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Spreader Rig (Video Included)

Strong knots are the heart and soul of fishing rigs, and a good knot for one good rig is the loop knot for tying a spreader rig. A loop knot fixes a loop at any desired point on a length of monofilament. A hook can then be threaded onto the loop so it hangs out away from the line, thus the name “spreader rig.”

A spreader rig is intended for vertical-fishing on the bottom. It has a heavy bell sinker (1/2-1 ½ oz.) tied onto the end of the line and one or two hooks on spreaders at desired points above the sinker. Usually the first spreader/hook is approximately 6 inches above the sinker, and the next spreader/hook is approximately a foot above the first spreader/hook.

To tie a loop knot, start with a simple overhand knot to form a loop in the line, then continue wrapping the tag end around the main line 4 times. Now, catch and hold the junction of the tag end between thumb and forefinger to keep an open space, then continue wrapping the tag end around the main line 4 more times. Finally, stretch the loop taut (to make it narrow), run it back through the open space in the knot, then cinch the knot tight. (Spit on the knot to lubricate it before cinching it.) If done properly, the tightened-down loop will extend from the main line, ready for a hook to be threaded onto the loop by running the loop through the hook eye, spreading it and looping it back over the hook.

This knot can be tied quickly and securely with a little practice. Learning how to tie and use a spreader rig will allow anglers to bump the heavy bell sinker along bottom and feel for dropoffs, stumps, rocks and other fish attracting structure/cover. While doing so, the baited hooks are constantly in the strike zone, ready to tempt fish that are attracted by this rig’s bait and up-and-down movement.