Fish Finder Rig vs. Knocker Rig (When To Use Each Rig)

Fish finder rigs and knocker rigs are some of the most popular bottom fishing rigs.
They’re really similar and people often use them interchangeably, but that’s a big mistake.
Each rig has it’s pros and cons which should be taken into consideration when deciding which one to use.
If you use the wrong rig you could make it easier for your line to get tangled, or harder for you to get your bait into the strike zone.
So in order for you to maximize your time on the water and rig your baits correctly, I put together this video showing the differences between these rigs and when to use each one.
You’ll learn:
- Which rig is better to use in heavy current
- Which rig casts farther
- A simple trick to get broken off less
- How to get your hook loose if you get hung up on the bottom
- And much more
Have any questions about these two rigs?
Let us know down in the comments.
And to get our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/31pzZBf

[@Saltstrong]

To get our best fishing spots and tips, plus discounts to our online tackle store, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/31pzZBf

[@Mr4twitch]

Isn't a swivel kind of pointless for a knocker rig

[@austin72]

A bead just keeps the knot from sticking in the sinker it don't protect the the knot really

[@austin72]

@@Mr4twitch it is its just there for line twist under water if its calm water its just extra

[@DanielA-mp2sk]

Great info here. Interesting how the "terminology" differs from Gulf, to East, to West Coast, what you call a knocker, we call a slider. What you call a Fish Finder, we call a Carolina Rig...a very useful rig especially in the surf. Either way, very good info. Thanks for the demonstrations.

[@opuntina]

yeah, his is a carolina. A fish finder would be a pyramid sinker on a sinker slider above the swivel. His knocker is a cannonball rig when it's a sinker slider and pyramid below the swivel.

[@marcomunoz7453]

I use a pyramid weight on my fish finder rig.

[@pakde8002]

Always enjoy Salt Strong tutorial and evaluations/comparison videos. A lot of the information is basic but I nearly always learn something new, even after 50 years of fishing

[@lucasreeserlarkin8996]

A small round chainsaw file works well to smoothen out lead eggs. Great point! Thanks for your time and tips.

[@coreyjohansen9823]

I just moved to fl and am very very greatful I found you guys. Thanks for all the vids

[@fredjacobs3389]

My first time going to florida to surf fish(always fished from a pier) really excited about this-especially now with your Great information on these rigs.Thank You

[@thefamsquad5609]

Ok and I thought I was overthinking all the different endless possibilities and situations that can occur while fishing. Thanks for the information

[@moblack5883]

Used the knocker rig the other day. Looked weird to me but boy does it work. Makes it easy to cast to where you want to go. Caught a 28 and 29 inch red using it. Caught a nice 20 inch drum too on the rig. Good for flounder fishing too.

[@coopercoming8524]

Only rig I use for drum

[@pa1264]

Thank you for the awesome video first time I've heard about the fish finder rig😁

[@frankiev-tech4630]

Hell yeah my two favorite successful goto rigs for any fish! I love pier and bridge fishing...and you can catch just about anything with these two. And both gives good results...but yes depends on how strong the current and type of structure you're dealing with...when i fish near pillars or under bridge...i go with knocker...but long distance and open area i do the fish finder. For live bait...i prefer the fish finder using a Liveliner reel...super effective when the live bait can just go where it wants and hear that drag screaming when it hits.

[@hookedonbassncats]

The line twisting and snagging on itself is why I use a shorter leader on my catfish fish finder rig. It still can get caught on your mainline or your leader line but not as often. I like shorter leader's unless drifting or fishing in current.

[@richardvila1173]

Nicely explained, thank you sir!

[@sabbster1157]

i never get enough good info. thx

[@hectorcoria8331]

I believe that that “Fishfinder Rig” is the same thing as the Carolina Rig. Which is a rig conjured up and used from a very long time ago. I was and still used mostly for fresh water catfishing. Still, a great video of these other rigs I’ve never used. Great tips!!!

[@jmjm1920]

FF It works in NZ catch 8kg snapper 😊

[@juniorjr2665]

I use a bobber stopper to protect the knot. It works perfect and it’s discreet. Also I use a shorter leader line, 1’-1’1/2”, to prevent the helicopter cast.

