I usually use a 3-way swivle. I leave about 8-12" leader between the hook to the swivle and the same distance between the sinker and the swivle. I usually either use liver or shrimp, just toss it out and grab a stick where you can peg it to the ground and rest the rod on it. Some guys like to use a bell I usually just tie a small ribbon or something bright to the end of your rod so you can see the strikes.