Ganged Hook Rig Diagram & Gear List

Three to five hooks are linked in a chain, each point passing through the eye of the next, and the whole gang runs the length of a pilchard or garfish. Toothy fish that attack the middle or tail of a bait still find a hook, which is why Australian and NZ anglers use gangs for tailor, kahawai, salmon, and mackerel.

Also known as: Gang Hook Rig (AU, NZ)

Where to use it: surf, pier, jetty, boat
Difficulty: beginner
Common in: Australia, New Zealand

Gear List

main Line10-20 lb monofilament
leader20-40 lb monofilament, or light wire for toothy fish
leader Length18-36in leader from swivel to the top hook
hook Range3-5 linked 2/0 - 5/0 flat-eyed hooks, each passed through the eye of the next
weight TypeNone or a small ball sinker running down to the top hook
sinker Drop LengthUnweighted, or a ball sinker that runs freely down to the top hook
swivelSmall barrel swivel between main line and leader

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.

Ganged fishing hooks Check hook count rules and bait size.Search on Amazon 2/0 to 5/0 flat-eyed gang 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 Ganged Hook Rig

Open the eye of each flat-eyed hook slightly, pass the next hook's point and barb through it, and close it again, making a gang of 3-5.
Tie the top hook to an 18-36in leader and join the leader to the main line with a small swivel.
Thread the pilchard or garfish onto the gang so each hook sits along its length with the points out.
Cast and wind back slowly, or drift it unweighted in a berley trail.

When and where it works best

Beaches, rocks, and wharves when tailor, kahawai, Australian salmon, or mackerel are chopping through bait schools.

Is the Ganged Hook 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 Ganged Hook Rig good for?

Bluefish (Tailor)Mulloway (Jewfish)Australian Salmon Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel Kahawai

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 Ganged Hook Rig?

A 10-20 lb monofilament main line, a 20-40 lb monofilament, or light wire for toothy fish leader (18-36in leader from swivel to the top hook), a 3-5 linked 2/0 - 5/0 flat-eyed hooks, each passed through the eye of the next hook, and a None or a small ball sinker running down to the top hook. Full gear list is above.

What is a Ganged Hook Rig best for?

The Ganged Hook Rig works best for surf, pier, jetty, boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Bluefish (Tailor), Mulloway (Jewfish), Australian Salmon, Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel. Difficulty: beginner.

Is the Ganged Hook 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.