Ugly Stik
2.13m
7–21 g · 6–15 lb
Rig
Paternoster rig
A fixed sinker on the end of the line with hooks on dropper loops above it.
The numbers match the parts list. The drawing is stylised, not to scale.
How it works
The paternoster keeps your baits off the bottom on short droppers while the sinker anchors the rig. It is simple, hard to tangle if you keep the droppers short, and good for fishing over rough or weedy ground.
- Best for
- Fishing over reef or weed, and for general bottom fishing with small to medium baits.
- Conditions
- Reef, weed and rough ground.
Parts list
- 1
Main line. Runs straight to the sinker.
- 2
Upper dropper loop. Tied with a dropper loop knot.
- 3
Upper hook. Baitholder or octopus, sized to the bait.
- 4
Lower dropper loop. About 40 cm below the first.
- 5
Lower hook. Same pattern as the upper hook.
- 6
Grapnel sinker. Bites into the bottom so the rig stays put.
Build it
- 1
Tie a loop or swivel at the end of the line and attach the sinker.
- 2
Tie a dropper loop about 40 cm above the sinker.
- 3
Tie a second dropper loop about 40 cm above the first.
- 4
Tie a hook to each dropper loop with a short snood.
- 5
Bait up and check the droppers hang clear of the main line.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- Simple to tie
- Baits sit off the bottom
- Works over rough ground
Watch out for
- Fish can feel the sinker
- Loops can twist in strong wash
Easy and robust, but the sinker is fixed so a fish feels the weight, and the bait cannot be made to move far.
Knots and hooks
Hook sizes 1/0 to 5/0 suit this rig. See the hook guide.
Rig and hook recommendations are pending review by a local angler. Check bag limits and gear rules for your area before you fish.
Gear
Gear that suits this rig
Shimano
3.05m
20–60 g · 8–17 lb
Okuma
3.96m
100–200 g · 15–30 lb
Penn
3.66m
80–150 g · 12–25 lb
Keep going