How to DIY Rigging

Rigging is an efficient way to move or lift loads. It is also used in nautical environments to prepare fishing tackle. When you're preparing your rigging, it's essential to use good tying techniques to ensure the rigging is suitable for the kind of fishing you plan to do. Riggings are characterized by whether the fish are bottom or surface swimmers, whether you're fishing in freshwater or saltwater and whether you plan on using it to catch bait. The rig assembly consists of the fishing line, sinker, bait and, in some instances, a float or cork.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing line
  • Fishing beads
  • Weight clamp
  • Two swivels
  • Hook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the proper line. The thickness of the fishing line you plan to use is determined by the type of fish you plan to catch. Larger fish, like marlin, require a heavier line. Always use monofilament line for your rigging. Ten to 30 pound line is good for smaller fish like trout, 40 to 300 pound line can handle medium-sized fish, such as carp, and larger fish require 300 to 400 pound lines.

    • 2

      Attach the swivels and weight clamp. Plan on having about 20 inches of line for your rig assembly. Begin by tying a swivel to one end of the line using a clinch knot. Take the end of the line and feed it through the swivel, wrap it around the line three times and feed the end back through the loop near the swivel. Pull to tighten. Attach a weight clamp to the end of the swivel and feed a second swivel through the other end of the line.

    • 3

      Attach the bead and hook. Pull the second swivel so it sits at the halfway mark on your fishing line. At the free end of the line, thread a bead through and let it move freely up and down the line. Tie your hook onto the free end using a Palomar knot. Double the line and pass it through the hook, tie once and take the doubled end down. Thread it with the hook, pull it up and tighten it by pulling down on the hook.

    • 4

      Attach the middle swivel to your tackle. Once your rigging is complete, you can attach it to your main fishing line at the middle swivel by using a Palomar knot.