a small six pack esky and keep them in a dark and cool place. Inside the polystyrene esky place a layer of damp cloth on the bottom, put in about 20 mudeyes, cover again and repeat the process, otherwise they could develop into dragonflies.

Technique 3

If you don’t have a downrigger, you could always try using a larger bean or barrel sinker above the swivel and a leader of no longer than the length of your rod. This is then lowered to the bottom and the motor is put into gear. Once the sinker comes off the bottom and starts to rise, you will need to put the motor out of gear to allow the bait to slowly sink again. Repeat this process, while keeping an eye on the rod tip.

Technique 4

Suspend the mudeye under a small float. This can be cast out from the shore and allowed to drift about or drifted down a stream to keep the bait just off the bottom.

If you are after a new rod and reel combo to try these techniques, check out www.tackletactics.com.au.

Suggested Combos

Rods

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods - BN-S-702NT, X-Light, 7'0", 2-4kg, Nibble Tip for the boat.

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods - BN-S-802NT, Light, 8'0", 2-4kg, Nibble Tip for the boat with an extra-long leader.

Reels

Okuma JAW Spin Reels - JAW-30 for the boat.

Okuma Epixor XT Spin Reels - EPXT-20, 30 and 40 would be ideal for fishing from the shore or out of a boat.

Line

Platypus Pulse Mono Premium Nylon Monofilament – 4, 8 and 10lb.

Platypus Pulse X4 Braid – 4, 8 and 10lb.

Leader:

Platypus Stealth FC Fluorocarbon Leader.

Gary Brown - Mudeye Rigs for Fishing Freshwater | Download