Fish Finder Rigs Explained

20lb mono Flathead Fish Finder Rig with adjustable twin 1/0 hooks, sliding sinker clip, red bead and

A Fish Finder Rig is a running sinker setup in which the sinker—or a sinker clip—is positioned on the mainline above a knot-protecting bead, swivel and hook leader.

Unlike a fixed-sinker rig, the mainline can move through the sliding component when a fish takes the bait.

This reduces the immediate resistance created by the sinker while still allowing its weight and style to be matched to the current and ground being fished.

That does not make the rig resistance-free. Sinker weight and shape, water movement, line angle and tension through the rod all affect how easily the mainline moves through the sliding connection.

A Fish Finder Rig commonly includes:

• A sliding sinker or sinker clip fitted to the mainline
• A bead positioned between the sliding component and the knot
• A swivel connecting the mainline to the leader
• A monofilament or wire leader selected for the target species and ground
• A single hook or adjustable twin-hook arrangement matched to the bait

Fish Finder Rigs can be used across estuaries, beaches and surf gutters. Lighter mono versions suit clean estuary ground, heavier mono provides additional strength and abrasion resistance, and wire versions provide bite protection when toothy species are likely to be encountered.

This guide explains how the rig works, how its components fit together and how to choose a suitable leader, hook arrangement and sinker for the conditions.

How Does a Fish Finder Rig Work?

After casting, the sinker settles on the bottom while the leader and bait extend beyond the swivel.

When a fish takes the bait and moves away, the mainline can pass through the sliding sinker or sinker clip. If the sinker maintains its position, the fish can move the leader without immediately having to move the full sinker weight.

The bite is still transmitted directly through the mainline to the rod. The sliding connection reduces the sinker’s immediate resistance; it does not prevent the fisho from feeling the bite.

Fish Finder Rigs work particularly well when:

• Fishing over clean sand or mud
• Fishing estuary channels, drains and sandflat edges
• Fishing beach and surf gutters
• Using natural baits close to the bottom
• Using longer baits that benefit from an adjustable twin-hook layout
• A less restrictive running-sinker setup is preferred

The sinker should provide enough weight to maintain the required contact with the bottom without unnecessarily restricting the bait’s movement.

When strong current, heavy weed or rough ground makes the rig difficult to control, a fixed-sinker layout such as a paternoster rig may be more suitable.

See Paternoster Rigs Explained →

Which Fish Finder Rig Should You Choose?

Standard Fish Finder Rigs vary in three important areas: how the sinker is attached, the hook arrangement and the leader used.

Direct-Sliding Sinker or Sinker Clip

A ball or bean sinker can be threaded directly onto the mainline. This creates a simple running-sinker setup, but changing the sinker normally requires the mainline to be untied.

A sliding sinker clip allows the sinker weight and style to be changed without rebuilding the rig. The clip is fitted to the mainline first, followed by a bead to protect the knot before the mainline is attached to the rig’s swivel.

Single-Hook or Adjustable Twin-Hook Rig

Single-hook Fish Finder Rigs suit smaller baits and situations where a simple hook trace is all that is required.

Adjustable twin-hook versions suit longer baits such as pilchard tails, whole baitfish and strip baits. One hook remains fixed while the sliding-snelled hook is moved to match the bait length, keeping the bait straight and both hook points exposed.

Monofilament or Wire Leader

Monofilament is suitable when bite protection is not required. Leader strength should be selected according to the ground, bait size, tackle being used and likely bycatch.

As a practical guide:

• A 20lb mono version suits lighter estuary fishing over clean sand and mud
• A 40lb mono version provides additional abrasion resistance in surf gutters, around shell grit and along coffee rock edges

• A wire leader or bite section becomes appropriate when targeting toothy species or when bite-offs from likely bycatch are a genuine risk

Stronger current may require a heavier or differently shaped sinker, but it does not automatically mean the entire leader must be made heavier. Sinker choice and leader strength solve different fishing problems.

When Should You Use a Peg Float Fish Finder Rig?

A Peg Float Fish Finder Rig adds an adjustable float to the hook leader, helping lift the baited end of the rig slightly above the seabed.

The float does not lift the sinker. It adds buoyancy near the hook, helping raise the baited end of the leader slightly above the seabed.

This variation is particularly useful when:

• Small crabs are repeatedly reaching baits sitting on the bottom
• Weed or silt is fouling the bait and hook
• Light wash is burying the bait in sand
• Fish are feeding slightly above the seabed
• Additional bait visibility is useful in stirred-up water

The float is supplied at a practical starting distance from the hook. To change its position, loosen or remove the black peg, slide the float along the leader and then refit the peg to lock it in place.

The actual bait height will depend on the float position, bait weight, current and the angle of the leader. The float can help lift the bait, but it does not hold every bait at one exact depth.

