Pulley Rig Diagram & Gear List

The main line is tied to a swivel that slides along a short, heavy rig body with the lead at one end and the hook snood at the other. When a fish is hooked, the pull runs through that swivel like a pulley and lifts the lead up and clear of the rocks, which is why UK beach anglers use it for big cod, bass, and smoothhound over rough ground.

Also known as: Pulley Pennell Rig (GB, IE)

Where to use it: surf, jetty, pier
Difficulty: intermediate
Common in: UK, Ireland

Gear List

main Line15-20 lb monofilament with a 60 lb shock leader for casting
leader60-80 lb monofilament rig body, 25-40 lb hook snood
leader LengthHook snood about the same length as the rig body, 24-30in, so the bait clips down behind the lead
hook Range1/0 - 4/0 Aberdeen or O'Shaughnessy, single or Pennell-rigged
weight TypeGrip (breakaway) lead, 5-6oz
sinker Drop LengthLead on one end of a 24-30in rig body; the main line swivel slides between the hook end and the lead
swivelSliding pulley swivel for the main line, plus a rolling swivel for the snood
extrasBait clip or impact shield so the bait flies behind the lead, Rig beads as stops

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.

Pulley rig components Check shock leader and lead rating before casting.Search on Amazon 1/0 to 4/0 sea fishing 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 Pulley Rig

Tie a lead link to one end of 24-30in of 60-80 lb rig body line.
Thread the rig body through the eye of a swivel (this is the pulley swivel your main line ties to), then add a stop bead.
Tie a rolling swivel to the other end of the rig body and attach a 24-30in hook snood.
Clip the baited hook behind the lead with a bait clip or impact shield for casting.

When and where it works best

Rough, rocky, or weedy beaches and piers where a hooked fish would otherwise drag a lead into snags.

How it differs from similar rigs

A fish-finder rig lets the line run through the weight; a pulley rig makes the fish lift the weight off the bottom.

Is the Pulley Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Surf Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Pulley Rig good for?

Atlantic Cod European Seabass Starry Smooth-hound

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 Pulley Rig?

A 15-20 lb monofilament with a 60 lb shock leader for casting main line, a 60-80 lb monofilament rig body, 25-40 lb hook snood leader (Hook snood about the same length as the rig body, 24-30in, so the bait clips down behind the lead), a 1/0 - 4/0 Aberdeen or O'Shaughnessy, single or Pennell-rigged hook, and a Grip (breakaway) lead, 5-6oz. Full gear list is above.

What is a Pulley Rig best for?

The Pulley Rig works best for surf, jetty, pier fishing, and is a recommended setup for Atlantic Cod, European Seabass, Starry Smooth-hound. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Pulley Rig hard to tie?

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