How to Down Rig for Fishing

Dry fish on a dish in the form of a fish image by terex from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

One way to down rig entails a setup that pros call the "Down Shot," which relies heavily on presentation. Using a specific type of hook and a cast-and-retrieve technique designed especially for bottom fishing near weeds and sticks, the "Down Shot" rig is effective for a variety of fish. Rigging your line is easy, and only requires a simple knot such as the Palomar knot. The "Down Shot" rig is an effective technique for fishing with a plastic worm and can be used in freshwater and saltwater applications. Learn how to set up your down rig in just minutes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Reel
Fishing line
Small wide-gap worm hook
Straight or curly tail worm
Bell sinker

Step 1

Attach a small wide-gap worm hook to your main line using a Palomar knot. Thread a straight or curly tail worm on the hook.

Step 2

Attach a bell sinker to the tag end of your main line. A bell sinker is a lead weight that attaches to the end of a fishing line, below your hook. Most bell sinkers contain a swivel to reduce the potential for line twists. When fishing at a depth of 20 feet or more, attach a ¼-ounce bell sinker, and when fishing at a depth of 40 feet or more, attach a ½-ounce bell sinker.

Step 3

Cast your line and let your presentation sink until it's approximately four to six inches from the bottom, just above sticks, rocks or weeds. Steadily shake your "Down Shot" rig up and down so your bait worm mimics the action of a live worm. Raise the tip of your rod about two to four inches at a time as you continue to steadily shake your rig. Wait for a strike.

Step 4

Quickly set your hook. Once you feel a fish holding your bait, lower the tip of your rod. Reel in the slack and then quickly whisk your rod horizontally, away from the fish, to set the hook.

Tips & Warnings

To thread a worm on a hook, you must pierce one end of the worm with the point of the hook and then thread the body all the way through until the hook exits the opposite end of the worm. Alternatively, you can insert the hook into one end of the worm, wrap the rest of the worm around the hook and then pierce the tail end.

If you do not thread your worm properly, a fish may bite it in half before you can set the hook.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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