Texas Rig - the BEST Weedless and Snagless option for Surf Fishing

The Texas rig is truly one of the most weedless and snag less options for surf fishing. I hope you find it useful!
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32" Halibut from the surf (how to catch)! - • How to CATCH HALIBUT [...
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Links to all available products featured in order (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases):
Gear/Rig used in video:
Rod - Phenix M1 7'8" MH (phenixrods.com)
Reel - Daiwa Tatula SV 103 (amzn.to/35Bimmx)
Hook - Gamakatsu EWG 3/0 - amzn.to/3Gdxh2S
1/2 Bullet weight - amzn.to/3g7EdUy
3.5" to 4" Swimbait - Keitech Swing Impact [note - not the same Swimbait used in video] (amzn.to/3G8Fgy1)
Pro Cure Anchovy - amzn.to/3IQXUME
Pro Cure Inshore Saltwater - amzn.to/3IQL0yo
SUPER GLOW MS MKB (sold out) amzn.to/3GrlHT8
SUPER GLOW MBP (Get these while you can!) - amzn.to/3jJ4MBM
LC110's - amzn.to/35er1bm​​
LCFM110 Super Glow Cherry Berry - amzn.to/3kwLEoI​​
LC FM110 Super Glow Sardine - amzn.to/2ZhUBcY​​
LCFM110 Super Glow Cherry Dine - amzn.to/2Zkop9b​​
LCFM110 Super Glow MS Cherry Dine - amzn.to/32vMvz9​​
LCFM110 MS Ghost Jack Smelt - amzn.to/3nl2APP​​
Pelagic Apparel (my FAVORITE fishing shirts and shorts) [affiliate link] - bit.ly/3fUaL3M
Compass 360 Deadfall Waders - amzn.to/3va03NJ​
Simms Freestone Wading Boots - amzn.to/2Py1aGo​
Budget Waders - amzn.to/3aUgB22​​​​
RinseKit (I am a RinseKit Affiliate) - bit.ly/2YnCYLp
Daiwa Fluorocarbon Leader (12 to 15 pound) - amzn.to/3rIDkoL
Rogue Fishing Tether - amzn.to/36gN56j​
Fishing Pliers - amzn.to/31FCKO0
Tactical Anglers Clips (25 or 50 lb) - amzn.to/38p4P0I​​
Huk Neck/Face Gaiter - amzn.to/3rJzdsw
Measuring Device - amzn.to/3wmgOWv
Berkeley Line Spooler - amzn.to/3bKrq6I​​​​
Berkeley Line Stripper - amzn.to/2VXDF9r​​​​
Ardent Reel Guard (Great for Saltwater Fishermen) - amzn.to/2VXDF9r​​​​
Ardent Saltwater Maintenance Kit - amzn.to/2zvx0LX​​​
#luckycraft #phenixrods #benjiekimfishing

[@willmann4535]

You inspired me to bust out the Texas rig with a keitech and caught a small Hali and a few spotties in Dana this morning. Kept getting snagged so switched to Texas rig and kept me from skunking again lol

[@dewdog]

That's what I primarily fish 😁. For me, it's just waaaaaay cheaper than to lose a hard bait. Great tutorial, and glad you were able to get that hookset for your viewers.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Good word Dwayne, thank you as always for your support. In THEORY, the hardbait is cheaper IF we never lost them. Soft plastics (unless you're using z-man) are something I burn through, especially if I'm on a good bite. BUT....you're correct. It is cheaper lol!

[@dewdog]

@@BenjieKimFishing you have motivated me to hit the sand again. One more try at the bay this weekend, then I'll be patrolling the beach looking for that structure you talk about. Thanks for keeping it alive.

[@theoutdoorlife4665]

Super underrated! I enjoy watching your videos. Solid content ✊

[@dougheckathorn3925]

Excellent tutorial Benjie. Keep the great videos coming.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much Doug, your encouragement means so much to me and it keeps me going! Wishing you a great week!

[@chrischambless]

Thanks. The dude at my tackle shop just showed me how to rig this today.

[@michaellim2744]

Dang Benjie! Always so positive and motivating. Great video Best!

[@benkustura492]

Couldn't agree more. Great video as always dude!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Always appreciate you Ben, thanks so much for your encouragement and positivity bro!

[@mikebrennan3451]

Here I am thinking the Texas Rig is only for fresh water. I’ll be making good use of my pre-made Texas rigs for this spring pier and surf fishing for sure. Great video

[@joselindo3016]

Nice catch brother thanks 🙏

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate it brotha, thank you!

[@chanceninh]

UNCLE BENJIE YOU ARE LEGEND

[@BenjieKimFishing]

hahaha always appreciate you brotha!!

