Once you’ve acquired the necessary gear:

• Rod

• Reel

• Fishing line

• Pliers with built-in line cutters

all of which we discussed in the ‘Basic Gear’ section, then it’s time to decide on a rig!

A rig may be defined as an arrangement of terminal tackle, or in a simpler sense, all the bits and pieces added to the end of the fishing line used to attract and capture a fish.

• A rig may be as simple as only a hook or it may be as complicated as having over 10 different components!

Below I’ve preassembled some tackle suggestions for rigs—most all of the tackle that I am recommending is tackle that I have used myself, otherwise I say so.

• Get your tackle from your local stores or online.

• On this page are suggestions of tackle to use found on Amazon.

You don’t need to acquire the exact same model/brand that I suggest, however, if you choose to use any item outside of the size/volume/weight/model from what I’ve selected, then your rig performance will alter from the one I’m instructing from. Definitely pay attention to hook size, often denoted with a “#” in front of a number, as well as the weight of an item often denoted by “oz” for ounces.

We’ll go over how to assemble each one of these rigs later in the guide as well as I’ll show you step-by-step how to catch fish using these rigs.

SMALL OR MEDIUM FISH PACKAGES

The “SMALL FISH PACKAGES” will generally pair best with:

• ROD: light to medium-light

• REEL: spinning OR spincast/button-push

• LINE: no more than 10 lb test mono/fluoro OR no more than 8 lb test of braided.

  The odds of catching a fish, in general, will be higher with these packages simply because smaller fishes are typically more abundant.

The “MEDIUM FISH PACKAGES” will generally pair best with:

• ROD: medium-light to medium

• REEL: spinning OR baitcaster

• LINE: 10 - 15 lb mono/fluoro and 10 - 20 lb braided.

  • If using a baitcaster reel, braided line is suggested.

For your convenience, the exact items needed for the rigs have supplied links to Amazon so you can further understand those items and browse similar items. Be cost efficient, if a price seems way too high, then likely demand is high for that item and choosing a similar option is better. Most of the items listed below, or at least similar versions, will be available at your local bait shop, and possibly at your local supercenter and hardware store.

GREAT NEWS! All the rigs below may be considered as multispecies, as in, they are capable of catching far more than just one species of popular gamefishes, (and even fishes that are not gamefishes.) All rigs may also be utilized in both saltwater and freshwater situations, with slight variations to some. Reminder to always rinse off your saltwater gear and tackle with freshwater after fishing!

STARTER PACKAGE #1 - THE CLASSIC FLOAT RIG

Already have the components? Learn to tie and fish with this rig here!

#1 - THE CLASSIC FLOAT RIG

We’re going to put together a bait on a hook under a bobber. This rig is simple and works great! This can be a stationary rig or one that is slowly reeled in. Any novice angler can easily catch a fish with this rig.

USE THIS RIG IF:

• You prefer a more relaxed style of fishing.

• Fishing with young children. (The float is a great visual teaching device for understanding the feel of fish hits, or fish bites.)

FYI: Certain links below will direct you to Amazon.com where, at no additional cost to you, a purchase of an item within that link may or may not give Koaw Nature/KNFS a small finder’s fee. I appreciate your support of KNFS!

SMALL FISH PACKAGE #1A - You’ll need a hook, a bobber, a sinker, and a bait.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning or spincast

• Rod: ultralight to light / fast action

• Line: 4-6 lb mono / 4-6 lb fluoro / 6-8 lb braided

HOOK:

1. We’re going to use a mostly self-setting circle mosquito hook of size #6 or #4 of model 5177 or 5185. (Remember that a #6/0 is not the same as a #6.)

2. Many other hook styles will work here, such as the commonly used and easily found long shank Aberdeen hook. Eagle Claw is a brand most typical to find in any bait shop. (A long shank hook is better for toothier fishes.)

STANDARD SNAP BOBBER (FLOAT):

1. A 1” classic red-and-white bobber. Floats often are sold in bulk, either as an assortment of various sizes or many of one size. I’d recommend getting an assortment of various sizes. A 3/4” or even a 1/2” bobber is also recommended, as a lighter rig will perform better with this smaller bobber.

SINKER:

1. Split-shots will be used to adjust the weight of rig. This item can be optional. A kit with various weights is suggested. Lead sinkers are cheaper but are not environmentally friendly. Tin and other non-toxic options are available, but they are pricey.

BAIT:

1. Worms will be our bait of choice for freshwater. However, many other live baits, scent baits, and cut baits can be used. Besides being readily available outside, worms can be purchased from bait-shops, hardware stores, and even places like gas stations and grocery stores. If you can find anything called “red worm” or “redworm” sold at your nearby store, get a can of this hardy type.

