You don't need much more than a strong circle hook, four feet of abrasive-resistant leader material and an egg sinker. Generally, groupers aren't as leader-shy as snappers, plus they're more likely to dive directly into structure and part the leader. Welcome to normal! Using cut bait is one of the best strategies to catch big fish, especially bull redfish and big black drum. Knocker Rig : This is a popular rig for smaller snappers such as gray, red and yellowtail. Then you've got to see this rig! Want access to our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store? I started using lighter leader than main line when I pulled in a fish last year that had something like 20 ft of old fishing line coming out of its mouth. Depending on your target species, the three-way swivel should be a minimum of 130-pound test. Catching big bottom fish is an art as much as it is a science. When the rig is cast out, the egg sinker will slide toward the swivel, putting a little distance between it and the hook. This is rig is effective for grouper fishing, but is ideal for … And if you know someone who needs to see this rig, please TAG or SHARE this with them! Hey Ron! One guy that I talked to said he does us circle hooks on his bottom rig for Drum. But to do that effectively, you need to have your cut bait rigged properly. I also like the fact that it restricts the movement of the sinker a bit. As for swivels, I use a barrel design that's rated for a minimum of 130-pound test or, more commonly, No. Step 3: Slide an egg sinker onto your leader. Quick View . Should all of these elements fall into place, you'll find yourself muscling big fish out of the depths and into your cooler. Check out this article to learn how to save money on Gulp! That would be a standard knocker rig. Sign up for FREE to receive the latest saltwater fishing videos, tutorials, product reviews, and fishing product discounts! Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join: Save 30% And Put An End To Your Monthly Charges. Do you like saving money? However, I noticed several anglers in the tournament were using standard 2 hook bottom rigs and very few had even tied shock leaders. Fishing The Knocker Rig Can Trigger Bites. I use the same rig for large tarpon and the knot works fine and you do not have the issue of the wait being caught on the leader on a break off. It’s sort of like a mix between a knocker rig and a fish finder rig, but with a twist. It let's you cast far, stops line tangles, and catches tons of... See Full post. This is a good rig to use with weights heavier than 16 ounces and for fishing over heavy structure. The weight is added to the main line, followed by a small bead, before being tied to one end of the barrel swivel. He loves to talk tackle and help folks learn to fish for the first time or for a new species. Therefore, in murky water, where leader visibility isn't a concern, fluorocarbon still offers an advantage that justifies its expense. Consistent success demands precise anchoring or drifting tactics, specialized rigs, a strong back and plenty of elbow grease, not to mention a little bit of luck. 99. Fluorocarbon is also much stiffer and more abrasion resistant than nylon mono of the same breaking strength. Over the years I have caught several large grouper with old hooks and leaders dangling from their mouths. The size of the hook depends on how big of bait you’re using. Step 1: Attach a swivel to your mainline with a palomar knot. For many fishermen, the main selling point of fluorocarbon is that the material is simply less visible than traditional nylon monofilament. I've used knocker rigs for wreck fishing for seabass. The main line is tied to one eye of the swivel and a long leader is tied to a second eye. Tony, why not just tie a leader line to your braid, then just slide the sinker on and tie the hook? I have never heard of anyone else employing this “backwards” strategy… so I’m glad to hear Tony recommending it, especially for a rig that could potentially leave a heavy sinker hooked to a fish that has broken off. Quick View. Are there lots... See Full post. It is a way for man to outsmart nature. A hi low rig will just kinda roll down the tidal creek in situations like that. Curious, why use a swivel instead of a tying the leader to the mainline? I always inspect the egg sinkers and file down any bumps or sharp points on them that may be near the openings. With this rig, the fishing line is tied to a barrel swivel. What’s normal is sculpin and bass and mix in a trigger fish. "The concept of the knocker