Skip to content
RigMyFishFind a Rig
Main line 20-30 lbSwivelHook snoodWeak link, 6-10 lbbreaks before the main lineOld weightRock and kelp
Technical layout
Main line 20-30 lbSwivelHook snoodWeak link, 6-10 lbbreaks before the main lineOld weightRock and kelp
Bottom rigs · Rig diagram & setup

Rotten-Bottom Rig Diagram & Gear List

The weight is tied on with a short piece of much lighter line, so if it jams in a crevice you pull, the weak link snaps, and you keep the rig and the fish. It is the standard UK and Irish way to fish crab or worm baits hard against kelp and rock for wrasse, where a normal rig would be lost every few casts.

Also known as: Weak-Link Rig (GB, IE)

Where to use it
jetty, pier, boat
Difficulty
intermediate
Common in
UK, Ireland

Gear List

  • main Line20-30 lb monofilament
  • leader20-30 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon hook snood
  • leader Length6-10in hook snood on a dropper above the weak link
  • hook Range#2 - 2/0 strong fine-wire or Aberdeen hook
  • weight TypeOld spark plug, stone, or cheap lead, 2-4oz
  • sinker Drop LengthWeight hangs 12-24in below the hook on 6-10 lb weak-link line that snaps before the main line
  • swivelRolling or three-way swivel at the dropper
  • extrasWeak link: a short length of much lighter line
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.

Breakaway weak-link clips Use a weaker sacrificial link for snaggy ground.Search on Amazon#2 to 2/0 Aberdeen 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 Rotten-Bottom Rig

  1. Tie the main line to a rolling or three-way swivel.
  2. Tie a 6-10in hook snood to the swivel and add a strong #2 - 2/0 hook.
  3. Tie 12-24in of 6-10 lb line below the swivel and attach the weight to its end.
  4. Fish it close in, straight down the rock face, and pull steadily to break the weak link if the weight jams.

When and where it works best

Rock marks, harbour walls, and kelp beds so snaggy that a normal lead is lost on most casts.

How it differs from similar rigs

A high-low rig ties the sinker on with line as strong as the rest; the rotten-bottom deliberately makes the weight the first thing to break.

Is the Rotten-Bottom 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 Jetty & Heavy Shore Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Rotten-Bottom Rig good for?

Ballan Wrasse

Related Rigs

High-Low RigPulley RigFish-Finder RigCarolina Rig
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 Rotten-Bottom Rig?

A 20-30 lb monofilament main line, a 20-30 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon hook snood leader (6-10in hook snood on a dropper above the weak link), a #2 - 2/0 strong fine-wire or Aberdeen hook hook, and a Old spark plug, stone, or cheap lead, 2-4oz. Full gear list is above.

What is a Rotten-Bottom Rig best for?

The Rotten-Bottom Rig works best for jetty, pier, boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Ballan Wrasse. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Rotten-Bottom 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.