40lb Mono Peg Float Fish Finder Rig

The mono version uses an approximately 700mm 40lb monofilament leader and a chemically sharpened 4/0 circle hook. It suits surf and inshore fishing where wire bite protection is not required.

40lb Wire Peg Float Fish Finder Rig

The wire version uses an approximately 700mm 40lb black coated wire leader and a chemically sharpened 5/0 circle hook. It provides additional bite protection when Tailor or other toothy species are likely to be encountered.

Both versions include a sliding sinker clip, red knot-protecting bead and 108lb rolling swivel. The sinker is not included, allowing its style and weight to be selected for the conditions.

Browse the Fish Finder and Peg Float Rig Range →

What Sinker Should You Use with a Fish Finder Rig?

The correct sinker depends on whether you want the rig to move gradually across the bottom or remain in one position.

For estuary fishing over clean sand or mud, a ball or bean sinker threaded directly onto the mainline can allow controlled movement with the current.

A sliding sinker clip provides more flexibility because different sinker styles and weights can be attached without rebuilding the complete rig.

Common choices include:

• Ball or bean sinkers when gradual movement is wanted
• Pyramid or star sinkers when additional grip is needed in sand
• Grapnel sinkers when stronger surf or sideways sweep requires firmer holding power

Use the lightest sinker that produces the intended result.

If the rig is rolling uncontrollably, increase the sinker weight or change to a shape that grips the bottom more effectively. If the rig is holding too firmly when gradual movement is wanted, reduce the weight or use a less aggressive sinker shape.

Sinkers are not supplied with Wiggle ya Worm Fish Finder Rigs because the required weight and style depend on the current, surf movement, ground and fishing method.

Common Fish Finder Rig Mistakes

Using the Same Sinker in Every Condition

A sinker that allows controlled movement in an estuary may roll uncontrollably in stronger surf. Match the sinker’s weight and shape to whether you want the rig to move gradually or remain in one position.

Fitting the Sliding Clip and Bead in the Wrong Order

Fit the sliding sinker clip to the mainline first, followed by the red knot-protecting bead. The mainline is then tied to the swivel on the rig.

Choosing Leader Strength by Fish Size Alone

Leader choice also depends on the ground and likely bycatch. Use lighter mono over clean estuary sand and mud, heavier mono where additional abrasion resistance is required, and wire when toothy species create a genuine bite-off risk.

Not Matching the Hooks to the Bait

Adjustable twin-hook rigs work best when the sliding hook is positioned to suit the bait length. Keep longer baits straight and make sure the hook points remain clearly exposed.

Using a Standard Fish Finder Rig When the Bait Needs to Be Lifted

When small crabs, weed, silt or light wash are repeatedly affecting a bait sitting on the seabed, changing to a Peg Float Fish Finder Rig may be more effective than repeatedly replacing the same bait.

Is a Fish Finder Rig the Same as a Running Sinker Rig?

A Fish Finder Rig is a type of running sinker rig. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the layouts can differ.

On a basic running sinker rig, a ball or bean sinker is normally threaded directly onto the mainline above the hook or swivel.

A Fish Finder Rig commonly uses a dedicated sliding sinker clip, followed by a knot-protecting bead, swivel and separate hook leader. The clip allows the sinker style or weight to be changed without untying and rebuilding the complete rig.

Both layouts allow the mainline to move through the sinker connection, reducing the immediate resistance created by a fixed sinker.

The main reason for choosing a clip-based setup is the ability to change sinker weight or style more easily. Leader length, hook arrangement and bait size are separate choices that do not depend on whether a sliding sinker clip is used.

Neither layout is automatically better. The appropriate choice depends on how the sinker will be attached and whether it may need to be changed as the conditions vary.

Find a Fish Finder Rig for Your Conditions

Use the following as a practical starting point:

• Clean estuary sand or mud → 20lb Estuary Flathead Fish Finder Rig
• Surf gutters, shell grit or coffee rock → 40lb Flathead Fish Finder Rig
• Weed, small crabs or bait being buried by light wash → Peg Float Fish Finder Rig
• Tailor or other toothy species → Fish Finder Rig with a wire bite-resistant leader

View the 4 Pack 20lb Estuary Flathead Fish Finder Rigs →

View the 4 Pack 40lb Flathead Fish Finder Rigs →

Browse the Fish Finder and Peg Float Rig Range →

If you want a quick recommendation based on your species, location and fishing method, use the Rig Finder Tool.

If you want to understand how Fish Finder Rigs compare with paternosters, pulley rigs and other common designs, read the Australian Fishing Rig Decision Guide.

If your fishing conditions fall outside the available options, get in touch and we can recommend or build a rig to suit.