Tackle Frenzy - Choosing Rigs

As with everything else in fishing there are a plethora of rigs to choose from. I can think of the names of 10 types of rigs without trying, many of which are very similar. There is a lot to do with the type of fish that you are targeting as well as your competency as an angler. There is no point in trying to cast with a 3 hook Paternoster if you are new to sea fishing as you will get tangled.

For the weekend angler I would recommend the 2 hook clip down rig for beach casting and a one up one down rig for pier fishing and a running ledger in a strong tide off the boat though there are many rigs to choose from. I personally like to fish with two hooks, 1 up and 1 down to try and catch what is around. The lower of the two snoods will offer bait to bottom feeding fish whilst the top snood will attract higher feeding fish. The distance between the two is up to you but the bigger the better as the top snood should be as high as casting or rod will allow.

Ready made or make your own?

This really is down to time. If this is limited then purchase ready made rigs but if time allows buy the terminal tackle and have a go. I like to make my own variations of rigs to suit conditions and if you do then buy at least 1 rig wallet. The only thing you need to master for rigs is knots. Master these and the rigs are yours. Another benefit of tying your own rigs is that you can vary the size of hooks. In the winter I use a size 4 Baitholder hook on the bottom snood for Flounder (though they are not here yet in any numbers) and a size 1/0 Aberdeen hook on the top snood (looking for the Bass that are still around).

Quick Tips

Always attach rigs to main line with a swivel link on the main line and swivel on the rig line to enable a quick change if necessary
Do not be tempted to use inferior line on snoods as these are the lines attaching the fish to you
Try not to use heavy lines on the snoods as the fish may feel them and the bait will not look like it is floating
Use a decent size swivel link at the bottom of the rig line to attach the weight
I windy conditions or when having to use heavy weights use Avis booms instead of swivels to attach the snoods

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