7 Best Surf Fishing Rigs: When to Use Which
As an angler, your goal is to mimic some sort of food source and fool your target species into attacking your bait. For this reason, we need to pick the best surf fishing rig for your needs.
There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to surf fishing rigs. There are a number of things to take into account when selecting which rig to use, but the two most important factors are defining your target species and identifying the structure/conditions you plan on fishing. While there isn’t necessarily any rig you shouldn’t use, the ones mentioned in this article are what I consider to be the best surf fishing rigs.
7 Best Surf Fishing Rigs
Carolina Rig |  |
Texas Rig |  |
Fish Finder Rig |  |
Drop Shot |  |
Dropper Loop Rig |  |
High Low Rig |  |
Spider Hitch Rig |  |
There are a myriad of common species of fish in the surf and certain groups of species have their own set of unique feeding tendencies. You’re first step in targeting a fish will be figuring how what it eats and where it feeds.
After choosing the best bait for surf fishing and identifying your fishing spot, selecting the right rig is next on the list. Some of the main things to consider when selecting a surf fishing rig are the depth of water you’re fishing, where in the water column you’d like to present your bait, the type of structure you’re fishing and the type of structure you’re fishing.
We’re going to break down the 7 best surf fishing rigs and when to use them according to the factors listed above. We’ll also break down the exact tackle you’ll need to make these rigs. But, keep in mind, you may want to change the weight/size depending on your target.
Carolina Rig
The Carolina Rig is a personal favorite for not only myself, but for the vast majority of surf anglers along the west coast. I won’t spend too much time talking about the mechanics here as I’ve already written an entire piece on why I think the Carolina Rig is the Best Surf Fishing Rig. I encourage you to give that a read if you haven’t already.
Where and When to Use the Carolina Rig
The Carolina Rig is easily the best surf fishing rig for open water/sandy beaches. It’s streamline, simple, sensitive, and strong. I like to run about 2.5 feet for my leader but anywhere between 1.5 and 3 feet is considered the norm.
What Types of Fish with the Carolina Rig?
Given that we’re likely using this rig on sandy beaches and open water, the traditional set of common surf species applies per your area. Think of the types of fish that feed on or near the bottom. On the west coast, that’s corbina, surf perch, yellowfin and spotfin croaker, etc. Think about the food source living within or on the sand, then think about what fish eat that food source. If that’s your target, the Carolina Rig should be your go to surf fishing rig.
Necessary Tackle for this Surf Fishing Rig:
- Weight: 1-oz egg weight
- Bead: craft beads or fishing beads
- Swivel: 19mm barrel swivels
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Hook: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks
How To Tie a Carolina Rig: video
Texas Rig
The Texas rig is another one I use quite regularly. This one is almost never used with bait, but rather with a swimbait. The Texas rig is unique in that it offers one of the most weedless lure presentations possible. For this reason, it’s one of the best surf fishing rigs as it allows you to fish high vegetation and structure-dense zones without snagging. Read more about surf fishing with a Texas rig here.
Where and When to Use the Texas Rig
As mentioned in the paragraph above, the Texas rig is most commonly used to avoid getting snagged on nearby structure like rocks, reefs and kelp beds. Fish the Texas rig for surf fishing near reef and in rocky, more vegetated areas.
What Types of Fish with the Texas Rig?
Given that we’re likely using this rig on rocky or reefy beaches, your target species will likely include halibut, calico bass, sandbass, rockfish, and if you’re lucky, white seabass.
Necessary Tackle for this Surf Fishing Rig:
- Weight: 1/2-oz bullet weight
- Swimbait: 4.8-inch Keitech Fat
- Swimbait Hook: Gamakatsu Weighted Swimbait Hook
How To Rig a Texas Rig: tutorial
Fish Finder Rig
The fish finder rig is another great rig for surf fishing. It’s quite similar to the Carolina Rig in it’s anatomy. Instead of the sliding egg weight utilized earlier, we swap that for a 2-3 oz pyramid attached via a sinker slide clip. Here’s the breakdown:
Mainline > Sinker Slide (with weight attached) > Bead > Barrel Swivel > Fluorocarbon Leader > Hook
Where and When to Use the Fish Finder Rig
As for where you would use the Fish Finder Rig, the answer is in the same exact places you would use the Carolina Rig. The Fish Finder Rig is great at sandy beaches/open water. Now, the “when” and the “what” will determine which of the two rigs you should use.
