Parts of a Rig

A rig is set of configuration of lines(leader), hooks, swivel and sinkers at the end of the fishing line, also known as terminal tackle. Because fishing techniques can vary according to fish species, environment and other factors, rigs are made to suit the type of conditions it is used in. Rigs can are often made detachable(though not always necessary) from mainline by use of snap swivels to aid anglers change rigs quickly should fishing condition changes.

Typical characteristics of a rig will include the leader, the joints (using swivels or knots), hook (or lure) and weights(if any). A leader line is a fishing line that is used to connect all the components of the rig. A monofilament line is usually used as a leader due to low visibility in water (as compared to braided line for example) and its elastic nature provides some shock absorbance against strong takes from fishes.

Leader Line

The goal of the mainline is to have maximum strength and minimum line diameter so that you can load more lines onto your fishing spool/reel and has less drag against water current (ability to use lighter sinkers). Leader lines on the other hand are like front line soldiers, taking all sorts punishment from fish and objects it come into contact with.

Therefore, leader line should typically be more abrasion resistant than the mainline because the leader(or rig) is often closest to sources of abrasion such as rocks or objects in the water and the fishes' teeth. As such, lines which are specially made with abrasion resistance(available in tackle stores) or high diameter lines are suitable choices for leader lines. Where water visibility is high or targeting species of fishes that are easily spooked, lighter leader lines or fluorocarbon monofilament lines will be better suited.

Joints (Knots and swivels)

Swivels and knots are used to join lines to other components of the terminal tackles or to the mainline. Knots are almost always used in any angling technique, so it is useful to know by heart at least a few knots that you often use, and able to tie them proper and quick when you're out fishing.

More often than not when a rig fails, the breakage will occur at or near a knot. While knots typically degrades line strength, good knots will typically retain 60-90% of their line strength. In theory, you could retain 100% line strength with certain knots. But like all knots, they're subjected to how well they are tied, the line type and line diameter(s) used. A poorly tied knot on the other hand, can reduce the line strength to as low as 20%. Therefore, special attention and care must be put into tying of knots to retain as much line strength as possible. Lubricate the knot with water before tightening whenever possible.

The use of swivels are similar to that of a knot. Swivel has the advantage of relieving line twists as they are able to rotate. Another advantage is convenience, snap swivels are able open and close a loop which facilitates ease of change of rigs or artificial lures. Most swivels have strength rating, so choose one that matches your overall rig strength. If you have to use very small sized swivels, be sure to get high quality ones.

Choice of hooks

The two main roles of a hook is to penetrate the fishes' flesh, the other is to hold on to the fish till it is landed. Therefore, we must have size, strength and sharpness of hook in mind when choosing hooks. There are many types of hooks, each made to use under different types of condition and for different types of fish.

Choice of size of hooks should scale with the size of targeted fish. Even with certain high quality small hooks that are extraordinary strong, it's not advisable to use them for large fishes. This is because small hooks grips less area of flesh(of fish's mouth) than larger ones, causing the hook to rip off the flesh more easily.

Strength of hooks are dependent on its material composition. Hooks with high content of steel are usually flexible and the increase of carbon composite increases the hardness of the hook. Hooks with low diameter have the advantage of high piercing rate while high diameter hooks are tougher and less likely to give way when fighting a big fish.

Fishing weights (sinkers)

Sinkers or weights helps you to cast the rig out to the desired location and also to help a rig to stay in certain position in water. Weights can be put at various parts of a rig depending on the condition it will be used in, it can be a simple weight at the bottom to act as an anchor or placed at other parts of a rig to create desired action or position in bottom, midwater or surface rigs. Where current is strong, bigger sinkers are required to bring the rig to the bottom of the seabed or wherever desired.

Next: Designing and customizing your own rigs