Dropper Rig poll/question

Last weekend, fishing from a boat, we lost several big fish to breakoffs above the lead fishing a standard fishfinder rig (Carolina), seemingly when a second fish grabbed the lead as often happens. We fish these rigs (50 lb line) because of the bait presentation. It seems to happen more with big fish because of the prolonged fight.

It occurs to me that a dropper rig with the lead below the bait would sometimes avoid losing the fish because the attacking fish would not cut the line above the bait. I know that it won't make a difference if a fish gets sharked. Then the question becomes how much difference the presentation makes.

I'd like to hear opinions if anybody has one to share.

Could use a 3 eyed swivel, that way if lead gets hit, it doesnt matter

That's another reason why a lot of offshore reef anglers use a 'knocker' rig.
Egg sinker is threaded on the main line and tied directly to the hook.

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Originally Posted by Pier#r

That's another reason why a lot of offshore reef anglers use a 'knocker' rig.
Egg sinker is threaded on the main line and tied directly to the hook.

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I've used a knocker, but, as I understand it, the idea is to let the egg sit on the bottom and the bait to drift out away from it. Sometimes the bite is hard to detect with the lead on the bottom (especially with a strong current) and I did get some gut-hooked fish even with a circle hook.

This also leaves one with a problem if one wants to fish up in the column.

My friend was fishing a "sort of" knocker (4 oz.) on Sunday and was getting bites up in the column, but the fish were feeding hard.

What is your understanding of how a knocker rig is supposed to be fished?

Either way.
The same concept is used by sheepshead fishermen with a jighead.

Sounds like kings were hitting the sinker as it was moving.
If you have 50# mainline & leader, snapper wouldn't bite right through it like that.

Why not try your dropper idea? If current is a factor flying bait too high above bottom, shorter dropper set low toward sinker.

And report back please.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by midwestexile

Why not try your dropper idea? If current is a factor flying bait too high above bottom, shorter dropper set low toward sinker.

And report back please.

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I will try and report back, but will probably not go fishing this week, it will be later.

I believe that one big advantage to the knocker rig as #'r described is that your bait doesn't spin on the drop and tangle your main line. This is even worse with a lot of current. With the hook pinned to the egg sinker your pinfish or cigar minnow will go straight down without making a big mess.