If the current is too strong, or the surf is too rough and you can’t seem to keep your bait in a good place, the fish finder rig is ideal. By utilizing a pyramid weight and the sliding sinker clip, your bait will hold in one spot more easily and for a longer period of time than if you were using a sliding egg weight. Additionally, we typically use heavier weights when fishing a fish finder rig.
What Types of Fish with the Fish Finder Rig?
The other reason I might use a fish finder rig was explained in a previous article titled, “A Strange Method for Halibut Fishing“. That’s right, I love this rig for halibut fishing. It can be used actively or with bait and wait style with frozen anchovy, grunion, or similar bait. It’s good for many other species too though. Read the mentioned article for more on how to use that rig.
We also like to use the fish finder rig when we’re surf fishing for big guitar fish. Take a couple really big sand crabs and put those on a 1/0 circle hook. This is a really good way to catch big guitarfish.
How to Tie the Fish Finder Rig: video
Necessary Tackle for this Surf Fishing Rig:
- Sinker Slide Clip
- Weight: 2-3 oz pyramid weight
- Bead: craft beads or fishing beads
- Swivel: 19mm barrel swivels
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Hook: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks
Drop Shot Rig
The drop shot is another common rig for surf fishing and many other types of fishing. Like the C-rig, it’s very versatile and can be used for stationary baits as well as retrieving lures/baits. The main reason you might use a drop shot rig is if you want your bait to remain just off the bottom.
The drop shot rig can be used for bait and wait as well as for lures when retrieving. You have a lot more control over this while retrieving, but it can also be achieved with proper tension in bait and wait especially if you twitch it here and there for good tension and reset tension.
Where and When to Use the Drop Shot Rig for Surf Fishing
This rig is commonly used in bays and the surf alike. Bay fishermen like the drop shot because they can run their weight right through all sorts of vegetation while keeping their lure just off the bottom, usually peeking through the vegetation in prime striking position. The same methods can be used in the surf and similar results can be achieved.
What Types of Fish with the Drop Shot Rig?
If you want to present your bait a little bit above the bottom, the drop shot is a great option. Think halibut and all the other species in your area that like that middle-to-lower section of the water column. Typically, the drop shot is used for moving baits and most commonly, soft plastics, but again, fishing rigs are very open-ended in meaning and utilization.
How to Tie a Drop Shot Rig: video
Necessary Tackle for this Surf Fishing Rig:
- Swivel: 19mm barrel swivels
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Hook: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks (this really depends on the bait you use)
- Weight: 1-oz bank weight
Dropper Loop Rig
The dropper loop rig seems to have essentially been named from the knot itself. It’s quite simple, and I want to clarify… technically speaking, you don’t need a barrel swivel for any of the bottom 4 rigs on this list. It comes down to whether you want a different type or rating of line for the leader section or not.
It’s also important to understand that many people have slightly different variations of all these rigs so the variation you may know, might be different from these.
Where and When to Use the Dropper Loop Rig
This rig is actually most commonly utilized by offshore fishermen, but many surf fishermen use it too. In my opinion, all of the bottom three rigs are used in similar environments for similar reasons. They’re all great for rocky areas and usually in areas with a little more depth. The anatomy of these surf fishing rigs helps to prevent snags if the correct weight is used. The bank weight is a great choice for these situations.
What Types of Fish with the Dropper Loop Rig?
Given the location that this rig is most often utilized, the commonly caught species are those that hang out in deeper areas along the shore and typically in and around rocks and reef or other structure and vegetation. Things like rockfish, bass, sheephead, and the more exotic types of surfperch.
How to Tie the Dropper Loop Rig: video
Necessary Tackle for this Surf Fishing Rig:
- Swivel: 19mm barrel swivels
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Hook: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks (this really depends on the bait you use)
- Weight: 1-oz bank weight
High Low Rig
This rig can be tied in a near identical manner to the dropper rig. It can also be tied in many other ways. But, It’s also commonly used in rocky areas as well as sandy areas. It offers a clear advantage in that you can attach different hooks at different depth-placements of the rig.
Where and When to Use the High Low Rig
Of these bottom three best surf fishing rigs, the High Low Rig is likely the one that’s most commonly used in open water as well as areas of heavy structure. If you’re fishing an area where you’d like to present bait in multiple sections of the water column, this is a go to. It also gives you a little more confidence, knowing that you have multiple baits in the water.