[@Saltstrong]

Good Info! 💪

[@904rodznreelz6]

I use the fish finder rig for everything including around structures as bait presentation is key.

[@davidcohen7106]

Thanks for posting this...I love fishing off the beach.. I learned to fish on my own long before KZbin.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@paddleandhook]

good share, very purposeful. thanks for sharing!

[@handy335]

An excellent presentation. Thank you!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasmccray41]

The fish finder rig as you call it an 18 in. Leader works good for me easy to throw with good distance an very few Tangle's.

[@seasonbowy5913]

Thanks for the info very useful

[@edwardegnor8812]

Fix for the fish finder rig only use a 12”-18” leader kills the line twist allowing for easier and longer casts. I go with 12” myself

[@jembertvasquez2883]

Love your videos amigo.

[@pablotanja2405]

thank you for the very nice info

[@duckyjp17]

Super helpful!

[@jeffnorton9728]

Same rigs used for catfish freshwater , shortening up the leader solves the casting problem somewhat , plus it tightens control over bait in current .

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@billdillard885]

Good Vid.... Thanks guys!

[@uebe8669]

If you’re going to use a knocker rig, use a really long top shot (I use about 20 feet of fluoro or mono) with an FG knot and you don’t get that main disadvantage of your bait not being able to go out since the weight is able to move more freely.

[@guacaquio]

How do you stop the weight from going through the fg knot

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@hectorcoria3650]

Great video and educational. I assume that the fish finder rig is the same as the Carolina rig?

[@gregbastin3609]

Great Info. I set up my rig with a 6oz egg sinker for pier fishing at Jetty Park in Florida. Our waves are strong due to offshore distant hurricanes and tropical storms. Is that too much weight?

[@Saltstrong]

Use what you're comfortable with using and it may change based on the day's tides/current flow.

[@robertbaker3126]

In Miami we call Fish Finder rig a leader rig And fish-finder rig a chicken rig multiple hooks weight at the bottom

[@frankn267]

Can I add a 2 oz egg sinker to braided mainline? fishing off a pier

[@markwallace1251]

Outstanding

[@robertbaker3126]

The bead is not to protect the knot it's so the swivel will not to get stuck in the lead and not feed out line

[@LIQUIDSNAKEGUY]

Do fish Finder rigs work say on a Kayak fishing? ive only ever used fishfinder rig on surf/ river bank. When Kayaking only ever use high low rig.

[@RobertRees71]

Thx for this…

[@thomashughes9361]

How long of a leader do I need for his rig? 20" 30"?

[@MonkeySpecs301]

having the hook above the sinker means you'll feel bites better than if the hook is after the sinker right?

[@crushcitybulldogs932]

What weight should you use generally for your main line vs leader line?

[@Saltstrong]

When fishing inshore, 10lb braid and 20lb leader will get the job done in most situations.

[@crushcitybulldogs932]

@@Saltstrong thank you. Participating in a red fish tournament off a pier. Still recommend the same? Much appreciated 🙏

[@zammit1683]

Hi. I have a query regarding the finder rig. In strong current with quite some depth to it.. When we free spooling the line after touched bottom, how do we know the line is going off on the bow above the sinker or going off with the bait? How do i make sure i'm feeding the line for the bait to move away not the line bow due to the current?

[@robertbaker3126]

Once you hit bottom reel the line tight give it a pull and then start feeding line back out you know you straightened your leader

[@zammit1683]

@@robertbaker3126 thanks

[@jmjm1920]

FF I used it alot in NZ catching giant snapper and king fish 😊

[@Saltstrong]

Nice!

[@thomasharris2919]

Use ice pick for sinker hole reamer works great

[@joep2590]

So should you be using a pyramid sinker or an egg sinker when rigging up a fish finder rig?

[@yerbyray]

I use the egg sinker as is but if I were to use a pyramid or similar style sinker, I would use a slide swivel. If you do use a slide swivel and fishing from the surf, try and find the type that have a larger diameter hole so sand won’t impede it from sliding. I am old school and do use a bead to protect the knot and since it is somewhere two feet from the bait I doubt it will detract from the bait

[@CatchingDinosaurs]

knocker rig is hard to beat

[@trevinpendry136]

So if you are using braid, you can put the egg sinker on the braid above your swivel for your fish finder rig?

