Surf Paternoster Rig
A heavy-duty paternoster built for the surf — a star or grapnel sinker holds the bottom in the wash while one or two baits sit up off the sand in the gutter. The standard rig for salmon, mulloway and gummy sharks off South Australian beaches.
Best For
You'll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tie the 3-way swivel to the end of your main line.
Tie an 80–120 cm length of 20–40 lb leader to the bottom ring of the swivel.
On that leader, tie a dropper loop about 40 cm up and attach a 2/0–5/0 hook; add a second dropper another 40 cm up if fishing two baits.
Tie the star or grapnel sinker to the remaining 40–60 cm of leader below the swivel — the sinker sits on the sand while the baits sit up in the water column.
Add an optional lumo bead above each dropper, bait up and cast into the gutter.
Cast into the gutter or beyond the break, walk back to firm up the line, and rest the rod in a stand with the tip up. Fish hold on with the bait secured to the hook — leave the bait to work, and check it regularly for bait thieves. Wind in and re-cast if the sinker drags.
Fishing South Australian surf beaches for salmon, mulloway, gummy sharks and big tommy ruff — any gutter fishing where you need the sinker to hold and the bait presented above the sand.
Single-dropper version for bigger baits and sharks; two droppers when the fish are firing; swap the star sinker for a grapnel in heavy wash; run a shorter, heavier leader for bronze whalers.
Sinker too light that drags in the wash, dropper snoods tied from line heavier than the trace (which snaps the whole rig on a snag), and reeling in a taut line when a fish is running.
A4GW CREW
Get the good stuff from A4GW straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.