What Types of Fish with the High Low Rig?
Since this rig is commonly used in many locations, I can’t pinpoint a specific set of fish you’ll use this rig for. But, that’s the beauty of it. It’s very versatile and certainly one of the best surf fishing rigs out there.
How to Tie the High Low Rig: video
Necessary Tackle for this Surf Fishing Rig:
- Swivel: 19mm barrel swivels
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Hook: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks (this really depends on the bait you use)
- Weight: 1-oz bank weight
Spider Hitch Rig
Alright, so what the heck is a spider hitch rig? I was in the same boat until a friend of mine by the name of “Werfless”, or “Coach”, introduced me to this rig and much more. He’s actually the guy in the video down below on castandspear’s YouTube channel and he’s quite knowledgeable.
Like the Dropper Loop Rig, the Spider Hitch Rig was essentially named after its knot. Essentially, it’s a stronger version of the dropper loop. While utilizing the correct type of weight in rocky terrain can minimize snags, they still happen. For this reason, we tie a slightly weaker type of knot for the weight attachment point in the Surgeon’s Knot.
The idea with this rig is that like the Dropper Loop Rig, it’ll keep your bait above the rocks and reef etc., and if you do happen to get snagged, you can snap your weight off without losing the rest of your rig.
Where and When to Use the Spider Hitch Rig
I think I said enough in the paragraphs above, but for clarity, it’s a great rig in heavy structure like rocks and reef. It allows for your bait to sit up above the heavy structure and keeps you safer from snags.
What Types of Fish with the Spider Hitch Rig?
Again, given the location that this rig is most often utilized, the commonly caught species are those that hang out in deeper areas along the shore and typically in and around rocks and reef or other structure and vegetation. Things like rockfish, bass, sheephead, and the more exotic types of surfperch.
How to Tie the Spider Hitch Rig: video
Necessary Tackle for this Surf Fishing Rig:
- Swivel: 19mm barrel swivels (still optional)
- Leader Line: 15-pound fluorocarbon
- Hook: size #2 or #4 owner mosquito hooks (this really depends on the bait you use)
- Weight: 1-oz bank weight
I hope you guys enjoyed the list of the 6 best surf fishing rigs. Let me know if there’s a rig that you use that you think should be included. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. If this is your first time on this website, start here as it’ll guide you through everything you need to know to start surf fishing and much more.
More Surf Fishing Rigs and FAQ’s Answered
Why is a High Low Rig Effective for Catching Schooling Fish in Surf Fishing?
Surf fishing can be a thrilling yet challenging experience, especially when targeting schooling fish. One rig setup that stands out for its effectiveness in this scenario is the high low rig. Here’s why it works so well:
- Increased Chances of Catch: The high low rig employs two hooks, offering twice the chance of landing a fish. This setup is particularly advantageous with schooling fish, as it allows you to present multiple baits simultaneously at different depths, increasing the likelihood of attracting a bite.
- Double Hook Potential: Not only does a high low rig increase the chances of a single catch, but it can also secure double hook-ups. When fish are densely packed and feeding aggressively, the possibility of hooking two fish at once becomes a reality.
- Optimal Depth Coverage: This rig is designed to target fish at varying depths. Schooling fish in the surf may be swimming at different levels, and a high low rig ensures that your bait is effectively covering these varying depths, maximizing your reach.
- Great for Distance Casting: In surf fishing, getting your bait far enough out can be crucial. The high low rig is well-suited for casting long distances, allowing anglers to reach fish that might be further from the shoreline. This capability provides access to fish that are not easily reached with other setups.
In essence, the high low rig’s design makes it a versatile and effective choice for surf fishing, especially when it comes to targeting and successfully catching schooling fish. Its ability to present multiple baits at varying depths and its suitability for distance casting make it a valuable tool in any angler's arsenal.
What is a Double Drop Bottom Rig, and How Does It Compare to a High Low Rig?
A double drop bottom rig is a popular fishing setup designed to maximize your chances of catching fish. It's particularly favored by anglers who aim to present two baits simultaneously to attract more fish.
Key Features of the Double Drop Bottom Rig:
- Two-Hook Design: This rig features two hooks spaced apart, allowing for dual bait presentation. This increases the likelihood of hooking more than one fish at a time.
