How to Make a Red Drum Tackle Rig

Red drum, which many anglers know as redfish, may weigh as much as 90 pounds. It is known as one of the sportiest fish in the ocean, and anglers typically target it in shallow water. Many fish from the shore or from a pier, while others pursue it from a boat and fish over grassy flats. The fish are especially wary and spook easily, but they put up a strong fight that challenges anglers. Red drum tackle rigs are relatively easy to make, and anglers use similar rigs when they fish vertically off piers or when they cast from the shore or a boat.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing line
  • Sinker
  • Barrel swivel
  • Hook
  • Bait
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Instructions

    • 1

      Thread a pyramid- or egg-shaped sinker on the end of 20-pound fishing line. If you plan to cast into the surf, use a pyramid sinker, which will dig into the ground and prevent the rig from washing ashore. Egg sinkers work well for vertical fishing.

    • 2

      Connect a barrel swivel to the end of the line with a Palomar knot.

    • 3

      Cut a three-foot to four-foot section of monofilament fishing line. The line serves as the rig's leader. Connect one end of it to the remaining opening on the barrel swivel.

    • 4

      Tie a size 6/0 hook to the free end of the leader.

    • 5

      Hook a mullet, or a piece of dead mullet, on the hook. Insert the hook into a live mullet just behind its dorsal fin, which is the fin on top of its back. Hook a chunk of dead mullet several times so it is attached firmly to the hook.