How to Make a Dropper Loop Rig

            First let me start out by saying this video is not the best because it doesn’t show how to tie the whole rig just one loop.  However; this is enough to show you how to tie your basic rig. s



 Just remember for fish like lady fish and whitens it’s better to use 2 loops

1.       Let’s start with a 3ft section of 20 to 50lb mono leader and a swivel rated for one hundred pounds. I like to use 2, #3 kale hooks and a 3oz pyramid sinker.

2.       To begin tie the loop like it shows in the video placing one loop a foot from the right end of the leader material. Next   tie another loop a foot to the left of that loop. It will look like this:  a foot of mono, a loop, and another foot of mono, a loop and then another foot.

3.        Next, I suggest that you tie another dropper at the far left end of the leader and then run the loop through the eye of the pyramid sinker.

4.      In addition, to that drop the weight itself through the loop that you just ran through the eye.  This will connect the weight to the leader, (without a knot this means you can change the weight when necessary).

5.       In conclusion, tie that swivel to the other side of the leader. This will then be attached to your main line.

This is a great rig to use when fishing for fish shrimp for bait fish.



Consider adding beads to the loops or main leader. This is up to you; add as many as you want, remember the noise as well as the red beads will attract fish. Keep in mind that the red beads will mainly bring in the whiting and pin fish.

However; if you want bigger fish beads aren’t the best approach.



 This type of rig has been known to catch reds, whiting, and lady fish as well as small sharks.  The stronger ones can even bring in striped bass. This one is a fairly adaptable rig so it’s great for beginners.

So start tying!
Good fishing and God Bless Ryan                                                                                      

                                                                         

how to make surf casting rigs

Surf casting rigs now beware;


What type of rig you use depends heavily on what type of fish you are targeting. Also you can buy pre-made rigs from Wal-Mart, however; they will never be as good as the rigs that you craft with your own hands.

 Now, most first time fishermen will catch a whole lot of pin fish, dog fish (small sharks), whiting, and lady fish.   All of these fish can be caught on pretty simple tackle dropper rigs along with shrimp or squid strips.

 Remember though that other fish such as striped bass, flounder, sea trout and red drum usually will call for heavier rigs such as fish finders and carolina rigs. Now that you have a basic idea of the different species caught by baiting with a dropper or other types of rigs let’s talk about what materials you need.

The first thing you will need is leader material 30 to 50lb test monofilament is good but fluorocarbon is almost invisible in the water.  So if you’re using heavy leaders it may be a good idea to use fluorocarbon. Keep in mind you get what you pay for and mono works fine and floro is expensive!

The next thing you will need is hooks and weights.  I like to use Khale hooks for whiting and lady fish and size 2 to 3 for fish like blue fish. I use “J” hooks in the 4 to 5 range.

 Here is a useful tip: Eagle Claw Laser Sharps are great hooks, hard to rust and are very sharp.

 With blue fish I also use wire leaders, because blues have very sharp teeth, (watch your fingers).  For the bigger fish like red drum, blacks strippers, sharks and so on, I use only circle hooks, up to size 9 for the bigger fish.    The reason I prefer a circle hook is because it won’t gut hook and kill the fish giving the fish another chance, and me another chance to catch it another time.  

 Circle hooks will automatically hook the fish in the corner of the mouth. This is the safest way to catch a big fish.

Weights, like most other things in surf fishing the size weight you should use depends on what is going on in the ocean at the time. I will use anything from a 3oz pyramid sinker for bait and small fish like whiting. Then up to 6 to 8oz storm sinker for my 12ft rods in heavy current.   The heavier the swell is the bigger weight you will need.   Pyramids are good when you want holding power; the same goes double with storm sinkers.

              

 If you are fishing for ambush fish such as flounder you will want to use a Carolina rig with a soft plastic shrimp attached.  You will also want to use a bank sinker or heavy egg shot, because you want the rig to role in the swell, and these weights are round and don’t hold.   Since flounder lie in the water and wait you can let the bate drift.

 Beads:  yes, like your little sisters or daughters bead necklaces these beads will protect your knots from your weight slamming against them.   A color such as red can attract fish such as blue fish.  (Remember red beads blue fish).  Also, the sound of the beads bouncing off your sinkers can sound like a struggling fish under water. I try to always use glass beads they make a better sound.

Swivels:   let’s talk about swivels; these are little pieces of metal with circles in which to tie the line to. These are used to connect your leader to your main line.  They eliminate line twist and breakage. One rated for 100lb to 150lb work for all, with the exception of the heaviest surf beasts.

These are the rig making basics, next time I’ll be back to explain the actual tying of these rigs.

I will show you a few different and creative ways to do this as well as share some great instructional videos. 

Good hunting, fishing

and as always God Bless

Ryan