rig is sort of like dropping into a forest of snagging trees," says Smith. When using heavy tackle, avoid swivels and hooks that aren't strong enough for the task. The compact, weedless setup allows anglers to slowly work their baits through the cover or even deadstick it to coax lethargic bass into biting. My cousin just showed it to me. The problem with the fish finder rigs and even the three way rigs you get at bait shops is the design. It depends on the conditions you're fishing. Then I tie on six feet of 40- or 50-pound fluorocarbon and a 5/0 to 8/0 circle hook, based on the bait I'm using and size of the fish. products and some Gulp! I use the same setup but tie my leader to my line with a secure double uni knot? Also, less leader is needed and much quicker to tie on a new piece to the swivel if it becomes damaged. Amazon's Choice for fish finder rig. If drifting your bait into the strike zone is your strategy, you might want to choose another rig. However, the short leader provides hardly any slack for a fish to dive back into the structure before or at the moment the hook is set. I’ve never used beads and haven’t had any issues with the knots getting damaged. Fish Finder Rig vs. Knocker Rig: Pros, Cons, & When To Use Each Rig. products? The difference with a fish finder rig is typically the weight is at the end of the line, with hooks attached up the line to put them at different depths. Amazon's Choice for fish finder rigs. Thanks and Best Regards Russ. FREE Shipping. $15.99 $ 15. Watch this video for a quick tip to keep that from happening. This tool works excellently for both treble and single hooks and pays for itself in no time with reclaimed baits. FREE Shipping. I tie a Surgeon’s Loop on the leader so that I can easily clip/unclip it when switching rigs, especially when I’m kayak fishing at night, and I don’t want to turn on my headlamp. If you're hunting monsters, make sure your entire terminal system can handle the strain. In my case it's 20-pound test. Regarding the member issue it still will not let me access the member articles when I am listed as a member. This seems perfectly viable for fishing heavy catfish cover as it is for fishing a offshore wreck. When a fish bites the hook and bites off the hook ( swims off with the hook in its mouth) how long does it take for the hook to dissolve in the fishes mouth? The Fish Finder Rig and all the other beach fishing tackle you need can be found in our Surf Fishing Kit. Another advantage of it being compact is that there’s less of a chance of your line getting tangled when you cast it out, drop it down, or when it’s sitting on the bottom. NO. This rig features a leader up to 25 feet long, although 15 feet is more common. I've seen leaders with broken barrel swivels, leaders that have frayed apart, and small hooks and light leaders that simply had no chance of beating a big bottom fish. I like to use barrel swivels that far exceed the strength of my terminal system, for two main reasons: I don't want a failure, and I want a swivel that can't jam inside my in-line egg sinker. This can be great for docks since it keeps the bait in a confined area. Not a line to line knot. In theory, it minimizes the amount of weight/resistance that the fish will feel when taking the bait. Tony, can you clarify how you think this is advantageous over a standard knocker rig with a line to line knot? For snapper, I use 50-pound fluorocarbon and a 8/0 super-strong hook. It's also productive when fishing the bottom well upcurrent of a wreck or reef. Best Cut Bait Rig (Cross Between A Knocker Rig & Fish Finder Rig) Want to know the best way to rig cut bait? They’re really similar and people often use them interchangeably, but that’s a big mistake. Using a fish finder rig, I have had fish take off with my bait without me even knowing it and end up hooking them deep in the throat. Keep in mind that I am often fishing with 50- and 80-pound tackle with nearly locked-down drags, so the hook has to be very strong. That would eliminate having to use a lighter leader to prevent the fish swimming around with the hook and sinker. Check out the video below to see why I like it, what some potential downfalls of using it are, and how to tie it. $15.99 $ 15. Create memories that matter through fishing, Email: fish@saltstrong.comToll-free: (855)888-6494130 W. Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880. Thanks. A Carolina rig, by comparison, usually has the weight to hold the bait in a certain area and if a fish comes along and takes it the line is able to go through the weight. Enjoy! Fish Finder Rig vs. Knocker Rig: Pros, Cons, & When To Use Each Rig What is your preferred pound-test braided line and fluorocarbon leader for various species? However, when it comes to fishing, there are several components that go into helping a person to snag decent sized fish. Similar to the knocker rig – this setup keeps the weight a few feet from the hook at all times. This rig works with egg sinkers up to 16 ounces. This rig boasts many of the same advantages as the in-line version when using a long leader, plus the heavy sinker won't chafe the fishing line. Thank you for the awesome feedback Andy! It’s not normal to be catching bluefin tuna and paddy yellows in the winter. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Fish Finder Rigs (5 Pack) 7/0 Offset Circle, 24” Leader, Surf Fishing, Stripers, Drum, Cobia, Catfish, etc. That can be tough to determine because it will depend on the size of the hook and the material it is made out of. With this rig, the fishing line is tied to a barrel swivel. Jo: Flounder don’t usually eat cut bait in my experience, so this rig doesn’t really apply. Copyright © GP Productions, Inc. 2007-2021. The sinker stays in place, and the fish can't tell the difference between the sinker and a rock. It helps with line twist and also helps keep everything more compact for casting. Have you lost a few to them melting? Top 3 Artificial Lure Mistakes That Cause Anglers To Get Skunked. Should a suspicious fish peck at the bait, the play in the long leader usually prevents it from detecting any resistance. Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club. Check out the Owen Lupton rig. If you’re going after big fish, this means you’ll likely need to up your mainline. A traditional knocker rig doesn’t have a swivel attaching the leader to the mainline. For groupers and amberjack, I'll use a large, double-strength, short-shank hook in a size ranging from 8/0 to 11/0, one with a relatively wide gap if I'm dropping big live baits. Determining when to use a Carolina rig or a Texas rig often comes down to a matter of speed. Just make sure that the rod is loaded up as you swing it back and then lob it into the strike zone. Again, with 30- to 50-pound-class tackle, you don't want to risk straightening the hook. 99. 9 comments. but it is worth a try. 4.6 out of 5 stars 3. Posted on Feb 9, 2018 at 11:59 AM. storage tips. Fishing Rigs Turbo Hammer $ 8.99. Furthermore, should the rig snag on the bottom, it can usually be freed by locking down the drag and winding tight until the lighter line holding the sinker parts. Fishing is more than just a leisurely past time. Larger (thicker) hooks will take longer and also avoid using stainless steel hooks. Why use a swivel on the red fish cut bait rig. "The sinker and bait stay together as the rig enters into a heavy-growth reef, so it won't start off tangled. Thank you for the great feedback Russell! Step 2: Attach your leader to the swivel with a trilene knot. The Fish Finder Rig. Updated on Updated on Feb 19, 2019 at 9:28 AM. For big grouper or amberjack, go with a minimum of 80-pound fluorocarbon, and as heavy as 100-pound test (for goliath grouper, use 180- to 220-pound test). 10 Comments. The basic Texas rig with its weight nudging up against the soft plastic lure is most effective when presented to a specific target such as shallow vegetation, flooded bushes and other types of cover. Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land). Fish Finder Rig Tips Unless you just have straight mono as your mainline and an egg sinker and hook attached, you would have to attach a long section of leader to your braid to keep the sinker from catching on your line to leader knot and causing damage to the knot itself. P.S. How To Save 25% On Gulp Shrimp [Bucket vs. Packets], 130 W. Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL, 33880. 4.6 out of 5 stars 3. It allows you to cover water; It allows roaming fish to find your bait in the water; Fish Finder Rig Disadvantages. This is a popular rig for smaller snappers such as gray, red and yellowtail. Each rig has it’s pros and cons which should be taken into consideration when deciding which one to use. The advantage of having the swivel is because cut bait tends to spin in current (and also when casting) so you can help avoid line twist. Not gonna lie…it’s been a slow week. The long leader allows a live bait to swim relatively unrestricted, or a dead one to float more naturally in the current. This is a rig that requires quick reaction on the part of the angler. In this