Pier Trolley Rig Diagram & Gear List

A heavy grapnel sinker is cast from the end of a pier on one rod and the line pulled tight; a live bait on the fighting rod is then clipped to that anchor line and slides down it to swim near the surface far from the pilings. When a fish hits, the clip releases. It is how pier anglers in the US Southeast fish live bait for king mackerel, cobia, and tarpon.

Also known as: Trolley Rig (US)

Where to use it: pier
Difficulty: advanced
Common in: US

Gear List

main Line30-50 lb monofilament on the fighting rod; 50-80 lb anchor line
leaderWire (king mackerel) or 40-80 lb fluorocarbon (cobia, tarpon)
leader Length12-30in from the trolley clip to the bait
hook RangeStinger rig for king mackerel; 5/0 - 8/0 circle hook for cobia and tarpon
weight Type6-10oz grapnel (spider) sinker on the separate anchor line
sinker Drop LengthThe grapnel anchors the anchor line on the bottom; the bait rides down that line to just under the surface
swivelRelease clip or trolley snap that slides down the anchor line
extrasSecond heavy anchor rod, Trolley clip or large snap, Stop on the anchor line

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.

Pier trolley rig clips Check pier rules and line strength.Search on Amazon Hooks for your trolley target Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

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How to tie the Pier Trolley Rig

Cast a 6-10oz grapnel on a heavy anchor rod from the pier end and tighten the line.
Rig the fighting line with a leader and hook or stinger rig, and add a trolley clip above the leader.
Clip the trolley over the anchor line and let gravity and current carry the live bait down it.
Stop the bait a few feet above the water, let it swim, and leave the fighting reel in free spool with the clicker on.

When and where it works best

Long piers that reach deeper water, with a steady breeze or current to carry the bait down the anchor line.

How it differs from similar rigs

A heavy live bait rig swims the bait freely; the trolley holds it in one spot away from the pier.

Is the Pier Trolley 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 Pier Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Pier Trolley Rig good for?

Tarpon Cobia King Mackerel

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 Pier Trolley Rig?

A 30-50 lb monofilament on the fighting rod; 50-80 lb anchor line main line, a Wire (king mackerel) or 40-80 lb fluorocarbon (cobia, tarpon) leader (12-30in from the trolley clip to the bait), a Stinger rig for king mackerel; 5/0 - 8/0 circle hook for cobia and tarpon hook, and a 6-10oz grapnel (spider) sinker on the separate anchor line. Full gear list is above.

What is a Pier Trolley Rig best for?

The Pier Trolley Rig works best for pier fishing, and is a recommended setup for Tarpon, Cobia, King Mackerel. Difficulty: advanced.

Is the Pier Trolley 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.