1. Saltwater Carolina Rig
This is one of the easiest rigs to set up, so we definitely suggest it for beginners. It’s normally used for freshwater bass fishing, but it works great in saltwater as well.
You can use this rig with soft plastic baits, as well as live & dead bait.
It’s incredibly simple to make this rig. All you’re doing is threading a bullet or egg sinker above a plastic bead and swivel. The bead and sinker make noise that helps attract the fish.
On the other end of the swivel, tie on a monofilament leader and then your hook. The size of hook and sinker will vary depending on what you’re fishing for.
Carolina rigs are often used on strong fighting predatory fish like tarpon and snook, but they can be used on just about any species. Certain prized game fish, like redfish and snapper, are often caught on Carolina rigs.
Some saltwater anglers refer to the Carolina rig as “fish finder rigs.” We just figured we’d mention that so you don’t get confused.
2. Two Hook Bottom Fishing Rig
This rig goes by many different names and has just as many variations. But the most basic bottom fishing rigs are two hooks tied above a sinker. This setup keeps your bait just off the bottom in prime position for a hook up. This is a preferred method of surf or pier fishermen, but it is also done from boats.
Most of these setups are a swivel and then a leader. Some fishermen use a three-way swivel to attach the two hooks above the sinker. Other anglers prefer to use a dropper loop setup to simplify the rig.
The hook sizes and line vary depending on what you’re targeting. Some anglers have used this bottom rig to take on fish as large as grouper!
3. Sabiki Rig
Some people refer to the Sabiki as a “mackerel rig” since it is so effective for them. This is a multi-hook setup with hooks coming off the main line at different depths. Some anglers like to tie small, simple flies on these setups, but you can use live or cut bait too.
Most people attach a sinker to the bottom of this rig, but some people like to add a jig or jigging spoon.
You can either make your own Sabiki hook rig using swivels and loop knots or buy one pre-made. Either way, it isn’t uncommon to catch multiple fish on a single cast with one of these setups.
4. Popping Cork Rig
This setup is especially popular for targeting redfish. It’s an incredibly simple rig made for shallow waters.
In any case, popping corks are simply floats rigged up with plastic and metal beads to make noise and attract the fish. Some corks feature a cup-shaped opening like a topwater lure to help displace water.
The whole setup draws the attention of fish because it sounds like a struggling or dying baitfish, and many species just can’t resist hitting it. This is mostly an inshore technique that you’ll be wanting to try from shore near structure.