2. If looking to avoid using worms or any other live bait, pick up some scent bait. PowerBait has a lot of great options including pellet baits and other creature-mimic baits. Berkley’s fake leeches 1” are really great as an artificial scent bait option.

3. For saltwater, I suggest using a cut bait, like cut mackerel or shrimp. A ‘worm-like’ scent bait will also work.

MEDIUM FISH PACKAGE #1B - You’ll need a hook, a bobber, a sinker, and a bait.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning or spincast

• Rod: light to med-light / fast action

• Line: 6 - 8 lb mono / 6-8 lb fluoro / 8 - 10 lb braided

HOOK:

1. We’re going to use a mostly self-setting circle mosquito hook of size #1, #1/0, or #2/0, Owner 5177 or 5185. (Remember that a #1/0 is not the same as a #1.)

2. Many other hook styles will work here, such as an Aberdeen hook. #1, #1/0, or #2/0 (A long shank hook is better for toothier fishes.)

STANDARD SNAP BOBBER (FLOAT):

1. A 1.25” - 1.5” classic red-and-white bobber. Getting both sizes is recommended as certain baits may be heavier than others. We’ll discuss how to balance a float on a rig in the techniques section.

SINKER:

1. Split-shots will be used to adjust the weight of rig. A kit with various weights is suggested. Lead sinkers are cheaper but are not environmentally friendly. Tin and other non-toxic options are available, but they are pricey.

BAIT:

1. Worms will be our bait of choice for freshwater. However, many other live baits, scent baits, and cut baits can be used. Besides being readily available outside, worms can be purchased from bait-shops, hardware stores, and even places like gas stations and grocery stores.

2. If looking to avoid using worms or any other live bait, pick up some scent bait. Berkley’s 3” Fake Leech is a good option. (Keep in mind that this rig to-be-tied is mostly stationary, so species like Largemouth Bass, that are more prone to strike moving targets and/or live baits, are less likely to hit a stationary scent bait. However, catfishes and many other species will adore an easy to snatch scent bait. Cut chicken works well for catfishes.)

3. For saltwater, I suggest using a cut bait, like cut mackerel or shrimp. A ‘worm-like’ scent bait will also work.

TIP: Practice preparing any new rig at home before you even go fishing. Time on the water is precious and can be easily wasted if not knowing how to actually put together the rig that is going to be used for fishing.

STARTER PACKAGE #2 - SIMPLE CASTING JIG RIG

Already have the components? Learn to tie and fish with this rig here!

#2 - SIMPLE CASTING JIG RIG

The soft plastic on a weighted jig-head remains a simple way to catch a variety of species of fishes. This rig is fun for casting and jigging and may even be used for trolling.

With the ‘mushroom’ head jigs recommended, as well as the buoyant soft plastics, this rig can also be played like a Ned Rig—of which, we’ll discuss more on the page that discusses how to assemble and play this rig.

USE THIS RIG IF:

• You prefer a bit more movement and casting.

• Want to be more involved in the action of your lure.

• Don’t want to use live bait and/or cut bait.

  • You can use live bait/cut bait if wanted.

SMALL FISH PACKAGE #2A- You’ll need a weighted jig-head and a soft plastic.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning

• Rod: ultralight to light / fast action

• Line: 4-6 lb mono / 4-6 lb fluoro / 6-8 lb braided

JIG-HEAD:

1. Mule Fishing has great, small jig-heads as well as durable, long lasting plastics. Also a plus, the jig heads have extremely low lead content. Pick up a couple 1/16 oz./#4 or a 1/32 oz./#6 Mule Jigs. (KNFS does not receive finder’s fee from Mule Fishing link purchases—they are great lures!)

2. Leland Lures makes some great, easy-to-use Trout and Crappie Magnets. Pick up a package of 1/16 oz./#4 jigs with baitkeepers (a baitkeeper is a barb on the hook’s shaft that helps keep the bait secured on the hook); or a Trout Magnet preassembled with a soft plastic that’s even smaller 1/64 oz/#8 hooks (if you have really light line on a light pole); or pick up the 96-piece Crappie Magnet kit that offers a variety of choices.

SOFT PLASTIC:

1. Again, Mule Fishing has amazing plastics. They are durable and last fish-after-fish. Pick up a color or two of the Donkey Tail Jr, a 1.6” soft plastic with a great wiggle.

2. The Leland Lure Crappie/Trout magnet kits above have soft plastics. If purchasing just the 1/16 oz./#4 jigs with baitkeepers, another soft plastic option is the 1 3/4” Crappie Magnet plastics.