[@kgthegman]

better make sure that sinker is smooth as a baby's bottom or it will shred your braid in minutes.

[@ern153]

Question. Why do people use leader line and not just use the braided line on the reel. I’ve heard that the fish can see the braided or what ever mine is on your reel versus it better with the mono filament leader line.

[@OBriantFishing]

It’s for the abrasion resistance mostly but it’s also for the fishes sight. Braid gets cut off really fast when it hits rocks and barnacles as well as snook, tarpon, and most other game fish have rough mouths and sharp Gill plates that all cut the braid easy.

[@ern153]

Tristan OBriant thank you

[@yerbyray]

Fish Finder rig allows you to slowly bring your bait back to you and let the bait look and act more naturally. You can cover more area than the other rig. Try that with the Knocker Rig , more commonly known in the fishing community as the Cannonball Rig, and you have bait and weight against one another...no bueno. The Fish Finder lets you cover more area and more of the water column hence the name. If you need to hit the second bar, use a cannonball.

[@molonlabe8470]

If you can cover more area with the fish finder rig, why did you say you can cover more area with the other rig?

[@jimmyjoe1871]

Depends on thre s situation. I've had big grouper and snappers grab a knocker as I'm reeling up.

[@joharim8680]

Hey fellow anglers. Im new to fishing. Btw can fish finder rigs use for surfcasting

[@junb7786]

Absolutely yes, just on the heavier end due to waives and current.

[@zachhutson7419]

On the knocker, would you just be able to replace the T knots with small swivels? What’s the big downside to that

[@Saltstrong]

Check out the full blog on our website and post your question there. That way, our coaches can respond back directly with their input and recommendation. You can find that here: www.saltstrong.com/articles/fish-finder-rig-vs-knocker-rig/

[@ShihabdeentheCyclist]

What are the weights to use

[@drksyde72]

Can u apply an egg weight and hook just directly to your main line with no swivel???

[@steffensamlal1854]

Yes

[@thor2408]

I have question. The knocker rig can be use into braided? No using a leader line.

[@AlphaSlothins]

If you do use braid definitely make sure your sinkers don’t have rough edges. It will frey the braid really quickly

[@michaelbarquin7243]

If i us a bumber like they us for catfish instead of a bead will that b ok ?

[@hookedonbassncats]

Do you mean bumper? Yes I use those for catfishing and I also use beads. But I use the team catfish sinker bumpers all the time and there the better option over beads.

[@xyzct]

So fish finder and Carolina are the same rig?

[@medman6314]

xyzct yes they are.

[@yerbyray]

It is when you use an egg sinker.

[@hookedonbassncats]

@@yerbyray actually it is regardless of if it's an egg sinker or no roll sinker or bank sinker or any slip sliding sinker, even using a sinker slide.

[@magazineman3910]

HI TONY, WITH THAT KNOCKER RIG IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE FIH WOULD FEEL THAT WEIGHT AGAINST THE HOOK. PLEASE ELABORATE. THANKS, DAN

[@webincomeincome8767]

Fish eat shrimp, crabs and other morsels that often hide in rocks….right? Seems to me a sinker is simply a rock on the bottom. Nuff said..lol.

[@prestonwilkinson4128]

Can u put a Bead on it

[@bottling.hobo.]

I once used a bunch of jewelry when I fished. Once I did away with the jewelry, I was catching; not fishing.

[@browngaddyoutdoors]

lol

[@ObiWanShinobi1]

Yeah, it's seems like a lot of fish are instinctively tackle shy.

[@DC-xg6gt]

This is carolina rig thu not fish finder. Isnot it? Fish finder used slider that connects to the sinker

[@Saltstrong]

They are very similar!

