SALTWATER RIG LIBRARY

Pulley Rig

A surf-casting rig where the main line runs on a sliding “pulley” swivel. When a fish pulls, it hauls the sinker up off the bottom and over snags, and the fish comes in without wrapping rocks.

Best forJacks, snapper, larger surf fish

WhereRocky beaches, reef-edged surf

MethodSurf casting

DifficultyModerate

Pulley Rig — BigJoe rig illustration — Main line / shock leaderPulley swivelRig bodyLead link + grip sinkerBait clipHook snood + bait

Rig diagram (component order)

Pulley Rig: Main line / shock leader, Pulley swivel, Rig body, Lead link + grip sinker, Bait clip, Hook snood + bait

Step-by-step how-to

Pulley Rig — BigJoe step-by-step graphic — BigJoe step-by-step graphic

Step-by-step build instructions

1
Cut about 3 ft of 60 lb mono for the rig body.
2
Thread a bead, the pulley swivel and another bead onto the body.
3
Tie the lead link (with bait clip) to one end.
4
Tie a swivel to the other end and add a hook snood the same length.
5
Tie your shock leader to the pulley swivel.
6
Clip the baited hook to the bait clip and cast. A bite lifts the sinker up over snags.

BigJoe Tips

A shock leader is a must when casting heavy sinkers.
Breakaway grip sinkers hold in surf and release on the retrieve.
Wind steadily once hooked so the sinker stays lifted.
Keep the snood slightly shorter than the body so the hook reaches the clip.

Variations

Pennel rig: two hooks on the snood for long baits.
Lighter body line for smaller surf fish.
Use a plain bank sinker on smooth sand.
Add a small float bead to lift the bait off the weed.

🛒 Get the parts

Everything for this rig on Amazon:

Prefer to shop by store? See BigJoe's full gear guide →

As an Amazon Associate, BigJoe earns from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra and helps keep this guide free.

Target Species

Crevalle jackCaranx hippos Mutton snapperLutjanus analis PermitTrachinotus falcatus Atlantic tarponMegalops atlanticus