Running Sinker Rig
The simplest and most natural presentation rig in fishing — a sinker that slides freely on the line so a fish can pick up the bait without feeling any weight. Perfect for finicky biters like whiting, bream and mullet.
Best For
You'll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
Thread a free-sliding sinker directly onto your main line — the sinker should slide easily.
Tie the swivel to the end of the main line with a uni knot — this stops the sinker.
Tie a 40–80 cm length of 6–10 lb fluorocarbon leader to the other end of the swivel.
Tie your hook to the end of the leader, bait it, and you're fishing.
For shy fish, slide the sinker further up the line — the further from the hook, the less resistance the fish feels.
Cast in, let the bait settle, and leave a small amount of slack line so the sinker rests on the bottom. When a fish picks up the bait, line peels freely off the spool with almost no resistance — feed a moment, then lift smoothly into the weight. Works beautifully under a light berley trail.
Any time fish are shy, finicky or biting softly — especially whiting, bream and mullet in clear shallow water. The go-to rig for bait fishing in calm conditions from shore, jetty or boat.
Swap the running sinker for a small float for shallow flats and garfish-style presentations; add a longer leader (1 m+) in clear water; use a heavier sinker in current — the rig stays the same.
Sinker too heavy (fish feel the weight and drop the bait), leader too short in clear water, striking on the first tap before the fish has taken the bait.
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