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Braid 65-130 lbHeavy mono rig bodyCircle hookson droppers3-4ft apart2-6lb weight
Technical layout
Braid 65-130 lbHeavy mono rig bodyCircle hookson droppers3-4ft apart2-6lb weight
Bottom rigs · Rig diagram & setup

Deep-Drop Rig Diagram & Gear List

A long heavy rig body carries two to four circle hooks on short droppers, pulled to the bottom by a 2-6lb weight in 300-1,000ft of water. It is built for grouper, hapuku, halibut, and snapper that live on deep ledges and pinnacles beyond the reach of normal bottom rigs.

Where to use it
boat
Difficulty
advanced
Common in
US, Australia, New Zealand

Gear List

  • main Line65-130 lb braid on a heavy or electric reel
  • leader80-150 lb monofilament rig body with 60-100 lb droppers
  • leader Length12-24in droppers, 2-4 of them, spaced 3-4ft apart on a 6-12ft rig body
  • hook Range7/0 - 10/0 circle hooks
  • weight TypeDeep-drop sinker or bank weight, 2-6lb (1-3kg)
  • sinker Drop LengthWeight clipped to the bottom of the rig body, 3-4ft below the lowest dropper
  • swivelHeavy crane or three-way swivels, or crimped dropper loops
  • extrasOptional light stick or LED, Electric reel or heavy two-speed reel, Venting tool or descending device for released fish
Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Deep-drop circle hooks Check regulations, depth and tackle class.Search on Amazon7/0 to 10/0 circle hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Deep-Drop Rig

  1. Tie 2-4 dropper loops or crimp dropper swivels 3-4ft apart on a 6-12ft length of 80-150 lb mono.
  2. Attach 12-24in droppers with 7/0 - 10/0 circle hooks.
  3. Clip a 2-6lb weight to the bottom of the rig body and connect the top to the braid with a heavy swivel.
  4. Drop to the bottom, come up a few turns, and wait for the rod to load before winding steadily.

When and where it works best

Deep ledges, pinnacles, and wrecks 300-1,000ft down, on calm days with light drift.

Is the Deep-Drop Rig good for beginners?

It is rated advanced: it needs heavier specialist tackle and some experience to rig and fish safely. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Deep-Drop Rig good for?

Pacific HalibutGag GrouperRed GrouperHapuku (Groper)Cubera Snapper

Related Rigs

High-Low RigFish-Finder RigCarolina RigDropshot Rig

Handling and regulations: Deep-water fish often suffer barotrauma. Check current local regulations on bag limits and on using a descending device or venting tool when releasing fish.

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Deep-Drop Rig?

A 65-130 lb braid on a heavy or electric reel main line, a 80-150 lb monofilament rig body with 60-100 lb droppers leader (12-24in droppers, 2-4 of them, spaced 3-4ft apart on a 6-12ft rig body), a 7/0 - 10/0 circle hooks hook, and a Deep-drop sinker or bank weight, 2-6lb (1-3kg). Full gear list is above.

What is a Deep-Drop Rig best for?

The Deep-Drop Rig works best for boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Pacific Halibut, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Hapuku (Groper). Difficulty: advanced.

Is the Deep-Drop Rig hard to tie?

It is rated advanced. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.