video I give a simple and effective bottom fishing rig called the knocker rig. Each knot if not tied well is a chance to break when you hook up on a fish. Check out the video below to see why I like it, what some potential downfalls of using it are, and how to tie it. The knocker rig is a good choice when fishing directly on top of reefs and close to wrecks, where the odds are high of a fish diving into the structure. Thanks for explaining it a bit more. 30 comments. Fish Finder -vs- Bottom Rig 10-26-2009, 10:50 PM. Heavier is definitely better with grouper! Fishing Rigs Stinger Rig – 2 Jay Hooks (3 pack) $ 8.99 – $ 13.99. Do you use Gulp! The size of the sinker will depend on water depth and current. Related products . The weight, usually a bank sinker, is connected to the third eye of the swivel via several inches of lighter line. Leader strength, swivel and hook size can be adjusted to match the size of the fish you're pursuing, as well as the tackle you're using. This is the same rig I’ve been using successfully with cut bait, but I use a bead, rubber stop, and swivel clip on the end of the main line (braid). Ed is a passionate fishing educator and owner of Tailored Tackle. The Carolina rig will get pulled by the current, but it will stop at the length of line you allow out and sit pretty uniform. This is a bit different since it has a swivel. When to Use a Carolina Rig vs. a Texas Rig. Will definitely have to check it out, thanks! However 1 other downfall beside what you mention is the sinker can spook weary fish. Quick View. Next, an egg sinker is added to the leader, followed by the hook. Quick View. The sinker will knock against the hook, potentially knocking it loose. I also use the smallest, strongest hooks that will get the job done, especially when fishing for snapper. About Ed Hitchcock. For many people, fishing is a competition that they want to win. Fluorocarbon provides a major advantage. Fish Finder Rig vs. Knocker Rig: Pros, Cons, & When To Use Each Rig The point of a knocker rig is to give the fish as little room as possible to move once it takes the bait. Same thing catching half-day yellows. It is an ideal rig to use when fish, primarily snapper, are reluctant to strike. The swivel also helps with line twist since cut bait loves to spin in current and even when casting. Positives 1. The biggest issue is that the length of line from the leader to the weight is often way too short, which puts the bait very close to or on the bottom. Step 4: Tie a circle hook to your leader using a trilene knot. Best Cut Bait Rig [VIDEO] Sign up for FREE to receive the latest saltwater fishing videos, tutorials, product reviews, and fishing product discounts! I double my main line with a Bimini twist, then tie the double line to a No. How is this different from a knocker rig? The other issue is the leader length is also very short, usually just a matter of inches, which can be a challenge. Suspend Fishing: While the knocker rig is mostly thought of as a bottom fishing rig in the saltwater world, it's application as a suspend fishing rig for catfish was the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw it.As I have mentioned in previous posts and videos, the wind can be a real nuisance when fishing from a kayak. RETURN TO HOW TO'S MAIN PAGE - CLICK HERE. I’d recommend slowly jigging a Gulp lure. Quick View. Multi… And finally, since the egg sinker can reach your hook, if you get snagged just let some slack in your line and then pull it tight. Do I need to use a leader-line with lures? With this rig do u have to protect the knot on either side or can u put a plastic bead on both end or on one side ? I usually fish knocker rigs on a 20-pound spinning outfit for mangrove (gray) snapper. The Florida Rig – AKA The In-Line Rig or The Fish Finder Rig. No rigs are perfect and the biggest potential downfall of this rig is that if you get broken off by a fish above the swivel, then the fish essentially has an anchor attached to it with the hook, leader, weight and swivel. Do you need to cast far? Fishing Rigs Popping Corks (3 Pack) $ 11.99. As simple as they might appear, bottom rigs have a major influence on success, or lack thereof. Also, much better for casting. Most anglers today refer to the traditional fish finder rig as the Carolina rig. By Joe Sarmiento. Knocker Rig Weight: 1.5 oz, 3 oz. Also, this rig isn’t meant for drifting, it’s meant for casting into the strike zone and letting your bait soak on the bottom. I have always used a fish finder set up when fishing for Drum or Striper at Hatteras. Do you use Z-Man lures? This is my go-to rig when I’m using cut bait for big black drum and bull redfish because it lets me cast far and decreases the chance my line will get tangled. As I mentioned in the video,I prefer this setup to keep everything compact. A lot of thought and fine-tuning should go into making these rigs, based on the fish you're pursuing, how finicky they are, and the type the structure you're fishing. 