[@daviddavey1727]

Always thought they were the same thing.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobbeckstead8340]

Use slip sinkers that have a plastic liner in the hole.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@kencee9213]

With a fish finder rig does the egg sinker sliding up and down the braid will it wear it down

[@yerbyray]

Before using a lead sinker take a nail that is a snug fit and ream out the path and two ends to smooth out burs. I would use a small clear glass bead from arts and crafts department ( way cheaper than fishing beads and available in sizes) to protect the knot. The bead is a very cheap insurance policy for chance for a fish of a lifetime

[@kencee9213]

Thanks that's great and would never thought of the stuff at a arts and crafts store

[@bobbeckstead8340]

Just use the slips that come with a plastic sleeve in the hole.

[@kgthegman]

what's it called when you use no leader and no swivel and just have a hook and egg sinker on your main line mono.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Idiocy ?

[@bobbeckstead8340]

Fish conservation.

[@MrHoustonplumbing]

Fish finder rig is actually called the carolina rig

[@colombiancyclist]

Jewelery is non functional, the bead does serve a function, it doesn't matter how much you file that sinker the weight of it will eventually take a toll on the knot, specially when casting. Remember fish are colorblind so it only looks bright to you. An octopus hook would work best as the knot is wrapped around the hook shaft and doesnt come in contact with the sinker. Cheers!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@feralgoat3771]

is it rlly true u can't catch big fish with cut dead bait

[@Saltstrong]

I definitely wouldn't make any assumptions about size of fish and the bait you use!

[@feralgoat3771]

@@Saltstrong thanks cuz people try telling me if it's cut bait it is a waste of your time

[@oldhardrock2542]

So, looks to me like a Fish finder is same as Carolina Rig.

[@bobbeckstead8340]

It is.

[@charlestonsharkandsurf]

Some of y'all's stuff is pure gold but this is bronze at best, Everytime I watch y'all's bait fishing videos you can tell y'all aren't live bait specialist. fished these two rigs for large red fish and trout for over 15 years. I am a expert at them. I can tell you don't live bait fish much, you should stick to what you know. So much wrong with this video. I'd expect better from salt strong. First If you have a swivel it's not a knocker rig. End of story. On a knocker rig your weight can go all the way up the line. Second the fish finder your using is a Carolina rig, a fish finder has a fixed weight with a swivel where the fish can swim in a circle but not pull line freely like the Carolina rig. The knocker rig is much better for current and deep water, the Carolina rig twist in current, tangles when dropped fast in deep water. The knocker rig is the best live bait rig for fishing live bait naturally. The leader and swivel on a Carolina rig weigh the bait down and they get caught by undesirables, like crabs and puffers. The knocker rig will hold the bait in an area and they can swim freely if you slack the line and wait for the drag to go when hit. The knocker rig is the best way to fish a bait naturally besides free lining. I only use the Carolina rig if I need or want a short leader, mostly sheepshead and flounder fishing. From 5:30 to 6:00 you got that 100% backwards. Y'all like to do little test, I promise if you do some test you'll see how these rigs perform and see that you have it backwards.

[@frankiev-tech4630]

yeah I agree with you as well, man i didn't notice that in the video. Yeah knocker rigs have no swivel lol! You're also right on fish finders on possible tangles, but I had less success with live bait with the knocker rig. and trust me I used both styles at the sametime while casting the same baits. and the more hits came from the fishfinder. the bait on the knocker tends to get pinned down to the bottom with the weight. That's just my experience, but I'm sure you're fishing deeper waters. Piers and bridges are usually from the 10 to 25ft depth range.

[@robertschroeter5375]

I disagree with both Fish finder and Kno let rigs. With oval sinkers your bait will roll. If you use a flat sinker it will not roll.

[@edwardegnor8812]

It’s supposed to roll lol that’s the point of fish finding it makes for a wide swiping action of the bait

[@davidcook8323]

So a fish finder rig is a Carolina rig.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@JOEY6171]

So it's essentially a Carolina Rig vs a Texas Rig but for salt water

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@bb412StPete]

What is the purpose of putting the egg on the main line?

[@Saltstrong]

Check out the full blog and post your question there. That way, our team can respond back directly with their feedback. You can find that here: www.saltstrong.com/articles/fish-finder-rig-vs-knocker-rig/

[@peekaboo9976]

Catfish nuggets

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!