>>2206641Rigs! First, let's talk knots. You're going to need to learn a few
>uni knotWorks for everything, not always the strongest
>dropper loopEssential for dropper rigs like the one used in
>>2206834>haywire twistUsing single strand wire? Then you're also using a haywire twist
>double surgeons loopFast, easy, strong loop knot, I usually use it for weights on dropper rigs
>fg knotBraid to mono
So before you can tie your rig you need your shock leader. My general rule of thumb is start with 20 then every ounce add 10 pounds of line (1 ounce, 20 pound, 2 ounce 30 pound, 3 ounce 40 pound, so on)
The shockleader should be two to three rod lengths, and its job is to absorb the shock of casting. Its no fun to bomb a 200 foot cast if the line breaks while you're doing it. For braid to mono, and fg knot requires practice but is strongest and smoothest. I've had them slip and re grab and land me my fish even though my knot failed
The next easiest rig Is a fish finder or Carolina rig. Slide your weight on to your shock leader, followed by a bead and a barrel swivel. Affix a 6-12 inch leader to this and an appropriate hook. The leader can be monofilament, wire, fluorocarbon, dacron, or braid . This rig can be upsized or downsized to any end of the spectrum. Bait with just about anything from live or dead fish, shrimp, squid, crabs, sand fleas, worms, or anything else the fish are eating.
>dropper rigThis is a little trickier. It starts with tying a large double surgeons loop at the end of your line. 12 inches up from that, the first loop, and then second, third, or even fourth loops can be added from there out. Use smelled hooks and loop to loop connections and bait similarly to the Carolina rig. Run the loop at the bottom through the eye of the sinker, then loop it around to change weights. Bait with whatever the fish are eating, change hook size as needed.
