Common Rigs & Knots

Name: eRegulations
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Common Rigs Used for Bait Fishing

Three-Way Rig: Gets its name from using a three-way swivel and is useful for catching striped bass, tautog, winter flounder, and just about any other bottom-dwelling species. Various lengths (6-24 inches) can be used for the weighted leader which carries the bait down in the water column. The baited leader (12-36 inches) presents live or dead bait when stationary or drifting and can be used to slow-troll plugs or other lures.

Illustration of a three-way rig used in saltwater fishing, showing a main line connected to a three-way swivel, with a weighted line and a baited hook targeting bottom-dwelling fish like flounder. This rig is ideal for keeping bait near the ocean floor. — The three-way rig is a popular saltwater fishing setup for targeting bottom fish like flounder, keeping bait near the seafloor with a weighted line and swivel system.

Fish-Finder Rig: A simple rig to set-up and tie that can be used when fishing for multiple species from shore. This rig allows for large pieces of bait to be presented and allows for the fish to ingest the bait before setting the hook. The weight on the slide swivel holds the line down but allows for the bait to be dropped back to fish such as striped bass, fluke, and many others.

Illustration of a fish-finder rig for saltwater fishing, showing a main line connected to a slide swivel and weight, with a barrel swivel leading to a baited hook. Ideal for targeting species like striped bass, this rig allows fish to take the bait without feeling resistance. — The fish-finder rig is a top choice for catching striped bass in saltwater, allowing the bait to move freely while keeping the weight anchored on the seafloor.

Common Knots

These and more fishing knots are available on waterproof plastic cards online.

Illustrated step-by-step guide showing how to tie an Improved Clinch Knot and a Blood Knot for saltwater fishing. The Improved Clinch Knot is ideal for tying line to a hook, lure, or swivel and offers a strong, easy-to-tie connection. The Blood Knot is used to join two sections of fishing line of similar diameter. Both are essential knots for recreational anglers. — Learn how to tie two essential fishing knots: the Improved Clinch Knot for securing hooks and lures, and the Blood Knot for joining lines of similar diameter.