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SALTWATER RIG LIBRARY

3-Way Swivel Rig

One three-way swivel, two branches: a short, lighter line to the sinker and a longer leader to the hook. The bait drifts above the bottom in the current.

Best forGrouper, snapper, amberjack
WhereChannels, passes, deep ledges
MethodBottom / drift fishing in current
DifficultyModerate
3-Way Swivel Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Main lineThree-way swivelSinker dropperBank sinkerLeaderCircle hookBait

Rig diagram (component order)

3-Way Swivel Rig: Main line, Three-way swivel, Sinker dropper, Bank sinker, Leader, Circle hook, Bait

Step-by-step how-to

3-Way Swivel Rig — BigJoe step-by-step graphic
BigJoe step-by-step graphic

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Tie the main line to one eye of the three-way swivel.

  2. 2

    Tie 12–18 in of lighter line to the second eye.

  3. 3

    Tie the bank sinker to that short dropper.

  4. 4

    Tie a 3–6 ft leader to the third eye.

  5. 5

    Tie the hook to the end of the leader.

  6. 6

    Bait it. The sinker holds bottom while the bait drifts down-current.

BigJoe Tips

  • Make the sinker line lighter so it breaks before the main line.
  • The hook leader must be longer than the sinker line.
  • Lift the sinker off the bottom now and then to keep it free.
  • More current means a longer hook leader.

Variations

  • Use an old spark plug or rock as a cheap break-away weight.
  • Add a float bead on the leader to lift the bait.
  • Shorter leader for slack tide, longer for strong current.
  • Swap the bank sinker for a pyramid on sand.

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Target Species

Black grouperMycteroperca bonaciMutton snapperLutjanus analisCubera snapperLutjanus cyanopterusGreater amberjackSeriola dumerili