Heavy Live Bait Rig Diagram & Gear List

A big non-offset circle hook is bridled through the nose or eye sockets of a live mackerel, scad, or small tuna with floss, so the bait swims freely and the hook stays clear to set in the corner of the jaw. Fished on heavy line from boats or rocks, it targets marlin, bluefin, kingfish, and giant trevally.

Also known as: Bridled Live Bait Rig (US, AU, NZ)

Where to use it: boat, kayak, pier, jetty
Difficulty: advanced

Gear List

main Line30-80 lb monofilament or 50-130 lb braid
leader60-200 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament
leader Length6-15ft of leader to the hook, joined with a wind-on or strong swivel
hook Range5/0 - 12/0 non-offset circle hook, sized to the bait and target
weight TypeNone for surface baits; a 1-4oz sliding sinker or balloon for depth control
sinker Drop LengthUsually no weight; if used, a sliding sinker sits above the leader swivel
swivelHeavy ball-bearing swivel or wind-on connection
extrasRigging floss or rubber band to bridle the bait, Balloon or float for surface baits, Bridling needle

Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Non-offset circle hooks Check hook rules and bait size.Search on Amazon 5/0 to 12/0 non-offset circle hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Heavy Live Bait Rig

Join 6-15ft of 60-200 lb leader to the main line with a wind-on or heavy swivel.
Tie or crimp a 5/0 - 12/0 non-offset circle hook to the leader.
Thread rigging floss through the bait's eye sockets or nose, twist it tight, and pass the hook through the loop so it sits clear of the bait.
Slow-troll, drift, or suspend the bait under a balloon, and let the fish turn before coming tight.

When and where it works best

Around bait schools, reef edges, FADs, and pressure points where big predators are feeding.

Is the Heavy Live Bait Rig good for beginners?

It is rated advanced: it needs heavier specialist tackle and some experience to rig and fish safely. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Heavy Live Bait Rig good for?

Yellowtail Kingfish Giant Trevally (GT)Southern Bluefin Tuna Yellowfin Tuna Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Bigeye Tuna Sailfish Blue Marlin Black Marlin Striped Marlin

Handling and regulations: Rules on billfish, bluefin tuna, sharks, and other large pelagics change often and vary by country and state. Check current local regulations, use circle hooks where required, and keep fish in the water for release whenever possible.

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Heavy Live Bait Rig?

A 30-80 lb monofilament or 50-130 lb braid main line, a 60-200 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament leader (6-15ft of leader to the hook, joined with a wind-on or strong swivel), a 5/0 - 12/0 non-offset circle hook, sized to the bait and target hook, and a None for surface baits; a 1-4oz sliding sinker or balloon for depth control. Full gear list is above.

What is a Heavy Live Bait Rig best for?

The Heavy Live Bait Rig works best for boat, kayak, pier, jetty fishing, and is a recommended setup for Yellowtail Kingfish, Giant Trevally (GT), Southern Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna. Difficulty: advanced.

Is the Heavy Live Bait Rig hard to tie?

It is rated advanced. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.