The Drop Rig

Started by Pferox, December 02, 2014, 10:03:06 AM

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Pferox

I do a lot of bottom fishing around here, and use variants of two basic rigs.  The fish finder rig (which is called by many names), which is basically a carolina rig, and the Drop Rig.

The double drop and single drop rig is very popular, you can pick up a ready made rig for a couple of bucks just about anywhere, they are made of either heavy mono or wire, depending on what you are targeting. 

This one, is a cheap and easy alternative to store bought ones, I have a few places I fish that are quite snaggy and use these since the amount of tackle actually lost is minimal.  The positives of this particular rig is that it can be tied directly on the main line, and is quite sensitive, or you can tie it in a heavier lb test and attach it via a swivel.  The only drawback I run into with this particular one is when the surf is extremely rough, then it will tend to tangle a lot.  When that happens I go to my heavy crimped up rigs.




"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito" - African Proverb.  Jim

Pferox

Here are a couple links on how to actually tie the dropper loop knot.





The second variant is kind of involved, but works well especially when running into toothy critters.

"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito" - African Proverb.  Jim

Pferox

There are a lot of ways to attach the hook to the dropper loops, but I usually only use two depending on the size of the hook eye.

If the eye is large enough I just thread the loop through the eye then the back of the hook through the new loop that is made and tighten it down.  Some people call this a loop snell.  Make sure that you thread the loop through the eye on the side that the hook point is, it will help with setting the hook.



When the eye is too small, then I simply cut the loop at the TOP of the knot and snell the hook on.



"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito" - African Proverb.  Jim

Pferox

All that is left is to tie your favorite loop knot at the bottom for the weight, and if you have an open top end, a loop there for a swivel, or attachment to the main line.



The loop on the bottom makes it easier to change weights if needed.
"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito" - African Proverb.  Jim

Pferox

Some tips about Dropper rigs:

Try to keep the leader length just a tad bit less than half the distance between knots, this helps cut down on tangling in "swirly" currents like that found in the surf.

Spacing a couple of overhand knots on the dropper loop helps to stiffen it giving it a better stand off from the main line

Tying very small dropper loops and then attaching leaders to the loops is another alternative, and is common in home made Sabiki rigs.

The number of dropper loops and hooks, distance, and other factors are limitless.  I make one with 6 hooks on it for my buddy Robert, who uses it on a very long rod to cover more of the water column.

So do any of Y'all make something like this, only different, I am always looking for better ways to catch fish.  ;)
"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito" - African Proverb.  Jim