How To Tie The Dropper Rig (Fast & Easy Way)

In this video, I’m going to show you how to tie a dropper rig so you can catch more sheepshead and mangrove snapper (plus a ton of other species).
One of the best ways to catch these fish is by fishing with live bait, like shrimp or fiddler crabs, on the bottom, and one of my favorite ways to rig them is with a dropper rig.
However, many people tie this rig the wrong way, which leads to them getting easily broken off by big fish.
Watch the video below to see step-by-step instructions on how to tie this rig the quick and easy way.
To see the step-by-step instructions written out, check out the blog post here:
bit.ly/2O3ucdg
And if you want access to the best fishing spots, tips, and exclusive gear and discounts, click here to join us in the Insider Club:
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[@Saltstrong]

Want access to the best fishing spots, tips, and exclusive gear and discounts? Click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/2RwV8EA

[@richardspinelli1433]

I have a learning disability and you made it so i can understand it thier was no other video's that helped me out. I just wanted to thank you. God bless you and your family.

[@Rafael_Greek]

what is that?

[@richardspinelli1433]

@@Rafael_Greek what my friend.

[@Rafael_Greek]

@@richardspinelli1433 idk

[@coltonhogsed7226]

Same brother

[@wyatt5845]

@@Rafael_Greek a learning disability is where it is not as easy for you to learn as others

[@DCMae]

I am a novice at fishing and this method is the quickest I've seen on KZbin. The way you attached the hook was impressive. I use pre snelled hooks and sometimes the knot I use slips. Your way eliminates this problem. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@55tbyrd]

Always fished with my grandmother and she always made the poles for us.She was diagnosed with Alzheimers earlier this year and can’t remember how to fix up a pole, so so so glad I found this video when I looked up how to rig a pole. Now we can continue our tradition ❤

[@kjb.9083]

Finally! I’m a beginner and using a bright colored thread gave me a clear visual. Also, talking through it helped tremendously. Thank you thank you thank you. “Hook above the weight” great pointers!

[@WSVK420]

Fished as a kid few times. Just bought my first setup and this video helped me easy set it up! Thanks so much 🍻 bout to cast out now

[@josephgomez5816]

super clear! im new to fishing and just started hitting up fishing charters with my friends. i feel like such a chump asking the crew members to rig my line for me. this is exactly what the line they rig for me looks like. now i know how!

[@Saltstrong]

So glad we could help!

[@chinosv7461]

BRO AWESOME JOB PERFECT WAY TO DESCRIBE TO SOMEONE THAT DOESNT KNOW HOW TO RIG UP A POLE(uhhh fishing POLE)LOL I COULDN'T SHOW MY BROTHER HOW TO OVER THE PHONE SO I LOOKED IT UP ON YOU TUBE AND SAW YOURS AND HES THANKING ME LIKE WITH CRAZY GRATITUDE CAUSE HES TAKING OUT HIS SON FOR THE FIRST TIME AND DOESN'T WANNA FUMBLE (like da raiders)IN FRONT OF HIS SON U KNOW HES GOTTA BE DA HERO DAD..LOL GREAT JOB MAN...

[@yaishmatheen4274]

why so caps

[@stay_free]

@@yaishmatheen4274 cause he’s a special type.

[@pedrogamez4634]

Like the raiders lmaoo

[@william9922]

@@yaishmatheen4274 WHY DOES IT MATTER

[@zyphelious124]

@@william9922 cuz it sounds like your screaming 😅😅

[@robertburton4162]

We need more great teachers like you, people need a thorough explanation with clear visuals it is definitely a learned skill but great video im confident I can learn to this rig for pier fishing with friends :)

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!

[@powertotheprawns]

@@Saltstrong you simplified this rig and the knots so much, I watched another video and the guy used some incredibly complex knots, i'd sub you guys 10 times if I could

[@bonniebon7335]

Ty so much! The algo kept bringing up all this new technology using clicks and whatnots that I do not want to go purchase. About a year ago I ran across a video of a 14 yo boy laying out a string for trot line in his living room floor using this simple method which I could not remember how he tied it. Yours is the same but more informed. Thank you! Tight lines

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks so much for watching glad we could help!

[@alwilliams1124]

I absolutely enjoyed this video! The step by step instructions made it very easy to follow. I've never tied a Dropper Rig before. Now, I know how. Your instructions are second to none Tony. Thank you! Al

[@ladyflibblesworth7282]

that was my favorite set up, but haven't fished in a decade because all my best spots became too crowded, but I just found the perfect place and the weather is wonderful and there is nothing like having a baby to make you fancy staring out at the sea for an hour or two :)

[@Saltstrong]

Good luck out there!