- Simultaneous Hook-Ups: The design makes simultaneous hook-ups possible, which can be a game-changer when fish are actively biting.
- Customization Opportunity: Anglers can enhance the rig by adding extra hooks, potentially increasing the bite per cast ratio.
Similarities with the High Low Rig:
- Design Concept: Both the double drop bottom rig and the high low rig employ a multi-hook system. This allows for presenting multiple baits at different depths, effectively targeting various species that might be feeding at different levels.
- Bait Presentation: They share a similar strategy in bait presentation, aiming to attract a diverse range of fish by offering multiple baits.
However, one potential drawback of the double drop bottom rig is the need to quickly set the hook. The fixed weight can create unnatural tension in the line, leading cautious fish to drop the bait if the angler is not quick enough. Despite this, its simplicity and effectiveness make the double drop bottom rig a staple in many anglers' tackle boxes, much like the high low rig.
How does a bucktail rig work and for what types of fish is it most effective?
What is a Bucktail Rig?
The bucktail rig is a highly effective fishing setup that enables anglers to target a wide range of fish species, thanks to its adaptability across different depths and retrieval speeds. This rig is essentially a jig that uses hair or synthetic fibers to mimic the appearance and movement of small forage fish.
How Does It Work?
The key to the bucktail rig's success lies in its versatility:
- Fast Retrieve: When retrieving the rig quickly, it skims just below the water's surface. This action is particularly effective for catching fast-moving predatory fish, such as bluefish and Spanish mackerel, which are drawn to the simulated fleeing action of the rig.
- Slow Retrieve: Conversely, a slow retrieval allows the jig to travel close to the seabed. This technique targets fish that are known to forage along the ocean floor. Fluke, speckled trout, and striped bass are some of the species that respond well to this approach, as they are often found near bottom structures searching for food.
Ideal Conditions and Usage
When the local baitfish or forage is smaller in size, using plain bucktail jigs without any additional bait often yields the best results. The rig’s simplicity and lifelike movement are enough to entice fish, making it an indispensable tool for surf fishing enthusiasts.
In summary, the bucktail rig's effectiveness is rooted in its ability to adapt to different fishing conditions and its compatibility with a variety of fish species, both near the surface and the bottom. Whether you're aiming for swift surface hunters or bottom-dwelling foragers, the bucktail rig can be an invaluable part of your fishing arsenal.
How does a fireball rig function for surf fishing and what types of fish is it good for?
Understanding the Fireball Rig for Surf Fishing
The fireball rig is an effective tackle choice designed for surf fishing, specifically crafted to entice certain types of fish. Its unique setup focuses on functionality and strategic bait presentation.
How It Works
At its core, the fireball rig is analogous to the flapper rig, featuring a similar structure. However, it distinguishes itself with vibrant floats positioned just above the hooks on the dropper lines. These floats play a crucial role: they elevate the bait from the ocean floor. By doing so, the bait remains visible to passing fish while staying out of reach from bottom-dwelling critters like crabs.
Target Fish
This particular rig excels at attracting bluefish, which is why it often carries the nickname "bluefish rig." Bluefish are drawn to the floating bait, making the fireball rig a favored choice among anglers aiming to catch them.
In summary, the fireball rig's combination of bait visibility and elevated presentation makes it an essential tool for surf anglers focusing on bluefish. Its strategic design enhances the chances of successful catches by keeping the bait prominently displayed in the water column.
How Does a Flapper Rig Work and What Are Its Advantages and Disadvantages?
A flapper rig is a versatile setup commonly used in surf fishing due to its ability to deploy multiple hooks simultaneously. This design offers anglers the opportunity to cover a wider area in the surf zone. By fishing with several hooks, more bait can be used, which increases the scent in the water and consequently, attracts more fish.
Advantages of the Flapper Rig
- Multiple Hook Usage: The primary benefit of a flapper rig is its capability to carry multiple hooks. This allows fishermen to test various baits or target different fish at the same time.
- Wide Area Coverage: By utilizing several hooks, the rig can cover a vast area, increasing the likelihood of bites with each cast.
- Depth Testing: The flapper rig allows anglers to experiment with different baits at multiple depths, enhancing the chance of attracting diverse fish species.
Disadvantages of the Flapper Rig
- Limited Casting Distance: One of the significant drawbacks is its restricted casting range. The additional hooks and bait weigh down the line, making it challenging to cast further out into deeper waters.
