In this article, we’re sharing 6 common types of pier fishing rigs that won’t only help you catch all sorts of pier fish, but they’re also very easy to put together and simple to use even for beginners. So let’s not waste any time and get started!
If you’re looking to step up your pier fishing game, then you need to equipe yourself with effective rig setups.
1. Carolina Rig – Among the most common pier fishing rigs
One of the most common fishing rigs that anglers use is the Carolina rig. Luckily, it’s also a great place to start for beginners as well as anyone who decides to target bass species.
Not to mention, the Carolina rig is very simple to set up.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A medium-heavy, fast action rod that’s at least 7 feet long – these are the ideal specs for setting up a Carolina rig rod. If you’re looking to get the best performance out of a Carolina rig, this is the combination you should opt for. Of course, you can rig it on any rod you like and fish it, but keep in mind that you’ll be sacrificing some action, comfort, and even catch.
- A bait cast reel that’s at least at a 6:1 gear ratio – a bait cast reel is preferred, but you’re free to use a spinning reel setup if you’re more comfortable with that. The minimum gear ratio of 6:1 helps you pull in the line quickly.
- Egg or bullet style sinkers from 1/2 to 1 ounce – you can use a bullet style sinker when fishing through grass or other areas where an egg sinker may get snagged.
- Plastic beads – beads are available in glass and plastic versions, so just pick what you’re most comfortable using. Either way, the bead will do its job of protecting the knot from the stress of the sinker as it slides up and down the line. Beads also serve as a noisemaker to help attract curious bass.
- Swivel – in proportion to the size of tackle you’re using.
- 3/0 – 5/0 worm hooks.
- Leader Material – this can simply be the same line you have on your reel. Some anglers prefer to use a fluorocarbon line coming from the reel with a monofilament leader.
Now that you have your Carolina rig ready for action, you should know how to optimally use it. Cast then drag the rig across your target area, positioning your pole parallel to the surface of the water and adopting a sweeping motion to move the lure over the structure you’re fishing.
Avoid jerking the rig. Just maintain a smooth, steady sweep and it’ll work.
2. Sabiki Rig – One of the best pier fishing rigs for baitfish
Another popular type of rig to use when fishing from a pier is the Sabiki rigs. These consist of a series of small hooks attached to a single line with a weight on the end.
Sabiki rigs can be one of the most effective pier fishing rigs for catching a variety of good baitfish in a short period (you may catch multiple at a time!). Some of the common baitfish that you can catch on Sabiki rigs include Threadfin, Cigar Minnows, Pinfish, Grunts, Croakers, Greenbacks, Whitebait, Pigfish, and Squirrelfish.
Luckily, you can make your own Sabiki rigs, saving a lot of money in the process. The steps are very easy to understand and follow, but first, here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 to 6 plain hooks for use with bait, or feathered hooks for bare presentation. Be sure to check the local regulations for the maximum allowed number of hooks.
- Line, 5 to 6 foot
- Snap swive, or Barrel swivel
- Weight, 1 to 2 ounces depending on the water conditions.
- Bead, slightly bigger than your rod’s first guide. It’ll prevent the rig from entering the guide when retrieved.
Here is how to put the Sabiki rig together:
- Thread the hooks onto your rig line.
- Attach the bait weight and the snap swivel.
- Double about 10 to 12 inches of fishing line and wrap it around two fingers of your left hand. Pass the hook twice under wraps.
- Wet and pull tight.
- Repeat the previous steps with each hook. Once all the hooks are attached, trim the line to the proper length and connect it to your barrel swivel.
The easiest way to use a Sabiki rig is to open the rod’s bail and let it sink to the bottom. If you want to cast this Sabiki rig, you should keep your casts short. Also, adopt the underhand technique to prevent tangling.
3. Spin-To-Win Rig (Flicker Rig)
This rig is excellent for pier fishing around rocks, pilings, and docks. The spinner blade attracts the fish, whereas the brightly-colored float keeps the bait suspended away from hook-fouling cover.
To set up a flicker rig, follow the steps below:
- Run the line through a bullet, egg, or flat (coin-shaped) sinker, then secure it to a barrel swivel.
- Next, tie a 3-foot leader of a lighter line to the opposite end of the barrel swivel.
- Position a yellow or red float about 1 foot from the leader’s end.
- Finally, thread a couple of small red plastic beads onto the leader, followed by a small chrome or brass spinner blade and a 1 to 3/0 bait hook. We recommend using a clevis with the spinner to make it easier to rotate on the leader.
4. The Dropper Drifter Rig
This dropper rig offers many benefits, but perhaps the most prominent one is that you can quickly add or remove a split shot depending on the depth and current you’re working with. This makes it one of the most adaptable pier fishing rigs. Also, if you get snagged on the bottom, the dropper will just break off so you won’t lose the whole rig.
Additionally, you can simply adjust your gear to rubble or weed-growth height by increasing or decreasing the length of the dropper line and the number of split shots. The more rubble or the higher the weeds at the bottom, the longer the dropper line.
The barrel swivel in the dropper drifter rig helps prevent the line and leader from twisting. To further minimize the chances of line twisting, some anglers tie the dropper line to the barrel swivel.
5. The Double-Threat Rig
As the name suggests, the double-threat rig features two jigs. One equipped with a strip of cut bait, and the other with live bait. It can help you catch fish at the bottom and ones hovering just off of it.
Baitfish strips work best when tipped onto the deep jig, but you can also use a whole baitfish and hook it through the lips or eyes onto the jig.
The live bait is usually suspended well above the jig and strip, which is determined by the length of the leader from the barrel swivel to the bait hook.
Ideally, the top bait hovers along just above the tallest grass, rock clumps, sunken stumps, and gravel to avoid fouling.
6. The Popper Stopper Rig – One of the best pier fishing rigs for beginners
For beginners, a popping cork is a float made of cork, foam, or hard plastic measuring 3 to 5 inches long. Hard popping can lure in fish from long distances such as bass, stripers, and smallmouths.
As a shallow-water rig, the popper stopper is best used in water 6 feet deep or less. To reduce line twists and prevent the cork from sliding, place the float on the fishing line above a tiny swivel then, tie a fluorocarbon leader between the swivel and the bait hook.
To use this rig, cast and start the popping once the float has settled. Continue with a pop-and-pause technique every few seconds.
When a fish hits, you’ll notice that the float gets pulled under. Make sure you use a large-enough cork to hold big baits near the surface.
Wrap Up
There you have it, 6 common types of pier fishing rigs that will surely up your angler’s game. Remember, you can also DIY a couple of these rigs to save some money.