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How to Rig & Bait Fishing Lines for Stripers

How to Rig & Bait Fishing Lines for Stripers

Surf Fishing image by Julianna Olah from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Stripers, or striped bass, are found along much of the eastern coastline from the Northeast to the down through the Carolinas. Stripers are favored among many surf anglers for their fierce fight and taste. Rigging and baiting a fishing line for stripers can be done several different way. However, one particular method is fairly simple, requires the use of one knot type and can prove to be very effective when combined with the right bait.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • 40 to 50 pound test monofilament line
  • Sharp scissors
  • Barrel swivel
  • 2 to 4 ounce pyramid sinker
  • 1/0 circle octopus hooks
  • Clams, cut menhaden or shrimp
Step 1
Cut a 3 foot length of 40 to 50 pound test monofilament fishing line with a sharp pair of scissors. Slide a barrel swivel onto one end of the line. Position the swivel 8 to 10 inches from one end of the line. Double the line and form a loop with the swivel in the loop.
Step 2
Tie a figure-eight knot by turning the loop, or working loop, with the swivel back down the doubled line. Bring the working loop under the doubled line around and back across. This will form a larger loop that will be the top of the figure eight. Bring the working loop under and through the top loop of the figure eight knot.
Step 3
Adjust the knot so that the loop around the barrel swivel is about the size of a quarter. The main line should extend down, and a shorter free end should extend from the knot about 6 to 8 inches.
Step 4
Tie another figure eight, with an empty loop this time, at the opposite end of the length of line. Make the loop at least 3 inches long as this will be used to attach a pyramid sinker. The shorter free end of the line should be 6 to 8 inches long.
Step 5
Attach a 2 to 4 ounce pyramid weight to the open loop you just tied. Feed the loop half way through the eye of the weight. Pull the loop around the point of the weight and pull the line tight. This will hold the pyramid weight in place while fishing and allow you to easily change weights if necessary.
Step 6
Attach a 1/0 circle octopus hook to the short free end of the line extending from the figure-eight knots by snelling it with a uni knot. Feed the line through the eye of the hook so the free end exits on the barb side of the hook.
Step 7
Double the line back toward the eye and wrap the free end around the line and shank of the hook three or four times. Moisten the knot and pull it tight. Repeat the snelling process for attaching a hook to the free end of the line extending from the other figure-eight knot.
Step 8
Place clams, cut menhaden or other fresh cut bait fish on the hooks of the rig. Position the bait so that as much of the hook as possible is covered and the point of the hook extends just past the bait.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Write for Trails.com

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