The 5 Most Popular Surf Fishing Rigs in Florida: A Detailed Breakdown

Master Surf Fishing with the Right Rigs

If you’re surf fishing in Florida, having the right rig can make all the difference between going home empty-handed or landing a cooler full of fish. Surf fishing rigs are designed to hold your bait in place and present it effectively in the ever-changing conditions of the surf.

In this guide, we’ll break down the five most popular surf fishing rigs used in Florida, explain which species they’re most effective for, and provide tips for using them. Whether you’re targeting pompano, redfish, or even sharks, this article will help you choose the best rig for your next surf fishing trip.

1. The Double-Drop Rig

What is the Double-Drop Rig?

The double-drop rig, also known as a Pompano Rig, is one of the most popular and versatile surf fishing rigs. It features two hooks spaced apart on a leader line, with a sinker at the bottom.

Best For Targeting:

• Pompano

• Whiting

• Croaker

• Bluefish

Why It’s Effective:

This rig allows you to fish with two baits simultaneously, increasing your chances of a bite. It’s especially effective for species that patrol the surf zone in search of small crustaceans or baitfish.

How to Set It Up:

1. Attach two dropper loops to your main leader, spaced about 12 inches apart.

2. Add a pyramid sinker (2–4 oz) at the bottom.

3. Tie a size #2 to #4 circle hook to each dropper loop.

4. Bait with shrimp, sand fleas, or clam strips.

Pro Tip:

Use brightly colored beads or floats near the hooks to attract pompano.

2. The Fish Finder Rig

What is the Fish Finder Rig?

The fish finder rig is designed for catching larger species. It consists of a sliding sinker on the mainline above a swivel, followed by a leader and hook.

Best For Targeting:

• Redfish

• Snook

• Black Drum

• Sharks

Why It’s Effective:

The sliding sinker allows the fish to pick up the bait without feeling the weight, giving you more time to set the hook. This rig is perfect for presenting live or cut bait naturally in the surf.

How to Set It Up:

1. Slide a pyramid sinker or an egg sinker onto your mainline.

2. Add a bead above the swivel to protect the knot.

3. Tie the mainline to a swivel.

4. Attach a 1- to 2-foot leader to the swivel and tie on a circle hook (4/0–6/0).

5. Bait with live mullet, shrimp, or cut bait.

Pro Tip:

This rig works best in troughs or near sandbar cuts where larger fish patrol for food.

3. The Carolina Rig

What is the Carolina Rig?

The Carolina rig is a simple yet effective setup for targeting fish that feed near the bottom. It’s similar to the fish finder rig but uses a fixed leader and egg sinker.

Best For Targeting:

• Flounder

• Snook

• Spotted Sea Trout

• Black Drum

Why It’s Effective:

The Carolina rig keeps the bait close to the bottom, which is perfect for species that scour the sandy substrate for prey. It’s ideal for calm surf conditions or fishing in the backwaters near the beach.

How to Set It Up:

1. Slide an egg sinker (1–2 oz) onto your mainline.

2. Add a bead above the swivel to protect your knot.

3. Tie the mainline to a swivel.

4. Attach a 1- to 2-foot fluorocarbon leader (15–30 lb test) to the swivel.

5. Tie on a size #1 to #4 circle hook.

6. Bait with live shrimp, finger mullet, or mud minnows.

Pro Tip:

Use a lighter leader line than your mainline to make it easier to break off if the rig gets snagged.

4. The High-Low Rig

What is the High-Low Rig?

The high-low rig is similar to the double-drop rig but allows you to fish two baits at different depths.

Best For Targeting:

• Whiting

• Pompano

• Croaker

• Small Sharks

Why It’s Effective:

By presenting baits at two different heights, you can target fish feeding both close to the bottom and higher in the water column.

How to Set It Up:

1. Tie a three-way swivel to your mainline.

2. Attach a short leader (6–12 inches) with a hook to one side of the swivel.

3. Attach a longer leader (12–18 inches) with a hook to the other side of the swivel.

4. Tie a sinker to the bottom of the rig.

5. Use size #2 to #4 hooks and bait with sand fleas, shrimp, or squid strips.

Pro Tip:

Use this rig when fishing areas with less wave action to keep both baits stable.

5. The Shark Rig

What is the Shark Rig?

The shark rig is a heavy-duty setup designed to handle the strength and sharp teeth of sharks. It typically uses a wire leader and larger hooks.

Best For Targeting:

• Bull Sharks

• Blacktip Sharks

• Spinner Sharks

Why It’s Effective:

Sharks require a tough rig that won’t snap under their powerful runs. The wire leader also prevents bite-offs.

How to Set It Up:

1. Attach a large sliding sinker (5–8 oz) to your mainline.

2. Add a bead and tie the mainline to a heavy-duty swivel.

3. Attach a wire leader (80–150 lb) to the swivel.

4. Tie on a large circle hook (8/0–12/0).

5. Bait with fresh cut mullet, ladyfish, or stingray chunks.

Pro Tip:

Always check local regulations before targeting sharks, as some species are protected.

Tips for Choosing the Right Rig

1. Match the Rig to Your Target Species: Choose a rig based on the fish you’re targeting. Use smaller hooks and lighter leaders for species like pompano and whiting, and heavier setups for larger fish like redfish and sharks.

2. Adapt to Surf Conditions: Rougher surf requires heavier sinkers to keep your rig in place, while calm surf allows for lighter setups.

3. Experiment with Bait: Try different bait types with the same rig to see what the fish are biting on that day.

Elevate Your Surf Fishing Game

Choosing the right surf fishing rig is key to a successful day on the beach. Whether you’re after pompano with a double-drop rig, targeting redfish with a fish finder rig, or chasing sharks with a heavy-duty setup, the rigs in this guide will help you catch more fish in Florida’s waters.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different rigs, adapt to conditions, and enjoy the thrill of surf fishing. The ocean is waiting!