[@XxSLAMHAMMERxX]

Thank you! Tied this river fishing and caught a nice drum on the first cast, worked like a charm!

[@Saltstrong]

Nice work!

[@Snickers21363]

We used this rig in the northeast for bottom fishing. We would also tie a single overhand knot just below the dropper knot going to the weight so if the weight gets caught in the rocks, etc.... the single knot would break and salvage our caught fish.

[@kimberlyjohnson6176]

You were my third video & I appreciate how clear & easy the directions were! Thank you so much! ☺️

[@loryarr2647]

Was able to catch fish using this rig, thank you so much. I might use split shot bullet weights to avoid my sinker from getting stuck on the bottom. But overall, a great rig!!!

[@carolineburdette316]

Wow you are a grest fisherman & teacher, i loved that video, very easy & simple, now i see i can have a drop line for my hook instead of a loop, thank you, 👍

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your support!

[@xdoctober2182]

Thanks i am 10 years old and you help me allot in your vidoe of how to tie an weight

[@jasmineforbes6195]

Thank you so much this was the only video that helped me can finally go out for a fish in this hot weather what a legend ❤

[@Saltstrong]

So glad we could help!

[@praiseworthysupremegod2828]

Thanks a hell of lot, this is like rigging for dummies and I appreciate it

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the support!

[@rudygarza1402]

Tried this and it worked great. Learned something new and I am now catching more fish can feel most everything that is trying to get the bait. TY Tight Lines Bud👍👍👍

[@douglasfields3942]

Nice rig. That's the type of rig I use when I'm doing bottom fishing in not too deep water and it's great when you are fishing in current. Excellent rig.

[@tonyacevedo3149]

Douglas Fields thank you for the great feedback!

[@Menwhocancookreal-RickeyMThoma]

Great job. You really made this simple to understand, I’ll be fishing with me son with a better understanding of the how to of fishing. Thanks again.

[@GmanfromTexas]

Love the fact I can change out the weight with this method. I was fishing in the gulf last week with strong current and could not change to a larger weight because I had it fixed. Thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@asmafiver6422]

Great video, finally someone broke it down simply. How would I incorporate a snap swivel on the sinker using this method? In what instance would I even need a snap swivel. Thank you sir.

[@TeMeister]

For a snap swivel just tie the leader onto the swivel and clip the weight (sinker) onto the snap swivel. I wouldn't use a snap swivel because even just on small trout I've had the swivel slip and unclip itself mid fight. A snap swivel is good just for quick changes whether it's a sinker to a lure, or a lure to a sinker. Don't use snap swivels to attach directly to a hook.

[@LagunaPadre361]

I use a T-knot for that . Pretty much the same knot, but reinforced w/ the dropper loop knot. Its probably over kill, but its pretty and i like the way it sticks my hook straight out to the side.

[@ashketchum9108]

That is definitely better but just harder to tie

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Great vid bro. I just finished my 1st season not fishing, but kayak fishing. Bank fishing, you're really limited, and use simple knots, dad taught us all. Finally this summer I just fun fished, but really tested, and learned, how I wanted my setup, on my Oldtown 120, Pwd by Minn-kota, and setting up my bixpy, gear, equipment, fishing storage. Many people show you the rig, fly through it. As if new anglers, know all these knots. Thanks, needed to learn that setup. The non slip knots, are the same. But the drop shot, ned, and texas rig, you really need a few miles, in your boat. A-Plus video..🤟🎣🙏

[@andyhan5008]

Thank you so much for this video. It was exactly what I was looking for without all the typical internet BS that usually comes before the necessary info. Thanks again and keep up the good work :)

[@tyleryarr]

This trace helped a lot, thanks

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the nice comment! We appreciate the support!

[@chapstickwarrior9277]

It took me a while to tie the sinker on, but I finally figured it out. Thank you!

[@ZachV007]

Prefect video for new guys that into fishing like me 👍👏

[@Saltstrong]

Glad to hear it!

[@Cat-jm5nn]

Thank you so much for sharing. This video was a big help in learning how to tie for saltwater fishing.

[@Saltstrong]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Sonny-kl3jk]

Somehow caught a bass with this rig

[@user-ku1uw8dd7w]

Used this video and caught 2 big fish thank u

[@rottie4life]

Thanks for the awesome rig. I went fishing this mornig and your rig works great I caught a 17 inch bat ray fought for a little while but the rig did the job.

