Bottom Rig for Surf Fishing: How to Tie It (OBX Setup)
The two-hook bottom rig is the go-to surf rig for panfish on the Outer Banks, with two small dropper hooks above a pyramid sinker that lets you fish two baits in the trough at once. It is the rig that catches spot, croaker, and sea mullet, and it is the first rig most OBX surf anglers learn. You can buy them pre-tied or tie your own in a few minutes.
Also called a double-drop rig, spot rig, or high-low rig, it is simple, cheap, and effective. Here is how it works and how to tie one.
What is a bottom rig in surf fishing?
A bottom rig (two-hook bottom rig) holds your bait near the sand where panfish feed. Two short dropper loops hold hooks off the main line, and a pyramid sinker at the bottom digs into the sand to hold position in the surf. Both baits sit just above the bottom in the trough where fish cruise.
What you need to tie a bottom rig
- Monofilament leader line (20 to 30 lb)
- Two hooks (size 4 to 8 for spot and croaker; larger for bigger fish)
- A pyramid sinker (2 to 5 oz depending on surf)
- A swivel for the top and a snap or loop for the sinker
- Beads or floats (optional, to add color or lift)
Pre-tied bottom rigs are sold at every OBX tackle shop if you would rather not tie your own. See our surf fishing gear guide for the rest of the kit.
How to tie a two-hook bottom rig
- Tie a swivel to the top of about 24 inches of leader.
- Tie a dropper loop about 6 to 8 inches below the swivel and attach the first hook.
- Tie a second dropper loop another 8 to 10 inches down and attach the second hook.
- Tie a loop or snap at the bottom for the pyramid sinker.
- Add beads above the hooks for color if you like.
The dropper loop knot is the key knot here. Once you can tie it, the whole rig comes together fast.
What bait do you use on a bottom rig?
Small chunks of fresh bait shine: bloodworms, fresh shrimp, cut mullet, and bloodworm Fishbites are all proven. Keep baits small to match the small mouths of spot and croaker. You can fish a different bait on each hook to see what the fish want.
Bottom rig vs. fish finder rig: which should you use?
- Bottom rig — best for panfish (spot, croaker, sea mullet); two baits, two chances.
- Fish finder rig — best for bigger fish like red drum that need to run with the bait.
Many OBX anglers fish one rod with a bottom rig for panfish and a second rod with a fish finder rig or Carolina rig for bigger fish. See the full surf fishing rigs guide.
Bottom Rig Surf Fishing FAQ
What is a bottom rig used for in surf fishing?
A two-hook bottom rig is used to catch panfish like spot, croaker, and sea mullet by fishing two small baits just above the sand in the trough, held in place by a pyramid sinker.
How do you tie a two-hook bottom rig?
Tie a swivel at the top of about 24 inches of leader, add two dropper loops spaced 8 to 10 inches apart for the hooks, and finish with a loop or snap at the bottom for a pyramid sinker. The dropper loop knot is the key knot.
What size hooks go on a bottom rig for spot and croaker?
Use small hooks, size 4 to 8, because spot and croaker have small mouths. Match small bait chunks to the small hooks for the best hookup rate.
Bottom rig or fish finder rig: which is better?
Use a bottom rig for panfish like spot and croaker, and a fish finder rig for bigger fish like red drum that need to run with the bait. Many anglers fish one of each on separate rods.
