Fishing is an art, fishing is also a science. Every angle knows that success often depends on technique, patience, and a bit of experimentation. One of the most effective and versatile methods for targeting fish is using a 3-way rig with two jigheads. This setup allows you to present multiple baits at different depths, increasing your chances of attracting strikes.

What is a 3-Way Rig?

A 3-way rig (sometimes called a double rig) is a versatile fishing setup used for presenting bait at different depths. The core of the rig is the 3-way swivel, which has three connection points:

1. Mainline – tied to your rod and reel.
   

2. Dropper line – typically tied to a sinker or jighead to keep the rig down.
   

3. Leader line – attached to another hook, lure, or jighead.
   

By using this rig, anglers can fish multiple presentations at once, covering different parts of the water column.

When you add two jigheads to the mix, you essentially double your chances of getting bit. One jig might sit closer to the bottom, while the other hovers slightly above, mimicking natural baitfish movement.

Why Fish 2 Jigheads Instead of One?

The main reason is effectiveness. Fish don’t always feed in the same spot, and water conditions can change quickly. By fishing two jigheads, you:

• Target multiple depths: One jig can bounce along the bottom while the other hovers slightly above bottom.
  

• Create a natural school effect: Two jigs mimic a pair of baitfish, triggering competitive strikes.
  

• Experiment with colors and sizes: Fish can be picky. Using two different jig colors, sizes, or artificial bait styles helps determine what they want that day.
  

• Increase catch rates: More presentations mean more opportunities for bites.
  

Think of it as running a buffet line instead of a single entrée—you give fish options, and they’re more likely to take the bait.

How to Set Up a 3-Way Rig with Two Jigheads

Setting up this rig is easier than it looks. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

What You’ll Need:

• A 3-way swivel
  

• Fishing line (mainline and leader material, typically fluorocarbon or monofilament)
  

• Two jigheads (sizes depend on target species and depth, usually 1/16 to 1/8oz for panfish, or heavier for larger fish)
  

• Optional: soft plastic baits, Bucktails, and-or live bait for the jigs
  

Step-by-Step Setup:

1. Tie your mainline to one eye of the 3-way swivel.
   

2. Add the bottom jighead:
   

• Cut a 12–18-inch dropper line.
  

• Tie one end to the second eye of the swivel and the other end to your first jighead.
  

• This jig will bounce near the bottom.

• This jig will be heavier than the upper jighead
  

3. Add the upper jighead:
   

• Cut a 24–36-inch leader line.
  

• Tie one end to the third eye of the swivel and the other end to your second jighead.
  

• This jig will float above the bottom presentation.
  

• This is often lighter or perhaps even a weighted hover hook.
  

4. Add bait: Thread on soft plastics (like curly tail grubs or paddle tails) or tip with live bait (minnows, worms, or leeches).
   

5. Test the rig: Drop it into the water near the boat or bank to ensure both jigs present naturally.
   

This setup gives you two working baits—one actively bouncing on the bottom and the other swimming slightly higher.

Tips for Fishing 2 Jigheads on a 3-Way Rig

Using the rig is simple, but a few tricks will help you maximize results.

1. Adjust Jig Weight to Conditions

If you’re fishing in heavy current or deeper water, heavier jigs (1/4 oz or more) are needed to keep your rig down. In calm or shallow water, lighter jigs create a more natural action.

2. Mix Colors and Sizes

Try pairing a natural-colored jig (like white or silver) with a brighter option (chartreuse or pink). Sometimes fish prefer subtle presentations, and other times they strike bold colors.

3. Use Live and Artificial Baits Together

Tip one jig with a live minnow for scent and movement, while the other jig carries a soft plastic for flash. This gives fish variety and appeals to different feeding instincts.

4. Slow Down Your Presentation

Patience pays off. Let the bottom jighead bounce lightly while the upper jig sways. Slow trolling or drifting often works best with this rig.

5. Match the Hatch

Pay attention to what fish are feeding on. If shad are small, use smaller jigheads. If baitfish are larger, scale up your presentation.

Best Situations to Use a Double Jig 3-Way Rig

• River fishing: Perfect for holding bait near the bottom in moving water.
  
  

• Lake fishing: Great for drifting across flats where fish suspend at different depths.
  
  

• Cold water: When fish are sluggish, this slower, multi-bait approach often outperforms single lures.
  

• Multi-species trips: Crappie, walleye, bass, and even catfish can be caught with this rig.
  

• Saltwater Multi-species trips: Redfish, flounder, speckled sea trout, snook, snapper, cobia, and even grouper can be caught with this rig.
  

In short, if you’re fishing water where depth and feeding zones vary, the 3-way rig with two jigheads is a smart choice.

Conclusion

Fishing with two jigheads on a 3-way rig is one of the smartest ways to increase your chances of success on the water. By offering multiple baits at different depths, you’re effectively doubling your presentation and often, your catch.

Whether you’re targeting crappie on a calm lake, drifting for walleye in a river, working jetties for flounder, or testing different lure colors, this rig gives you flexibility and efficiency. It’s simple to set up, versatile in application, and deadly effective for a wide range of species.

Next time you head out, try the “Double Trouble” method; you might just reel in twice the action.

FAQs

1. What size jigheads should I use for a 3-way rig?

It depends on your target species and conditions. For crappie or panfish, use lighter jigheads (1/16 to 1/8 oz). For walleye or bass, 1/4 oz or heavier may be necessary, especially in current.

2. Can I use live bait on both jigheads?

Yes, you can. Many anglers tip both jigs with minnows or worms. However, mixing live bait on one jig and a soft plastic on the other often produces more strikes.

3. Do I always need a 3-way swivel for this rig?

While a 3-way swivel makes setup easier, you can also tie a dropper loop in your mainline to create a similar effect. The swivel, however, reduces line twist.

4. Is this rig good for trolling?

Absolutely. Slow trolling with this setup is highly effective, especially for walleye or flounder.  Just make sure your jig weights are balanced so the rig runs smoothly.

5. What’s the biggest advantage of fishing two jigheads?

Variety. You can fish two depths, two colors, or two bait styles at the same time, helping you figure out what fish prefer without constantly retying.