Pirk and Muppet Rig Diagram & Gear List

A heavy metal pirk is jigged just off the bottom while one to three rubber muppets or feathered teasers wave on droppers above it. Cod, pollack, and coalfish often hit the teasers as the pirk flutters, so doubles are common. It is the classic North Atlantic wreck and reef rig in the UK, Ireland, and Atlantic Canada.

Where to use it: boat
Difficulty: intermediate
Common in: UK, Ireland, Canada, US

Gear List

main Line30-50 lb braid
leader50-80 lb monofilament trace
leader Length4-6ft trace with 1-3 teaser droppers of 6-8in
hook RangePirk with a 6/0 - 10/0 treble or single, plus 2/0 - 5/0 hooks on the teasers
weight TypeChrome or painted pirk (metal jig), 8-16oz, which is also the lure
sinker Drop LengthPirk at the bottom of the trace; teasers 2-3ft and 4-5ft above it
swivelHeavy crane or three-way swivels, or dropper loops for the teasers
extrasMuppets or feather teasers on the droppers

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.

8 to 16 oz metal pirks Choose weight for depth and current.Search on Amazon Pirk hooks and teaser 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 Pirk and Muppet Rig

Tie 1-3 dropper loops or crane swivels on a 4-6ft trace of 50-80 lb mono.
Attach a muppet or feather on a 2/0 - 5/0 hook to each dropper.
Clip an 8-16oz pirk to the bottom of the trace and join the top to the braid.
Drop to the bottom, wind up a few turns, then lift and drop sharply so the pirk flutters.

When and where it works best

Wrecks, reefs, and banks in cold water from 60-300ft, especially when cod are shoaled up.

Is the Pirk and Muppet Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Pirk and Muppet Rig good for?

Atlantic Cod Pollack Coalfish (Saithe)Common Ling

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 Pirk and Muppet Rig?

A 30-50 lb braid main line, a 50-80 lb monofilament trace leader (4-6ft trace with 1-3 teaser droppers of 6-8in), a Pirk with a 6/0 - 10/0 treble or single, plus 2/0 - 5/0 hooks on the teasers hook, and a Chrome or painted pirk (metal jig), 8-16oz, which is also the lure. Full gear list is above.

What is a Pirk and Muppet Rig best for?

The Pirk and Muppet Rig works best for boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Atlantic Cod, Pollack, Coalfish (Saithe), Common Ling. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Pirk and Muppet Rig hard to tie?

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