MEDIUM FISH PACKAGE #2B - You’ll need a weighted jig-head and a soft plastic.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning

• Rod: light to med-light / fast action

• Line: 6 - 8 lb mono / 6-8 lb fluoro / 8 - 10 lb braided

JIG-HEAD:

1. Mule Fishing’s largest jig is only a 3/32 oz./#4 hook. Paired with a larger soft plastic, this jig can still land very large bass.

2. A jig-head and soft plastic kit is available that has quality #1 and #1/0 Mustad hooks.

SOFT PLASTIC:

1. Mule Fishing’s Donkey Tail (the larger version of the Donkey Tail Jr.) is highly durable and attracts fish. Pick up a color or two.

2. Again, the stick worm kit mentioned above will likely work well. (There are tons of options for mix-and-matching between types and brands.)

STARTER PACKAGE #3 - SPINNERBAIT RIG

Already have the components? Learn to tie and fish with this rig here!

#3 - SPINNERBAIT RIG

Any serious angler that targets predatory fishes has at least one spinnerbait in their tacklebox. Spinnerbaits are multispecies lures that may be fished in a variety of locations.

USE THIS RIG IF:

• You prefer much more movement and casting. (Unless trolling this lure.)

• Don’t want to use live bait and/or cut bait.

• Really want to feel your lure thumping in the water.

SMALL FISH PACKAGE #3A - You’ll need a spinnerbait and a snap-swivel.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning or baitcaster

• Rod: light / fast action

• Line: 4-6 lb mono / 4-6 lb fluoro / 6-8 lb braided

SPINNERBAIT:

1. The Beetle Spin is a fun safety-pin spinnerbait. Any size/color of this lure type will work. I’ll recommend the 1” version with white plastic.

2. The Rooster Tail is an in-line spinnerbait. Pick up a 1/16 oz. or 1/32 oz..

SNAP-SWIVEL:

1. Pick up a pack of snap-swivels that are 1” in length and at least matches the test strength (lb.) of your line. Brands are not consistent with sizing #s across these types of terminal tackle. I suggest getting an assortment of snap-swivels that has many sizes. The #10 in the assortment I’ve recommended should work fine. Safety snaps and interlock snaps are the most common, but really should be avoided as they are not that secure for locking.

2. Coastlock snaps are strong and more secure; a brand I’ve recommended with this coastlock for saltwater shows a size of 0+0 (18lb) for what will work for these small lures.

MEDIUM FISH PACKAGE #3B - You’ll need a spinnerbait and a snap-swivel (for one option.)

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning or baitcaster

• Rod: medium-light to medium / fast to medium-fast action

• Line: 6 - 8 lb mono / 6-8 lb fluoro / 8 - 10 lb braided

SPINNERBAIT:

1. Booyah typically produces quality spinnerbaits. Pick up a 1/2 oz./3/8 oz. safety-pin spinnerbait. Blade options will be many, but a double-willow bladed spinnerbait will be nice. (A snap-swivel should not be used for the Booyah below because of the R eye; the line is tied directly to this lure.)

2. A Rooster Tail, or a similar in-line spinnerbait, of 1/2 oz. will work.

SNAP-SWIVEL:

1. Again, picking up a snap-swivel kit with a variety of sizes is best. Companies are not consistent with sizing for this type of terminal tackle. Something that is about 1.3”-1.5” in length that is at least greater in test (lb) than your line strength is suggested. The #8 or #6 in the assortment should do fine. Safety snaps and interlock snaps are the most common, but really should be avoided as they are not that secure for locking.

2. Or, of the saltwater coastlock type, the 2+2 (48 lb) should work, if not the 1+1 (31 lb) for lighter rigs.

STARTER PACKAGE #4 - EASY CASTING RIG WITH SPOON OR PLUG

• NOTE: The page dedicated to how to tie and play this rig is coming soon! (Expected late 2026 - early 2027)

#4 - CASTING RIG WITH SPOON OR PLUG

There’s any option here to go with a spoon or a plug. A spoon is the primary suggestion here because the heavy weight will allow a new angler to achieve sufficient casting distance with minimal effort.

USE THIS RIG IF:

• You prefer a bit more movement and casting. (Unless trolling this lure.)

• Are willing to put forth more effort with the heavier lure (but cast farther!)

• Don’t want to use live bait and/or cut bait.

SMALL FISH PACKAGE #4A - You’ll need a lure and a snap-swivel.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning or baitcaster

• Rod: light / fast action

• Line: 6 lb mono / 6 lb fluoro / 8 lb braided*

LURE:

1. SPOON: Spoons are perfect for multispecies in saltwater and freshwater. Pick up a 1/12 oz. Kastmaster spoon. A 1/24 oz. is great fun too and more practical if you have really light gear. These are very fun, easy-to-cast lures for both salt and freshwater systems. Buying a multi-size assortment is the best option.

