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A paternoster rig is a vertical fishing rig made up of a main backbone line with one or more short dropper arms branching off it, and a sinker attached at the bottom.

Each dropper arm holds a hook, allowing multiple baits to be fished at different heights above the bottom at the same time. This helps cover more of the water column and keeps baits clear of snags, weed, and debris on the seabed.

Because the sinker sits at the bottom of the rig, the hooks are held relatively stable in current, making paternoster rigs especially effective in tidal flow, deeper water, or rougher conditions where other rigs struggle to stay presented properly.

Paternoster rigs are chosen for control and reliability, particularly when fishing conditions are less forgiving.

They are especially effective when:

• Fishing in strong current or tidal flow
• Fishing deeper water from shore, boat, or structure
• Target species are feeding off or just above the bottom
• Snags, reef, or rubble are present
• You want to present multiple baits at once
   

Because the hooks are lifted above the sinker, baits tend to move more naturally in the current and are less likely to drag along the bottom. This improves bite detection and helps reduce fouling.

Paternoster rigs are also easy to adjust by changing sinker weight, hook size, or leader strength, making them adaptable across a wide range of fishing situations.

Mono paternoster rigs are the most common and versatile version. They are typically built entirely from monofilament leader and are well suited to lighter applications.

These rigs are commonly used for:

• Estuary fishing
• Beach and surf fishing for smaller species
• Light reef fishing
• Situations where finesse and bait movement matter
   

Mono paternosters offer good sensitivity and natural bait presentation, but they have limited abrasion and bite protection. They are best suited to species without sharp teeth and areas where snags are minimal.

 Light paternoster rigs are especially effective when targeting surf whiting in shallow gutters and broken water.
See recommended setups here →
Best whiting rigs in Australia 

Heavy mono paternosters follow the same basic design but use thicker monofilament leaders to increase strength and durability.

They are better suited to:

• Deeper water
• Stronger current
• Larger target species
• Rougher ground where lighter leaders may fail
   

The trade-off with heavier mono is reduced sensitivity and bait movement, but the added strength makes these rigs more reliable in demanding conditions.

 Paternoster rigs can be built with one or multiple hooks, depending on the situation and local regulations.

Multi-hook paternosters allow multiple baits to be presented at different depths and are effective when fish are schooling or feeding aggressively. They’re commonly used where regulations allow multiple hooks and conditions are suitable.

Single-hook paternosters offer more control, reduce tangles, and are often preferred when targeting larger fish or fishing rough ground. They are also commonly used to comply with fishing regulations that limit the number of hooks or baits per line.

For example, in Western Australia, demersal fishing regulations allow only one bait or lure per line when targeting demersal scalefish. In these situations, a single-hook paternoster keeps you within the rules while still giving you the benefits of a paternoster-style setup.

We produce a purpose-built single-hook paternoster rigs specifically for Western Australia demersal fishing conditions. It keeps fishos compliant with current hook limits while still maintaining the control and presentation advantages that make paternoster rigs effective over reef and rubble ground.

→ View our WA-ready single-hook paternoster rigs

Choosing between multi-hook and single-hook paternosters comes down to a combination of current strength, target species, how actively fish are feeding, and the regulations that apply where you’re fishing. Always check the latest official fishing regulations before heading out.

Each type of paternoster rig exists to solve a specific problem — whether that’s current, depth, snags, or bite protection. Understanding these differences helps you avoid using rigs that are under-gunned or unsuitable for the conditions you’re fishing.

The next step is learning how to choose the right paternoster rig for your specific situation.

Start with what you’re chasing. Smaller estuary and reef species are well suited to lighter mono paternosters, while larger fish or toothy species require heavier leaders or wire-assisted designs for bite and abrasion protection. 

Where you’re fishing plays a big role in rig choice:

• Estuaries and calm beaches often suit lighter mono paternosters.
• Surf, reef, and offshore fishing usually require heavier mono or hybrid rigs to handle current, depth, and structure.
• Shark and gummy fishing generally calls for wire or hybrid paternosters rather than standard mono-only setups.

 If you’re fishing reef, rubble, or rough ground, durability matters. Hybrid paternoster rigs with controlled weak points near the sinker can help reduce full rig loss if a sinker becomes snagged, while still keeping strength where the fish is connected. 

If there’s any chance of sharks, gummies, or other toothy species moving through the area, bite protection becomes important. This is where wire or hybrid paternoster rigs make sense, even if you’re not specifically targeting sharks. 

Paternoster rigs are simple in design, but small mistakes in setup or selection can significantly reduce their effectiveness. Avoiding the following common issues will help you get the most out of this style of rig. 

 Using Leaders That Are Too Light

One of the most common mistakes is using light mono paternosters in situations that demand more strength. Rough ground, deeper water, strong current, or the presence of larger fish can quickly expose the limits of under-gunned rigs.

Ignoring Bite and Abrasion Risk

Standard mono paternosters are often used in areas where sharks, gummies, or other abrasive species are present. Without adequate bite protection, bite-offs and damaged leaders become common. In these situations, wire or hybrid paternoster rigs are a better choice, even if sharks are not the primary target.

Running Too Many Hooks in Strong Current

Multi-hook paternosters can be effective, but in strong current they are more prone to tangling and poor presentation. Too many hooks can also reduce control and make it harder to manage fish during the fight. In heavy flow, simpler single-hook setups often perform better.

Incorrect Sinker Weight

Using a sinker that’s too light allows the rig to drift and tangle, while an overly heavy sinker can pin the rig unnaturally to the bottom. The sinker should be heavy enough to hold bottom while still allowing the baits to move naturally in the current.

Poor Dropper Length and Spacing

Dropper arms that are too long or spaced too closely together increase the risk of tangles and crossed lines. Balanced spacing and appropriate dropper length help keep baits separated and presented cleanly.

Assuming baits should always sit flat on the bottom

In some conditions, especially where there’s movement or uneven ground, a hook lying flat can actually work against you. On selected paternoster rigs, a small candy float is used above the hook to lift the bait slightly, helping it sit clearer of weed and shell grit and reducing tangles between droppers.

This isn’t something used everywhere. In calm water or heavy sinker setups, added lift can be unnecessary. When used selectively, though, it can noticeably improve how a paternoster rig fishes.

Candy floats are included on some of our paternoster rigs and select long cast rigs, and are also available in our accessory tackle packs for fishos who like to fine-tune their setups. 

Not Considering Fishing Regulations

In some fisheries, the number of hooks or baits per line is restricted. Using multi-hook paternosters where single-hook setups are required can put you outside the rules. Always check the latest local fishing regulations before heading out and adjust your rig accordingly.