[@csmats5374]

That's exactly the Texas rig I use -- a 1/2 oz bullet weight with a 3/0 Owner wide gap worm hook. I really like the rig for sand bass and spotted bay bass in rocky areas off of jetties but I've got to use it more in the surf for halibut. For some reason I can't explain I usually use a drop shot in the surf for swimbaits but the Texas rig is definitely faster to tie and probably somewhat better for distance.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I love the drop shot as well!!

[@lapeppel]

Cheap, effective, and adaptive to conditions. If you fish around heavy kelp, it's hard to beat it for going up and over and falling into the holes!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Oh man 100% good word brotha!

[@Imjoshuabailey]

Great job Benjie! I definitely need to put more time into this rig!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Josh, and on my end, I definitely need to put a carrot stick on this rig next time!

[@Imjoshuabailey]

@@BenjieKimFishing I think you did great with what you had on there!

[@saltyfresh2558]

Duuude that’s awesome! I’m using 3/0 owner twist locks and the 3/0 and 5/0 owner beast hooks. Check out the keeper screws, you can add them to any hook. The keeper screw comes with the screw lock and beasts, it’ll hold your bait without the nose shifting or sliding and holds way better without any guess work…. Just screw the thingy in the nose of the swim bait and everything else is the same. You can also “pin” the weight close to the hook with a toothpick through the bullet weight… that’s good for really rocky areas. Good stuff bro! Love your content and the stoke!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Dude some pro tips right here for sure Mike! Good stuff man, I'll have to check out the twist locks/beast hooks. I'm aware of them, just never really gave it much thought. But dude, thanks for reaching out today, I'll be in touch brotha, lets set something up!

[@saltyfresh2558]

@@BenjieKimFishing absolutely brotha! I have to be careful when I watch your videos lol they make me stop what I’m doing and head to the surf…

[@Travis3500]

Heck yea been using the same owner beast hooks I recently got some bullet jig heads from owner aswell and they have the same presentation as a texas rig minus the free sliding weight obviously

[@wbttk9842]

Hey Benjie GREAT video! I'm going to try this tomorrow at torrey pines. Hey where did you get that backpack with the rod holders? Its sweet, I need one of those lol

[@AlohaMilton]

Texas rig works great for Halibut, basic white soft plastic has been pretty good for me.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Ken, definitely something I want to learn and improve on this next year!

[@kevinbrowning1578]

Thanks. Good tips. How long is that particular rod?

[@hunter8turkey1]

Seems to always happen when you're about to switch bates the hit happens. Nice Hali. Thanks, Benjie..

[@BenjieKimFishing]

So true, it happens quite often for me! Maybe I should start thinking of switching up after every cast! Thanks so much!!

[@TheUnlistedOne]

Nice video. What is that plastic bait you are using?

[@rudycarreon3199]

Whats up Benjie! I fish that rig a lot for spotties, with the zoom fluke or paddle tail. one suggestion, I use tungsten weights, more weight w/a smaller profile. It can get pricy though. Works well.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Rudy! Man, I've stayed away from tungsten all this time because of the price. But I may need to give it a shot here soon.

[@JigJigPow619]

Right on cue, boom! 💪

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Dino!! I'll be in touch soon brotha, maybe we can set something up. Been too long!!

[@JigJigPow619]

@@BenjieKimFishing sounds brotha 🤙

[@jwestfishing3229]

Now I have to carry EWG's and bullet weights! Thanks Benjie! Good video!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Always appreciate you Jason, thank you so much brotha!! P.S. I haven't forgotten about you brotha, I just haven't had the chance to jump on live this month. I'll be doing so soon and when I do, I'll be sharing your spot fin!!

[@jwestfishing3229]

@@BenjieKimFishing That sounds great Benjie! Keep up the good work! Thanks!

[@bottomtext7983]

Hey I’m a newbie to fishing. What would you suggest is the best weedless set up to surf cast for stripers?

[@JavierPadron]

Subscribed 😎🤙

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Greatly appreciated, thank you Javier!

[@DryHeaveSteve]

I use this rig in San Diego/Mission bays for that reason...weedless. lets take one more step. Make the entire rig one solid piece by putting a sinker stop before the bullet weight to peg it to the hook. Go a lil deeper when you pull the hook through the bait so the knot is buried inside bait to avoid abrasion.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Excellent tips, thank you! Gotta level up!! love the burying the knot tip, gonna put that to immediate use.

[@VINCEGOESFISHING]

Rib baits bro! Ribs

[@ham5765]

Nice tutorial, what pound braid are you using? Also is seems like you have green braid tied on but the fist section has faded to white. What colors are you using and does it matter? Thanks and as always, hwaiting!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Francis, some great observations/questions. I'm using 30 lb braid and yes, its green. I'm not sure if its really faded, its possible, but I'm unaware if that's the case. It might be just the sinker sliding up and down the line but tbh I have no idea. Unfortunately, I only have anecdotal evidence to explain my reasoning for line color. I used to have white braid and I 'FELT' that it was affecting the bite, so I switched to green thinking it couldn't hurt. But to answer your question of "does it matter?" Man, I don't know lol. I can't claim something that I don't have scientific evidence for. But either way....HWAITING!

