Saltwater Rigging Basics

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Use Circle Hooks

Non-offset corrodible hooks are mandatory to fish for striped bass, sharks, or bluefish if angling with bait.

To conserve fisheries, many sport anglers now release the fish they catch. Using circle hooks instead of standard J-hooks can significantly reduce mortality. Experienced striped bass anglers find that baited circle hooks, because the point is turned inward, almost always hook fish in the lip or jaw. Points on J-hooks, in contrast, are more exposed and can lodge in the gills, throat or stomach—internal organs where injuries can be fatal.

Because of its design, you don’t need to “set” a circle hook as you would a J-hook; simply let the fish “take” the bait and then start reeling to get a hook-up. Many longtime anglers believe they actually catch more fish with circle hooks than J-hooks, once they’ve learned to use them properly.

Comparison image showing a circle hook and a standard J hook used in fishing, highlighting their different shapes. — This image compares a circle hook and a standard J hook, helping anglers understand the difference between common fishing hook types.

Chunk Bait Bottom Rig Setup

To create a setup that will allow you to present cut bait (herring, Atlantic mackerel, or clams) to predatory fish patrolling the surf:

Attach a 3-way swivel to the main line using a clinch knot
To the bottom-facing swivel ring, tie a stretch of monofilament (1 to 3 feet)
To the end of this line, tie a pyramid sinker
Tie your leader line and hook to the remaining swivel ring

This configuration will allow the bait to remain near the bottom where the pyramid sinker is resting, but the swells and current will pull the chunk bait a few feet up in the water column. By keeping the bait above the bottom, its movement imitates a swimming prey fish and helps to keep it out of reach of bottom-dwelling crabs and lobsters.

Hint: When fishing around rocky shorelines, use a lower pound test monofilament than the main line and leader, so that in the event of a snag in a rock crevice, only the weight is lost and will need to be retied.

Alternative floating setup: Helps keep crabs at bay. Tie a circle hook on your line, using a clinch knot. Attach a bobber about 3 feet above it. Clamp a small weight on the line in between, about a foot above the hook. Bait the hook with a live fish hooked through the lip or the back just below the dorsal fin.

Chunk Bait Bottom Rig

Illustrated diagram of a chunk bait bottom fishing rig showing a main line, three-way swivel, monofilament leader, pyramid sinker, and circle hook. — This diagram explains how to set up a chunk bait bottom rig using a three-way swivel, sinker line, and non-offset circle hook for saltwater fishing.

Mackerel Rig Setup

Atlantic mackerel are a common catch from shore or by boat in New Hampshire. This small schooling fish is great for bait, dinner or just some fun, and especially good as an introduction to saltwater fishing for younger anglers. Mackerel are commonly caught on “sabiki” rigs, and for mackerel, this typically consists of a 1 ounce diamond jig or spoon with a number of 1/0 size hooks above it, which can have colorful tubes or flies attached. These are easy to find “prefab” in coastal bait shops, but you can make your own using dropper loops on a leader. When jigged, these look like a school of smaller fish being chased by a bigger fish. If fishing from shore, cast the rig out and, after it settles, lift with a jerk, reel in, and repeat. When fishing from a bridge or boat, drop the rig down into the water, allowing it to go out of sight, 15–20 feet down. Jig it by lifting with a jerk and allowing it to settle before lifting again; if you are not getting any action, change the depth of the rig.

Mackerel Rig

Diagram of a mackerel fishing rig showing multiple dropper loops with long-shank hooks, surgical tubing, and a spoon or bank sinker at the bottom. — This diagram illustrates a mackerel rig with multiple hooks spaced along the line and a sinker at the bottom, commonly used for saltwater mackerel fishing.

Dropper Loop Knot (use to attach a second hook)

Step-by-step diagram showing how to tie a dropper loop knot, including forming the loop, twisting the line, and tightening the knot. — This step-by-step illustration explains how to tie a dropper loop knot, a common fishing knot used to add hooks or rigs along a main line.

Find saltwater fishing tips, regulations, and resources on the New Hampshire Fish and Game saltwater fisheries page.

Landowner Protection

New Hampshire State law provides certain protections for landowners who open their land to those using it for outdoor recreation.

Learn more about landowner access, responsibilities, and cooperation through the New Hampshire Landowner Relations Program.

Chick standing on sandy ground with text encouraging support for non-game and endangered wildlife in New Hampshire. — This New Hampshire Fish and Game message encourages supporting programs that protect non-game and endangered wildlife across the state.