To the other eye of that swivel goes the leader, which should test slightly less than the main line -- 8-pound is most common. Leaders should be 3 to 5 feet long and finished off with a No. 2 to 4 sharp octopus-style hook tied on with an egg loop.

To give your bait buoyancy and a splash of color, add a Fish Pill puffball to the bend of the hook, or run a Corkie down the leader until it rests on top of the hook eye.

For this style of fishing, the best sinkers are slinkies or hollow-core pencil lead and should be attached to the snap swivel.

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES
Though the winter, you're bound to encounter all sorts of different fishing situations along the Mad. The most successful anglers are those who understand how to adapt their tactics to match the water conditions.

What works during periods of high water isn't necessarily the best choice when the river's low and clear -- and vice versa.

Early in the season and also during extended periods of clear weather, the Mad will run extremely low and clear. Then, typically, the nights are frosty, and river temperatures will plummet. As the water drops into the low 40s and high 30s, the steelhead will grow extremely lethargic and gravitate to the slowest, deepest water they can find.

Under these circumstances, you need to fish with larger, brighter baits and lures that will wake the fish up. You also have to work your gear as slowly as possible. To give the water a chance to warm up, start fishing a little later in the day.

If the water is low and clear, but the temperatures are still in the high 40s or above, the fish will hold in the fast water at the heads of runs, especially where it has a broken or choppy surface. With their metabolism raised, these steelies will be much more skittish than their cold-water brethren. The best way to dupe one is to scale down your lures and baits. Switch from bright oranges to light pink and peach colors. Run longer, lighter leaders.

Low water is actually the best condition for fly-fishers who want a chance at a steelie. Some do well swinging Black Leeches on shooting heads. But on the Mad, the most productive way to hook a steelie with fly gear is to run a nymph and indicator rig on a dry line.

Copper Johns, stones, Ugly Bugs and Otis Bugs are all good winter choices, while egg patterns like Glo Bugs are also very effective.

Pick your favorite method and get busy -- this is prime time and it can be crazy good!