- Complex Setup: Setting up a flapper rig can be somewhat intricate, especially for beginners. Its configuration requires more time and expertise compared to simpler rigs like the Carolina or fish finder rigs.
When conditions are favorable, many anglers prefer the flapper rig for its multi-hook advantage. However, when distance casting and stability become priorities, alternatives such as the fish finder or Carolina rig often take precedence.
What is the best rig for surf fishing?
The best rig for surf fishing depends on the species you’re targeting and the fishing conditions. This article outlines the most widely used surf fishing rigs including the Carolina rig, Texas rig, Fish Finder rig and more.
What is a fish finder rig, and how do you set it up?
The Fish Finder Rig is designed to keep bait near the bottom while allowing it to move naturally with the current. It’s ideal for targeting larger species like striped bass and halibut. It's also advantageous when conditions are a little rougher. The image in the section on the fish finder rig illustrates how to tie a fish finder rig.
What’s the difference between a fish finder rig and a Carolina rig?
The Fish Finder Rig and Carolina Rig are similar but serve different purposes:
Fish Finder Rig – Best for large fish and rougher waters, allowing the bait to move freely near the bottom. The sliding weight (typically a pyramid) helps fish take the bait without feeling much resistance and keeping the same streamlined nature of the Carolina rig.
Carolina Rig – Usually paired with a sliding egg weight, the Carolina rig is better suited for calmer waters and smaller species. It’s more compact and uses lighter weights, making it less likely to get tangled.
How do you tie a surf fishing rig?
Tying a surf fishing rig varies based on the type, but here’s a quick example for a Carolina Rig:
Slide an egg sinker onto your main line.
Add a bead to protect the knot.
Tie the main line to a swivel.
Attach a 18–24 inch fluorocarbon leader to the swivel.
Tie on a hook (size depends on bait and target species).
What’s the best rig for catching surf perch?
The Carolina Rig is one of the best rigs for surf perch. Its sliding sinker design keeps bait close to the bottom, where perch typically feed. Pair it with hooks (size 2–4) and use sand crabs for bait.
Can you use a dropper loop rig for surf fishing?
Yes, the Dropper Loop Rig is excellent for surf fishing. It allows you to present multiple baits at different heights, increasing your chances of catching fish. It’s especially effective for targeting species like surf perch, croaker, and corbina.
How do you rig a squid for surf fishing?
Squid can be rigged whole or cut depending on the size of the bait and target species:
Whole Squid – Ideal for larger species like leopard sharks and bat rays. Hook it through the mantle or head for secure placement.
Cut Squid – Perfect for smaller fish. Use strips or chunks on a hook to release scent into the water and attract bites.
What’s the best rig for catching halibut from the surf?
In rough water, the Fish Finder Rig and Double Dropper Rig work best along with the classic 3-way rig.
Fish Finder Rig – Keeps bait secure while allowing some movement to attract fish.
Double Dropper Rig – Lets you fish multiple baits, increasing visibility and chances of a bite. Use heavier weights (3–5 oz) to hold bottom in strong surf. Same with 3-way.
Do I need a leader for surf fishing?
Yes, a leader is highly recommended for surf fishing. It provides abrasion resistance against rocks, sand, and fish teeth. Fluorocarbon leaders are popular for their invisibility in water, while monofilament leaders offer good stretch and shock absorption.
What’s the best surf fishing rig for sharks?
For sharks, check out the shark rigs I sell on my website. These rigs are designed to handle the strength and sharp teeth of sharks, providing secure hookups and durability.
How do you keep bait on the hook when surf fishing?
To keep bait secure, especially softer options like squid:
Elastic Bait Thread – Wrap thread around the bait to hold it firmly in place.
Hook Placement – Thread the hook through multiple points of the bait for better security.
Double Hook Setup – Use two hooks for larger bait pieces to prevent slipping during casts.
When I bait fish Nick, I use a three way swivel. 30# mainline to the swivel, 20# to the weight and 15# fluoro to the hook. That way when it hangs up I never lose anything but the hook or the sinker. I tend to use about 2 feet to the sinker and 18 inches to the hook. Great article, thanks for sharing
Thanks, Verne! I use a three way for my shark fishing setup.
I have used red twine for bait(trout fishing). It did work! Has anyone tryed for surf fishing?
I can’t say I’ve ever tried that. I wouldn’t have much faith.