6, 80-pound-test SPRO Power Swivel. Fishing Rigs Pompano Rig Triple Hook (2 pack) $ 5.99. It’s sort of like a mix between a knocker rig and a fish finder rig, but with a twist. It puts three knots between your hook and your mainline. From someone who knows little and just learned palomar. Although there are numerous variations when it comes to bottom rigs, outlined on the following pages are three highly effective versions that will fool more big snappers, groupers, amberjack and cobia around reefs, wrecks and other structure. You can cast it out near structure or deeper water, let it sit on the bottom, and let the scent attract the fish to it. In this video, I’m going to show you my favorite rig for cut bait. What's the rule of thumb for when to replace braided line? Tony you always have interesting and clearly understood information to present thanks, BTW I have used a Carolina rig for under docks and places where I know there are reds, I will try this new rig. The palomar knot is for connecting terminal tackle to your leader or mainline. If the swivel eye will fit inside the egg sinker, I separate the two with a smaller egg sinker, which acts as a spacer. Podcast. FEATURED PRODUCT: Jewel Baits Hound Dog Lure Retriever; Fishing Tips How to … Stealth and strength remain the key elements. From there, a leader measuring less than ten feet (five feet is most common) is tied to the swivel's opposite eye. The knocker rig is a good choice when fishing directly on top of reefs and close to wrecks, where the odds are high of a fish diving into the structure. Cool. Click here to join us in the Insider Club! Patriotic Angler: Braided Fishing Line 101. Fish finder rigs and knocker rigs are some of the most popular bottom fishing rigs. Fish Finder Rig Advantages. I think the rig is good for what you mention casting to a specific location. Is the swivel there to prevent line twisting? Ask a Captain. 4 SPRO Power Swivels rated for 230-pound test. Why can’t you use palomar to fix weight to proximal end of leader and skip swivel? This allows the main line to pass through the egg sinker, so the fish can run once hooked. Great info as well! The Knocker Rig is probably the easiest bottomfishing rig to set up, and it's very effective when fishing around structure. Fishing Rigs Lip Candy Jigs (3 Pack White) $ 7.50 – $ 11.00. Sign me up! Again, when targeting snappers, such as muttons and reds, go with 50-pound fluorocarbon. Down here in the South, I use the Carolina (fish finder rig) in heavier currents, especially during super heavy tides in an inshore scenario where the currents are ripping. Want to know when you should use a fish finder rig vs a knocker rig? Prevents bull reds from being gut hooked. I use braided line. To stop this from happening, I highly recommend going lighter on your leader than your mainline so that one of your leader knots will break before your mainline knot and the fish won’t get stuck dragging the egg sinker around. With … As the in-line egg sinker rests on bottom, the bait flutters enticingly above it some 15 to 25 feet back. Since the weight can slide all the way up to the hook, you can cast it farther than if the weight was on the other side of the swivel. YES! In December of 2014, these two brothers shocked their clients, friends, and family by quitting their 6-figure jobs to start their dream focused on helping saltwater anglers: 2. Fish Finder Rigs (5 Pack) 7/0 Offset Circle, 24” Leader, Surf Fishing, Stripers, Drum, Cobia, Catfish, etc. I can't comment on the effectiveness on catfish but I could see where it could work in principle. Knocker Rig or Fish Finder.....which works better for you ? Pro bass angler Dylan Hays shares his favorite "lure knocker" tool for reclaiming a good percentage of baits hung in wood (brush piles, laydowns & standing timber), rocks, and other bottom debris. Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip, Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area, Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else. I also like to use a heavy jig head around structure like that as well with cut bait. Posted by Lark Begin on April 09, 2018.