Fishfinder Rig

This is the first in a short series concerning Fishing Rigs. The first rig I would like to talk about is the Fishfinder Rig. This is one of the most versatile rigs. This rig consists of a sinker, a section of leader material, a swivel and a hook. There are many ways to design this rig, but I will explain the types I use most often with great success.

1) Single Snap Swivel Fishfinder Rig - To create this rig, place an egg sinker on your main line and ensure that the sinker moves freely up and down the line. The sinker should be between 1oz and 3oz depending on the size of your tackle, the speed of the current and the speed at which you want your bait to travel. Next, attach a snap swivel to the end of your main line using a Palomar or equally strong knot. Make sure your snap swivel strength is matched to your line strength. Use the smallest snap swivel possible and remember, if you are in an area where there are Spanish Mackeral, do not use a silver or gold snap swivel. As a general rule of thumb, always use black swivels. Now you're ready to attach your leader. Attach about 1 to 2 feet of Fluorocarbon leader that has the same strength rating as your main line or slightly above. You can attach the leader to the snap swivel by making a loop in one end using a drop-loop style knot. Finally, attach a 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook to the other end of the leader using another Palomar knot. This rig is ideal for all types of fish. It will move with the current, simulating live bait.

2) Double Snap Swivel Fishfinder Rig - For those of you who use spin casting or side casting reels and hate line twist, this is the ideal rig. The main difference in this rig is that the egg sinker is not placed on the main line. Instead, attach your snap swivel to the main line. Then, attach a 1 foot length of Monofilament leader material to the snap swivel using a drop loop knot. Now place your egg sinker on this piece of leader so it moves freely the whole length of the leader. Next, attach a second snap swivel to the end of this leader using a Palomar knot. Next you can attach your Fluorocarbon leader with hook to this snap swivel in the same manner as in the Single Snap Swivel Fishfinder Rig. By having a swivel before and after your sinker, you will eliminate better than 90% of your line twist.

3) Barrel Swivel Fishfinder Rig - This rig is the same as the Single Snap Swivel Rig except you attach a barrel swivel to the main line instead of a snap swivel after you place your egg sinker on the main line. To attach your hook leader, the best way I've found is to create the drop loop at one end, then push the loop through the end of the barrel opposite the main line. Now you can take the hook end of the leader and push it through the loop. Pull the leader tight and your finished. You will lose the ability to quickly change hook rigs, but barrel swivels are stronger than snap swivels, so you can use a smaller swivel in case the fish are nervous and may not be biting due to your terminal tackle.

Happy fishing! Next time, I will talk about multiple hook rigs.