[@ham5765]

@@BenjieKimFishing I see. Do you usually fish straight braid for texas rigs in the surf? Thinking a fluoro leader may be better around rocks etc?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@ham5765 I've been using straight braid the last couple times out. Absolutely correct tho, braid and rocks are a horrible combo. A couple years ago I lost a couple of really nice fish back to back on straight braid...got sawed off like noodle on the rocks. Been using fluoro leader ever since but recently went back to to braid. Probably not the smartest decision if I get sawed off again so thanks for the reminder. I'll probably go back to fluoro leader again the next time out.

[@Fishingwithdaboys]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks Luis, hope you're doing well brotha!!

[@Nobodybaby78]

U said you could use a weighted hook with a bullet weight as well correct? In another video of yours I thought I saw that

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I can't remember if/when I said that but I believe if you're using a weighted hook, there's no need to add a bullet sinker too...

[@rudycarreon3199]

after watching you fish it, try popping it off the bottom, also, let it sit, but shake the rod tip. It draws strikes for me often.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Excellent pro tips Rudy! Really great suggestions and makes me want to put even more time on this rig this year.

[@ralphsaldana529]

🤙😎

[@chrischambless]

How long a leader do you recommend on this rig if main line is braid?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Chris, I do 3 arm length pulls which keeps my connection right before the spool. You can do as long as or as little as you like. If you don’t want to deal with the connection in the guides, even 18 inches or so will suffice. If ur not fishing heavy structure, straight braid is also very viable. I know plenty of people who prefer this. Tight lines 🤙

[@jimvalim1567]

Is it easy to cast the lucky craft 110 with that bait caster combo? At least if you end up losing that Texas rig, you're not out 20 bucks! Those lucky crafts 110 are way too expensive! If you're not careful, you can spend a small fortune on them!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Jim, I can cast the 110 ok with that combo. For me, the LC110 is what I enjoy throwing and its what brings me confidence, therefore for me (I speak for myself only), they are not expensive. It's also my passion and hobby and I spend money on the things I enjoy. To empathize with you, the big Swimbait craze is something I don't understand. At the same time, I do understand. Its a passion and hobby and those who are invested, go all in! These swimbaits easily go for two to three hundred bucks for one lure.....and the popular ones sell out instantly! Here's a random example - www.jandh.com/products/deps-ss250-slide-swimmer-250-swimbait.html?c=39261&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt6PBhCoARIsAMF5wahO43LAnrddqPP5ESSNnOYZ7Hr58zDM7x5t_fhG7vzHi56FfkUFb58aArt-EALw_wcB

[@jimvalim1567]

@@BenjieKimFishing That was a long winded response! You go ahead and and keep buying a 20 dollar lure if it makes you happy! Swim baits are way cheaper! At least you can buy a package of 10 swim baits for under 10 bucks. Don't you work in a tackle shop?🤔 Maybe you get your lures cheaper than everyone else.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Tight lines Jim, appreciate you! And no, I don't work in a tackle shop.

[@texasstrikeking3471]

Use tungsten weights they’re a lot smaller but heavier but more expensive and the fish see them a lot less

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Great tip!

[@luxnox9303]

Do you ever have issues with your freshwater baitcasters in the surf? How do you maintain them for salt?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey there, I started with a Daiwa Fuego and even with rigorous maintenance, that thing started corroding pretty quick. I've been using the Tatula and the Tatula SV for 2 years now and they are still going strong. After use, I tighten the drag and do a light spray of fresh water, then loosen the drag again. Periodic maintenance of regreasing probably has helped. Much more liberal with the grease, willing to sacrifice speed/performance for longevity.

[@paulvanderheyden7373]

Please provide the link for the soft bait. The one listed didn't correspond. Thanks! I appreciate all your videos.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Paul, thanks so much for calling that out. That's my bad, I should've specified and I didn't. My apologies. They don't have the Optimum swimbaits on Amazon but here's the link to the one's I used from Tackle Warehouse (had to do a little hunting...) - www.tacklewarehouse.com/Optimum_Opti_Shad_Swimbait/descpage-OOS.html I'm not sure if they have the same color in stock but this is definitely the same one I was using that day.

[@paulvanderheyden7373]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thanks for taking the time and finding that link.

