Terminal tackle
A rundown of the swivels, weights, snaps, floats, and rigs that connect everything at the end of your line, and how to choose them for saltwater.
Swivels and snaps
Swivels let your line and leader rotate independently so spinning lures and current do not twist your line into a mess. Barrel and crane swivels handle most jobs, while ball bearing swivels turn more freely under load for trolling and spinning baits. Snaps and snap swivels let you change lures quickly, but keep them small and strong so they do not kill lure action or become the weak link. Buy corrosion resistant hardware, because a cheap swivel that seizes up in salt defeats the purpose.
Weights and sinkers
Weights get your bait or lure down to the strike zone and hold it there against wind, current, and depth. Egg and bullet sinkers slide on the line for rigs where you want a fish to feel little resistance, while pyramid and sputnik style weights dig into sand to hold in surf. Split shot and rubber core sinkers add small, adjustable weight for finesse presentations. Use the lightest weight that still holds bottom or reaches depth, since more weight than needed dulls the bite and fights the fish for you.
Floats, beads, and rig components
Floats and popping corks suspend bait at a set depth and, in the case of popping corks, add sound that calls fish in over grass flats. Beads protect knots from sliding weights and add a little color or click to a rig. Rig sleeves, crimps, and rigging floats round out the small parts that turn components into a finished rig. None of these are glamorous, but the right small part in the right place is often what makes a rig fish cleanly.
Common saltwater rigs
A handful of proven rigs cover most situations, so it pays to learn them well. The Carolina rig slides a sinker above a swivel and leader to present bait naturally on the bottom, while a high low or dropper rig fishes two hooks at different heights. Fish finder rigs let a running sinker pass line freely so a fish feels little resistance on the take. Match the rig to the bottom, the current, and how much resistance you want the fish to feel.
Quick picks
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FAQ
What does a swivel actually do?
A swivel lets your line and leader turn independently so spinning lures and current do not twist your line. It also gives you a clean connection point between main line and leader.
How much weight should I use?
Use the lightest weight that still reaches the strike zone and holds against the current. Too much weight dulls the bite, hurts casting feel, and can spook wary fish.
What is a good all around bottom rig?
A Carolina or fish finder rig is hard to beat. Both let a fish take the bait with little resistance from the sliding sinker, which leads to more confident bites and better hookups.