Keep It Clean: Why Simple Fishing Rigs Work

Keep It Simple: Clean Rigs Catch More Fish

Do not use rigs like the picture above. I see people putting hooks on the snap swivel. Read below and see easy ways to set up your fishing rod.

When it comes to fishing, simpler is usually better. One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is over-rigging. Extra hardware, flashy wire, and bulky setups don’t help—most of the time, they hurt.

Avoid wire unless you truly need it.

Wire leaders should only be used when targeting toothy fish like bluefish or mackerel. Even then, wire isn’t always necessary. A good rule of thumb is to step up your monofilament instead. For smaller toothy fish, 50-pound mono often does the job. For larger fish, go heavier. Mono is tougher than people think and far less visible than wire.

Rule of thumb:

If you can see it, the fish can see it.

That’s why clean, low-profile rigs consistently out-fish complicated ones.

The Knocker Rig: Simple and Effective

One of the cleanest and most effective rigs you can fish is a knocker rig. It keeps everything tight to the bait and minimizes hardware.

How to tie it:

1. Tie a swivel directly to your main line.
2. Cut a short piece of monofilament leader and tie it to the swivel.
3. Slide a barrel sinker onto the leader so it can rest against the swivel.
4. Tie your hook to the end of the leader.

That’s it.

The sinker “knocks” against the swivel, keeping the bait close to the bottom and reducing tangles. There’s nothing extra for the fish to notice, and nothing unnecessary to spook them.

Final Thought

Fishing isn’t about fancy gear—it’s about presentation. Clean rigs, minimal hardware, and smart leader choices thinner the better, put more fish on the hook. Keep it simple, keep it clean, and let the bait do the work.