2. PLUG: Pick up a Snap Bean. This lure can have sporadic movement that just entices fish to hit. *(4 lb mono / fluoro would be better for the very lightweight Snap Bean.)

SNAP-SWIVEL:

1. Pick up a pack of snap-swivels that are 1” in length and at least matches the test strength (lb.) of your line. Brands are not consistent with sizing #s across these types of terminal tackle. I suggest getting an assortment of snap-swivels that has many sizes. The #10 in the assortment I’ve recommended should work fine for the spoon. The little Snap Bean can be played without a swivel; if a swivel is desired, it must be very small and lightweight, like a #16 of the Bass-Pro brand.

2. Coastlock snaps are strong and more secure; a brand I’ve recommended with this coastlock for saltwater shows a size of 0+0 (18lb) for what will work for these small lures.

MEDIUM FISH PACKAGE #4B - You’ll need a lure and a snap-swivel.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning or baitcaster

• Rod: medium-light to medium / fast to medium-fast action

• Line: 6 - 8 lb mono / 6-8 lb fluoro / 8 - 12 lb braided

LURE:

1. SPOON: Spoons are perfect for multispecies in saltwater and freshwater. Pick up a 1/2 oz. to 1/4 oz. Kastmaster spoon. An assortment of Kastmasters is a good option.

2. PLUG: Pick up a Rapala Jointed Shad Rap. We’ll go with a 2.75” suspending version, but most any version is great. This lure by Rapala has landed me many, many fish over the years.

SNAP-SWIVEL:

1. Again, picking up a snap-swivel kit with a variety of sizes is best. The 1/2 oz. spoon will do well with a larger, stronger swivel than the Shad Rap, such as a #4 or #6 in the assortment while the #8 in the assortment should not weigh down the Shad Rap’s action.

2. In the saltwater coastlocks, the 2+2 (48 lb) should work for the spoon. The Shad Rap can still play in saltwater, though it is designed for water of less density than saltwater.

STARTER PACKAGE #5 - DROP-SHOT RIG

NOTE: I’m using a previous, very informative page on how to tie and play the drop-shot found here. The page meant for this fishing guide should be done late fall 2026 - early spring 2027.

SMALL FISH PACKAGE #5A - You’ll need a hook, sinker, and a bait.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning or spincast

• Rod: light / fast action

• Line: 6 lb mono / 6 lb fluoro / 8-10 lb braided

HOOK:

1. The Owner Circle Mosquito hooks (discussed in STARTER PACKAGE #1) 5185 & 5177 will work and allow you to have multipurpose hooks.

2. The Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot 50408 is a good choice, though pricey if limited stock. The size #4 is the smallest version of this hook.

SINKER:

1. A specialized drop-shot weight is encouraged. Pick up a Reaction Tackle Tungsten drop-shot weight, either 1/8 oz. or 1/4 oz..

2. Cheaper options are available.

3. More weight will be needed if fishing water with a lot of current such as a saltwater coastline and many rivers.

BAIT:

1. Live worms can be purchased from bait-shops, hardware stores, and even places like gas stations and grocery stores. Live worms will not survive well in saltwater.

2. If not wanting to use live bait go with soft baits. There are many options available to attach to a drop shot. I’ve had some fun with Bobby Garland baits on the drop-shot.

MEDIUM FISH PACKAGE #5B - You’ll need a hook, sinker, & a bait.

PAIRS WELL WITH:

• Reel: Spinning, baitcaster, or spincast.

• Rod: medium-light to medium / fast to medium-fast action

• Line: 6 - 8 lb mono / 6-8 lb fluoro / 8 - 14 lb braided

HOOK:

1. The Owner Cover Shot is one of the best drop-shot hooks on the market. Get a #1, #1/0, or #2/0.

2. The Gamakatsu G Finesse hook will do well. A #2/0 of these hooks is very large, so I suggest sticking with a #1 or #1/0.

SINKER:

1. A specialized drop-shot weight is encouraged. Pick up a Reaction Tackle Tungsten drop-shot weight, either 1/2 oz. or 1/4 oz..

2. Cheaper options are available.

BAIT:

1. Live worms can be purchased from bait-shops, hardware stores, and even places like gas stations and grocery stores. Nightcrawlers, a large type of earthworm, is suggested. Live worms will not survive well in saltwater.

2. If not wanting to use live bait go with soft baits. Again, there is no shortage of soft baits out there. We’ll go with some KVD Dream Shot soft baits.

You’ll want to learn a fishing knot in the next section. Or head back to the main fishing guide page to browse fishing techniques.