[@victorycigarettes]

Rad

[@franram7426]

All points are valid.... BUT, I like hard baits. I hate soft baits. Bluefish cut them in half and quality fish abuse them. Maybe for finding the fish... but I find them fine with Mirrolures... Not into fixing or re-rigging all day. But.... I can not dispute a single thing you said. Just not for me.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I actually prefer the hard bait as well. I only made this video after making a commitment and forcing myself to fish it haha. Not because I don't like it, but because I always end up throwing my jerk bait 95% of the time even when I have both rigs with me. Just out of curiosity, where are you from...or to get to the point, where do you fish? Tight lines!

[@franram7426]

@@BenjieKimFishing Jacksonville..... I fish only for inshore seatrout... preferably over 6 pounds. I do catch reds. But to me.... They're a tourist fish. Big meaty lips that the hook never comes out of. They're stupid and will eat like a common pig. Of course they taste great, so I'll take one or two for eating. But I always catch them by accident while trout HUNTING. I never catch flounder because my baits are never on the bottom. Plus.... flounder fishing is an ART. Just like gator trout fishing is an art. I have never put in the time it takes to get the ART of flounder fishing down. I have put my time in with trout. Here's my play book.... I use 6' medium heavy one piece Ugly Sticks with 20 lb braid tied Palomar knot straight to the hook with spinning 3000 reels, usually a Shamono ... I forget. The one below the Stradic. Same reel just cheaper. I fish three water columns. Top, 1'-3' deep and 4'-10' deep. I don't catch too much in 10' +.... sometimes but not much. I use a Catch-2000 or 27-M Mirrodine in 1'-3'. They're basically the same. I prefer the Catch-2000 because the cigar shape pulls through any side current better and it casts into the wind better but they BOTH stay in the shallow water without catching the bottom...in particular the oysters. 4'-7' I use 52-M ..... when you think you're reeling slowly enough... reel SLOWER ! ! ! Top water??? Any bait will work the same for strike. So I focus on cast abilities and reeling ease. I like Mirrolure "Mirro-prop". But I take the front prop off. It's easier to reel than "surface walking" lures when you fish for hours. Plus you can... pop pop pop, drag pause drag pause drag pause, you can steady retrieve or you can troll. From a Yak ??? A prop bait is BEST. To surface walk, the rod tip needs to be below the reel like when fishing from a boat. When yak fishing the tip is upwards. So, surface walking can be very tedious, especially for beginners which many yakkers are. A prop bait is easy to use with the tip skyward. Color???? I think color NEVER matters. I grab the closest lure on the shelf and NEVER think about color. I fish from a 12 Hobie Compass. And ... I fish from a 12' plastic boat ... Sun Dolphin Pro 120 with a 9.9 and a 30 pound Minn Kota..... Let me tell you. It's never the boat. "It's the Indian, not the arrow." Same with boats, lures, rods, "spots", etc Lastly and a personal plea to all that are STILL reading after that much dialog.... GO BARBLESS ! ! ! It's the first thing I do after removing a lure from the packaging. CLAMP DOWN the barbs. Especially for yaks. A 7 lbs red with a barbed treble hook in its mouth and your CALF at the same time going ape nuts is a bad scenario. What if you sink it deep into your palm 2 miles from home in the wind and/or chop???? How do you paddle home? Barbless comes out of EVERYTHING.... Split net line, split braid, your body, carpet, your friend, your clothes and the fish. Some fish HAVE to be released by law. Some people want to release everything. If you can get the fish back in the water QUICKLY, it has a significantly better chance of survival. More effective than "revival techniques" early release..... If you're like me??? Trout fishing happens in CURRENT. If you spent 5 minutes getting hooks out of the fish and then the net, you'll drift or be blown off "The Spot". I rarely need my needle nose pliers. I can grab the fish and wiggle the lure out in one quick motion. Then my lure is back out there trying to get his stupid buddy too. Truth is..... I'll catch 15-20 legal trout that don't require a net between the times I catch a gator 5 plus pounder that does need a net. Lastly..... I rarely lose a fish because of BARBLESS. We all lose some. Either it wasn't hooked well to start. Using old braid because you're to lazy or cheap to replace when you should. ..... and the line breaks. I've straightened hooks on jacks but RARELY lose from barbless. Just try it for a while, you'll see.

[@franram7426]

@@BenjieKimFishing Oooops i missed your 2nd question.... I fish as close to rocks and jetties as I can get. Next is docks. Lastly.... grass lines. Hey, not an encyclopedia answer this time. I'm so proud of myself.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Wow, thanks for the expert breakdown, you're dialed in over there! Tight lines.

[@franram7426]

@@BenjieKimFishing That diatribe was more for any of your viewership that are here to learn. I can tell by your clip and replies you need very little help. But there's a lot of people learning on KZbin. Also.... That's all my history. I've recently relocated to a rice farm village in Thailand. I'm now fishing for snakehead fish over here. Nothing beats good Thai food, especially with fresh fish. Enjoy.