Freeline Rig Diagram & Gear List

No weight at all, just a hook tied straight to the line. Bait drifts naturally with the current, which spooky fish in skinny, clear water respond to better than a weighted rig.

Also known as: Floatline Rig (NZ, AU), Fly-Line Rig (US)

Where to use it: surf, pier, jetty, boat, kayak
Difficulty: beginner

Gear List

main Line10-15 lb monofilament
leaderNone, hook tied direct to main line
leader LengthNo leader, hook tied straight to the end of the main line
hook Range#4 - 1/0 circle hook
weight TypeNone, unweighted
sinker Drop LengthNot applicable, no weight used

How to tie the Freeline Rig

Tie a #4 - 1/0 circle hook straight to the end of the main line with an improved clinch or Palomar knot.
Hook the bait lightly so it can swim or drift naturally.
Let the bait drift with current or down a chum or berley trail, feeding line so it sinks slowly.
When line starts peeling off, let the circle hook come tight rather than striking hard.

When and where it works best

Clear, shallow water and berley or chum slicks where spooky fish reject a weighted bait.

How it differs from similar rigs

Lighter and more natural than a slip bobber rig, but you control depth only through current, time, and bait weight.

Is the Freeline Rig good for beginners?

Yes. It is rated beginner: quick to tie and forgiving to fish. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Surf Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Freeline Rig good for?

Opaleye Snook Tarpon Permit Mangrove Snapper (Gray Snapper)Yellowtail Snapper European Seabass Australasian Snapper Yellowfin Bream Black Bream Albacore Mahi-Mahi (Dolphinfish)

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 Freeline Rig?

A 10-15 lb monofilament main line, a None, hook tied direct to main line leader (No leader, hook tied straight to the end of the main line), a #4 - 1/0 circle hook hook, and a None, unweighted. Full gear list is above.

What is a Freeline Rig best for?

The Freeline Rig works best for surf, pier, jetty, boat, kayak fishing, and is a recommended setup for Opaleye, Snook, Tarpon, Permit. Difficulty: beginner.

Is the Freeline Rig hard to tie?

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