Fishing rigs come in a variety of designs, focused on a certain type of fishing. For instance, catfish, being bottom feeders, require a fishing rig with enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom. Trout, on the other hand, are often caught while drift fishing with a bobber, split shot weights, leader and hook. Each component within the rig serves a specific purpose, depending upon the type of fish being targeted.
Hooks
Consisting of a piece of wire with an eyelet in one end and a bend in the other leading to a barbed point, fishing hooks come in various sizes, shapes and designs. Some hooks are specifically designed to hold live bait well, while others are used on artificial baits. Some are specialized such as jig hooks, with lead weights incorporated into them. Others, such as the treble hook, have multiple hooks connected together. Whatever type of fish is being targeted, there is a hook that will accommodate.
Swivel
The swivel is used to prevent line twist. When in the water, the rig may spin to attract fish. The swivel consists of two round eyelets mounted in a barrel fitting that acts as a bearing. As the rig turns, one end of the swivel turns with it, while the other end remains stationary, thereby preventing the main line from becoming twisted. Swivels frequently have snaps on them to allow other tackle, such as hooks on leaders, to be changed out easily.
Leaders
The leader is the length of line that extends from the rig to the hook itself. Leaders are often heavier gauge line than the main fishing line, particularly in rough fishing conditions where abrasion and cutting of the leader may occur. Some anglers use leader materials, such as fluorocarbon, because they are virtually invisible to fish. In more demanding situations, wire leaders may also be required.
Floats
Floats, sometimes referred to as bobbers, can be attached to a fishing rig to suspend bait at a certain level in the water column. Float designs include round-, oval- or rod-shaped. When a fish strikes, the float is frequently pulled underwater. This acts as an additional indicator to the angler that a fish is hooked.
Weights
Fishing weights are used to hold the rig down in the water and often close to the bottom. Made primarily of the lead, fishing weights vary in size and design. They can be very small, such as BB-sized split shot weights that can be crimps directly to the fishing line, or large and heavy, such as pyramid weights used for surf fishing.
Baits
Whether natural or artificial, bait is essential to a fishing rig. Live baits, such as worms, minnows, insects and other creatures, can be used to attract fish. Prepared baits, such as dough baits or stink baits, are also effective. Finally, artificial lures, such as plastic soft baits, crank baits and jigs, can also encourage fish to strike your rig.
Knots
Anglers frequently overlook the knot component of a fishing rig. Tie an effective knot to each piece of terminal tackle within a rig. Good knots, such as the Palomar knot or Uni-knot, will hold fast and prevent tackle from being lost. Bad knots slip and break, especially under the weight of a fighting fish.
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