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Realistic High-Low Rig fishing rig setup
Technical layout
Main lineSwivelHook 1Hook 2Sinker
Bottom rigs · Rig diagram & setup

High-Low Rig Diagram & Gear List

Two hooks sit above a bottom weight so bait hovers just off the sand. Simple to tie and easy to re-rig on the beach, which makes it the standard starting point for surf and pier fishing.

Also known as: Paternoster Rig (GB, IE, AU, NZ), Two-Hook Flapper (GB, IE), Snapper Snatcher (AU, NZ), Dropper Loop Rig (US)

Where to use it
surf, pier, jetty, boat
Difficulty
beginner
High-resolution visual guide

High-Low Rig at a glance

High-Low surf fishing rig infographic with main line, leader, hooks, sinker, bait, common target species, and gear list

Gear List

  • main Line12-15 lb monofilament
  • leader15 lb fluorocarbon
  • leader Length8in from main line to each hook
  • hook Range#4 - #2 baitholder
  • weight TypePyramid sinker, 2-4oz
  • sinker Drop Length4-6in from bottom swivel to sinker
  • swivelBarrel swivel, size 3-5

How to tie the High-Low Rig

  1. Tie the main line to a size 3-5 barrel swivel.
  2. Tie about 30in of 15 lb fluorocarbon to the swivel and form two dropper loops roughly 10-12in apart.
  3. Attach a #4 - #2 baitholder hook to each loop so each hook stands about 8in off the rig body.
  4. Finish the bottom of the rig body with a loop or snap and clip on a 2-4oz pyramid sinker 4-6in below the lower hook.

When and where it works best

Moderate surf, piers, and boats over sand or mixed ground when fish are feeding on or just off the bottom.

How it differs from similar rigs

Compared with a fish-finder rig, the weight is fixed below the hooks, so bites register instantly and you can fish two baits, but a wary fish feels the lead sooner.

Is the High-Low 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 High-Low Rig good for?

California CorbinaBarred SurfperchPacific MackerelYellowfin CroakerVermilion RockfishWalleye SurfperchRedtail SurfperchLingcodWhite Croaker (Tomcod)Copper RockfishSpotfin CroakerBlack DrumSheepsheadFlorida PompanoAtlantic CroakerAtlantic CodCoalfish (Saithe)PlaiceEuropean FlounderDabEuropean WhitingHaddockBallan WrasseLesser Spotted Dogfish (Small-spotted Catshark)Sand WhitingKing George WhitingAustralian SalmonRed Gurnard

Related Rigs

Fireball RigPyramid Sinker Surf RigRotten-Bottom RigDeep-Drop Rig
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 High-Low Rig?

A 12-15 lb monofilament main line, a 15 lb fluorocarbon leader (8in from main line to each hook), a #4 - #2 baitholder hook, and a Pyramid sinker, 2-4oz. Full gear list is above.

What is a High-Low Rig best for?

The High-Low Rig works best for surf, pier, jetty, boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for California Corbina, Barred Surfperch, Pacific Mackerel, Yellowfin Croaker. Difficulty: beginner.

Is the High-Low 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.