[@florinlungu2415]

Nice and easy ,good teaching

[@coltonhogsed7226]

This rig worked amazing caght me some gulf kingfish and pompano

[@Saltstrong]

Awesome!

[@coltonhogsed7226]

@@Saltstrong thanks for the video!

[@davidatkins6919]

Use it all the time because it's easy, quick and simple; I use it both fresh and salt water because of that fact! Tight Lines, Tony, another great video...

[@johnwilson4330]

Thanks!! That is a knot I can tie all day!! :)

[@Saltstrong]

Glad to help!

[@rayray855]

Straight to the point and informative. Thanks

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for checking it out, we are glad you like it!

[@filipvlogs4935]

This Rig... FANTASTIC

[@mattgaudio3806]

Great video. This will save me TONS of money

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching! More money to buy more tackle :)

[@nathanbisma3485]

Best rig i've ever used

[@1973Saved]

Thank you for posting this video, I always found THAT type of dropper loop MUCH easier to tie than another frequently used way of tying them, & it's encouraging to see that even Pros like you guys use them. What's also interesting, and good news, is that the line to the sinker in this rig is weaker than the line in the dropper loop. Just out of curiosity, what makes it weaker?

[@jaymccraw9544]

Best video I've seen on this. Thanks! I fish VA Beach surf and piers.

[@MisterSlingshot]

I agree

[@stevegiblin270]

Wow! This is the best on tying knots etc. You keep it simple clear instructions.😎🇺🇸😁😁😁🐠🐠

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis3649]

Thanks from South Africa.

[@bobbuilder1255]

Nice and simple, safe me on extra accessories 👍✌️

[@frankfrok1265]

Great point re the mainline in-line with the hook Franz

[@muhamadnabeel7123]

exactly what I was looking for

[@MDCpaintball]

Me too,

[@hammmah_808boto.6]

Lol same

[@pequodexpress]

Thank you for this video. I have now made a dozen rigs for an outing. Can anyone recommend a storage method for easy and efficient access?

[@Saltstrong]

There are good tips in this video: www.saltstrong.com/articles/the-ins-and-outs-of-beach-fishing-with-capt-b/

[@pequodexpress]

@@Saltstrong Thanks. I shouldn't have been so lazy and should have first done a quick search on KZbin, where there are many tutorials for storage devices, the simplest being a cardboard rectangle with slots for wrapping rigs, about three rigs per cardboard rectangle.

[@frankieeeee1777]

Awesome video! Insanely easy!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it helped!

[@seanycha]

Great Video I always wanted to learn how to rig these sinkers, perfect rig for current fishing too. Thank you!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad to help

[@Obedience33]

Thank you. Clear and concise. Gonna try this today. Newport beach pier.

[@crawdady504]

Great video man I couldn't have done a better job myself

[@RedfishReels]

Visuals on point and easy step by step how to!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neptunesfancy]

Excellent. Best I have seen.thank you

[@Saltstrong]

So nice of you, thanks!

[@victoryinthescriptures4440]

Amazing breakdown

[@Jodvix]

I like this idea. It looks easy to do it. Excellent🤗

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Jodvix]

@@Saltstrong after watching your video, i followed your instruction, it works perfect and i went fishing on the same day 👍☺

[@bernardopena1601]

It's easy to forget this, cause it's so simple.

[@haroldrohn3511]

Would this be good for cat fish?

[@JojohnWick]

This is super helpful

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@Tyran04]

Used this and caught a meter bull shark of the beach nots didn’t slip at all Thanks mate

[@TimS.-uz5cx]

Great video!

[@crendon808]

Awesome explanation man! Thanks for the help.

[@zombieman9559]

Thank you for the easy lesson. You rock. 👍

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for watching!

[@dalawman4977]

Im new to fishing and was looking for something like this. I have braided line, but I have mono on one reel and like it because it seems more simple to just use mono for inshore type of fishing. TY!

[@Saltstrong]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@blancaaguero9450]

Do u need a swivel

[@tomlinetsky1174]

I haven't tried it yet, but I'm practicing for the fishing season which is soon.

[@piotrtrocki3842]

2:37 when you are cutting one of the lines of the loop, you don't know which one is part of the main line and which one is part of the end with the weight, so if you cut a wrong line your hook will not be attached to the main line.

[@scarlettthreadrescue2468]

So how do you tell witch is the main line. I can’t tell when I am tying 4# line.

[@Beary_Supreme]

Love the easy how-to steps! I haven’t been able to use it just yet, but I do have one question, if anyone can help me out. When I set it up, I noticed the hook began to spin around cleanly with no tangle for a little bit before it wrapped around the weight line. Should I be concerned that this will happen while I’m out fishing?

