How to Rig a Fishing Line for Saltwater Fishing

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Rigging a fishing line for saltwater applications requires appropriate tackle. Instead of purchasing a generic saltwater fishing kit, available at fishing superstores and tackle stores, rig your fishing pole with saltwater fishing tackle for the species you want to catch. Rigging your pole with the right tackle and bait will increase your potential for strikes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Saltwater test line
Saltwater hook
Saltwater sinker
Saltwater bait

Step 1

Select a braided, fluorocarbon or monofilament saltwater test line. Thread the test line through the rod guides. Pull 10 to 12 inches of line off the last guide, which may require depressing the knob on the drag mechanism. Tie the tag end of the test line onto the fishing reel spool using a fishing knot. Rotate the reel's handle until the test line spools completely onto the fishing reel spool.

Step 2

Tie a saltwater fishing hook onto your test line. Line size, fish species and type of bait will determine hook size. Pass the tag end of your test line through the eyelet of the saltwater fishing hook, located below the hook shaft, and pull it back to form a loop. Wrap the test line around the standing line six times. Pull the test line back through the loop and slide it under the last turn. Cut excess length from the test line.

Step 3

Select a live bait, prepared bait or artificial bait. Common saltwater baits include dough balls, worms, crayfish shrimp and minnows. For example, saltwater catfish prefer night crawlers, whereas striped bass and rock bass prefer shad.

Step 4

Hook saltwater bait onto your hook. Thread the saltwater bait along the hook point and shank until the bait is securely attached. Hide the hook point from view so its shiny surface does not alarm fish.

Step 5

Tie a saltwater sinker onto your test line. Tie a bank sinker when fishing close to the bottom; an egg sinker when fishing with live or cut bait; and a split-shot sinker, which you must clamp to your leader, when top-water fishing or when fishing in a low current with small bait. Instructions vary for each type of sinker: tie a bank sinker, thread an egg sinker and clamp or pinch a split-shot sinker.

Tips & Warnings

Double hooks and treble hooks are also available; visit a tackle store or bait shot. Tie on as directed above.

Use a lead swivel to add a second hook to your test line or ensure the first hangs low to the bottom, especially useful when fishing sandy or rocky bottoms.

Resources

Fishing Boating: Bait Profiles

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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