When you’re just getting started fishing, figuring out which type of fishing rig you want to use can be confusing.
There are 19 different types of fishing rigs to choose from, and each one offers unique benefits and drawbacks.
Choosing the right different types of fishing rigs will depend on where you want to fish, what kind of fish you want to catch, and how much money you want to spend on your equipment.
In this article, we break down the pros and cons of each so you can decide which fishing rig will work best for you!
1. Paternoster Rig
A paternoster rig is one of the different types of fishing rigs in which the bait is attached to the end of a length of line, which is then tied to the main line above a sinker. This rig is often used for bottom-dwelling fish, such as bream or flathead.
The main advantage of this rig is that it allows the bait to be presented close to the bottom, where these fish are often found.
Another advantage is that because the bait is not attached to the main line, it can move freely and attract more attention from fish.
2. Modified Paternoster Rig
The modified paternoster rig is a great all-around rig that can be used for various fish. This rig features a mainline with two droppers, each with a hook and bait. The beauty of this rig is that it can be easily customized to target specific fish.
For example, you can use larger hooks and baits for targeting big game fish or smaller hooks and baits for targeting panfish. Plus, the modified paternoster rig is relatively easy to tie, making it a great option for beginner anglers.
3. Running Sinker Rig
This rig is good for fishing in deep water, where you must quickly get your bait to the bottom. To make this rig, tie a sinker to the end of your line, then tie a swivel above it.
Next, tie a leader to the other end of the swivel, and finish by tying on your hook. This rig can be used with live or artificial bait.
4. Modified Running Sinker Rig
A running sinker rig is a great way to fish for many different types of fishing rigs. This rig can be used for bottom fishing as well as for trolling.
The modified version of this rig uses a swivel at the top, which helps keep the line from getting tangled.
You will need a sinker, a swivel, a leader, and a hook.
- First, tie your swivel to the end of your line.
- Next, add your sinker to the line.
- Then, tie on your leader.
- Finally, add your hook.
5. Float Rig
A float rig is one of the most common types of fishing rigs, and it can be used to fish for various species in fresh and salt water. Float rigs can be used with live bait or artificial lures and fished at various depths.
There are many variations of float rigs, but they all have one thing in common: they use a float to suspend the bait or lure at a specific depth.
6. Brush/Weedless Rig
A brush/weedless rig is great for fishing in areas with vegetation. The rig consists of a weighted hook attached to a leader line, and the leader line is then tied to the main line. Small plastic or rubber is often used to keep the hook from snagging on vegetation.
7. Carolina Rig
A Carolina rig is one of the most popular and versatile for bass fishing, and it can be used in almost any situation and fished with various baits. The Carolina rig consists of a weight, a bead, a swivel, a leader, and a hook.
The weight is attached to the swivel, which is then attached to the leader. The leader is then tied to the hook. The Carolina rig can be fished with live bait, artificial lures, or a combination.
8. Texas Rig
The Texas rig is probably the most popular and versatile of all the different types of fishing rigs. It’s simple to tie and can be used with various baits.
The Texas rig is typically fished around heavy cover, making it a great choice for bass fishing. To tie a Texas rig:
- Start threading a bullet weight onto your line.
- Tie on a hook, and add a bead to the line above the hook.
- Slide the bead up to the eye of the hook, and add your chosen bait.
- Slide the bead back down to the hook point, and you’re ready to fish!
9. Drop Shot Rig
The drop-shot rig is versatile and can be used in various situations. The rig consists of a sinker, hook, and line, and the hook is baited with live bait or lures. The drop-shot rig is used to catch fish suspended in the water column.
10. Spinner and Minnow
A spinner and minnow rig is one of the most popular fishing rigs used by anglers today. This type of rig is designed to mimic the natural swimming action of a small fish, making it irresistible to predators.
To create this rig, tie a small spinner onto your line above a live minnow. The minnow will provide the weight and action, while the spinner will add flash and vibration.
11. Jig and Bait
A jig is a fishing lure that uses a weighted hook to mimic the appearance of an injured baitfish. Jigs are often used with live bait but can also be effective with artificial lures.
Bait rigs are another type of fishing rig used in fishing and involve attaching live bait to the hook. There are many different bait rigs, each designed for a specific type of fish.
12. Fillet Strip
A fillet strip is a fishing rig that catches fish with fleshy, soft mouths. This rig typically catches fish like catfish, tilapia, and bass. You will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and bait to make a fillet strip.
First, cut the bait into thin strips. Next, tie one end of the bait strip to the hook. Finally, cast your line into the water and wait for a bite!
13. Leader Length Rigging
There are many different types of fishing rigs, each designed for a specific purpose. The leader length rigging is one type of rig commonly used by anglers.
This rig is designed to keep the line from tangling and provide a better presentation of the bait. Leader-length rigging can be used with live bait or lures and adjusted to fish in different water depths.
14. Dropper Drifter
A dropper drifter is a rig with the mainline attached to a buoyant object. It has one or more droppers with hooks and baits attached below it. This rig is used for fishing near the surface of the water.
The main advantage of this rig is that it can be used in various ways, depending on how you attach the droppers. For example, you can use it to fish for multiple species at once or target specific areas of the water column.
15. Double-Bait
A fillet strip is a fishing rig used to catch fish. It comprises a line length, with a hook at one end and a weight at the other.
The hook is baited with baitfish, and the weight is used to keep the baitfish in place. The rig is cast into the water, and the fisherman waits for a fish to take the bait.
16. Spin-To-Win Rig
The Spin-To-Win Rig is perfect for those who want to try their hand at winning a fish without having to put in too much effort.
This rig is simple to make and can be done with just a few materials. You will need:
- A spinner bait
- Small swivel
- A snap
- 12-18 inches of monofilament line
- A small barrel swivel
- A hook.
To make this rig, tie the spinner bait to the monofilament line using a small swivel. Then, attach the snap to the monofilament line and clip it onto the spinnerbait.
17. Way Swivel
A way swivel is a type of fishing rig that uses a swivel to attach the line to the lure. These different types of fishing rigs are designed to keep the line from twisting and tangling. Way swivels are typically used with live bait but can also be used with lures.
To tie a way swivel, start by threading the line through the eye of the swivel. Then, tie a knot in the line. Next, thread the line through the eye of the hook or lure. Finally, tie another knot in the line.
18. Flicker Rig
The Flicker Rig is great for those who want to catch many fish. These different fishing rigs are designed to be used with live bait and can be used in fresh and salt water.
The Flicker Rig comprises a leader, a swivel, a sinker, and a hook. The leader is tied to the swivel, and the sinker is tied to the leader.
The hook is then baited and cast out into the water. When a fish bites, the sinker will slide down the leader and stop at the fish’s mouth, allowing you to reel it in.
19. Popper Stopper
A popper stopper is a fishing rig used to catch fish with a popping sound. The rig creates the popping sound of a small float and a piece of bait.
The float is attached to the bait with a line, and when the float hits the water, it creates a popping sound that attracts fish. The popper stopper rig is simple to use and can effectively catch fish.