[@JoeG2013]

took me a few tries but got it! thanks!!

[@GhadSpeed]

I’m sold. Boutta go catch a river monster tomorrow morning. Lol thank you so much!

[@jonyjonsy]

What did you get?

[@GhadSpeed]

A good size stick

[@ohthatickles]

Thanks!!

[@bobbymalta73]

Can you show us a Double Hook fishing Rig Please? Thks For Sharing.

[@Saltstrong]

Check this out: www.saltstrong.com/articles/donkey-rig-tandem-leprechaun/

[@Sonny-kl3jk]

Somehow caught a huge sea bass on this rig

[@johnflavel6370]

Nice rig excellent video too. Very simple and easy, can't wait to try it.

[@tonyacevedo3149]

John Flavel thank you for the great feedback!

[@bryanwilson7603]

Wow! This is great information.

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lamontmoore1850]

Thank u for the vid , very helpful, looking forward to watchin more🤙🏿

[@Saltstrong]

You're welcome! Be sure to check out our page...lots of videos. And we have great content on our website as well www.saltstrong.com/fishing-tips/

[@nancykrull2151]

Why do you cut the hook line , why not attach the hook to the loop

[@derekli5377]

Thank you tony ! 😉😎

[@Saltstrong]

Welcome!

[@jaisinclair9152]

would this work with live bait?

[@SbowFishing]

Yep

[@michaelrosen8933]

My fool proof way to make sure I tie the sinker to the right piece of line; I tie the weight onto the tag end first, then cut the loop and tie the hook to the other end.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the input!

[@jeff_chillin_ez]

why at 2:25 did you cut the loop u just formed? could u not attach the hook to the loop the same way u did the weight? that way u could swap out the hook if u wanted to also. I'm asking because I will be setting up my own rig for the 1st time this weekend. so I have no experience and just want to make sure I understand. great video btw✌

[@muhameddedic1008]

In his high-low rig tutorial, he did the same. It's just his preference, people do it both ways. I think that by tying the hook it's more stable, since the loop on the weight is used because you can change it easily.

[@1973Saved]

I agree with Muhamed in that I find it more important to use a loop for the sinker because when fishing from a boat or kayak I'm frequently fishing different depths, & even if I'm fishing the same depth, as the tide changes the current speed changes, so I need to change the weights accordingly to keep it in the strike zone. In my opinion, a loop is good only with a bent eye hook, because If I use a loop with a straight eye hook it (the hook) hangs at an odd angle. A cut loop will work with either a straight eye hook or a bent eye hook, I sometimes end up cutting the loop for a bent eye hook because the doubled up leader won't fit through the eye. A tip to save time, frustration etc. is if you make a dropper loop for your bent eye hook, make sure it is long enough so that if you do need to cut it, there is enough line to tie whatever knot you use to attach the hook, I've ruined many rigs learning that lesson ; )

[@haydenlawrence6682]

At 2:00, I was taught that that's called a surgeons dropper loop. If it helps with research!

[@FishingWithJBT]

Great Rig! I posted a video about this a while back,this has saved me from getting skunked countless of times! 👊

[@nik9283]

Thank you! It is really helpful

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bernardopena1601]

Huge thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

You're welcome!

[@willhas9352]

Thanks for the tutorial. Tied it tonight, testing in the morning!

[@dempseyjames6084]

What is purpose of using leader material? Could you just tie straight to your main fishing line

[@bogsquatch6782]

Thanks for the info bro

[@Saltstrong]

No problem 👍

[@thequestlivetolearntolive.8555]

Thank you so much

[@wazirtan6801]

thanks!great video!👍

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the nice comment! We appreciate the support! 💪

[@47veilside]

Thank you for the video. You mentioned it’s about 1.5 -2 feet long loop but I have a few other questions. what’s the distance from last hook to the sinker? What’s the distance between the two hooks? What’s the distance from the leader connection to the first hooks? What’s the distance of the hook from the main leader knot? Thank you

[@my2wheels-fishin368]

Rigging up my Vulcan to make quick escapes to one of the 100 lakes, ponds and rivers within a 2 hr ride.

[@nasiasteel9105]

This was good

[@neilbeyers9786]

Excellent video.

[@josepagan5763]

Really appreciate it

[@DJiggerJim]

Good explanation! Why do you not use a 3-way swivel instead? Thanks

[@brandonjohnson7861]

Also u could leave that first loop and put the hook on with the loop same way as the weight. U just have to make a really small pinch to send through.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!