Catching Memories Since 2017

Born from years of testing on one of the toughest reef systems in Australia, the Swains Slayer Series™ is built for anglers who demand more than just “standard rigs.” Each design has been trialed and proven on our annual Swains Reef expeditions, where tooth, coral, and chaos punish anything unprepared. These rigs survived — and thrived — delivering fish after fish when lesser gear failed.

These rigs were developed from real trips to Swains Reef — see Field Notes from Swains for what the reef taught us → 

A purpose-built drift fishing rig armed with three ganged 8/0 hooks a flexible 80lb black coated stainless steel wire tied to a long heavy-duty 80lb monofilament leader. Designed for presenting whole or slab baits naturally while drifting or anchored over reefs, rubble, or drop-offs. The rig allows big baits to sit straight, perfect for targeting aggressive, toothey reef and pelagic species.

Best For: Fishing in 10m–60m depths while drifting or anchored. Works well in moderate currents.

Targets: Spanish Mackerel, Coral trout, Red emperor, Snapper, Cobia, Trevally and other hard-hitting predators.

Recommended Baits: Whole pilchards, strip baits, whole squid, small reef fish.

Tips & Tricks:

• This rig is tied with a wire trace and a long 3m 80lb mono leader tied to a swivel. This gives you enough length to have the option to cut of the swivel and attach the leader directly to your mainline to make it easier for casting if you prefer.

• Keep the drift speed slow for a natural presentation.

• Rig baits straight on the gang for maximum hook exposure.
   
• Add a light burley trail to draw fish into your drift.
   
• Great when prospecting new ground — as it covers large areas of water and finds fish fast.
   

A heavy-duty deep drop running rig armed with a size 10 ball sinker fixed into the build, paired with a luminous bead and fish-eye attractors. Finished with a single 8/0 circle hook on 100lb mono, this rig punches baits down fast to the strike zone in 20–60m depths.

Best For: Bottom fishing where getting baits down quickly is critical — reefs, ledges, and deep rubble patches.

Targets: Red emperor, nannygai, cod, coral trout, snapper, and other reef bruisers.

Recommended Baits: Whole squid, fish fillets, flesh strips, or hardy baits that hold in current.

Tips & Tricks:

• This 100lb rig is tied with a long 2m 80lb leader tied to a swivel. This gives you enough length to have the option to cut of the swivel and attach the leader directly to your mainline to make it easier for casting if you prefer. (The long leader assists in safely pulling your catch into the boat, without handling your 'skin cutting' braid.)
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• Drop straight down and hold position for best results.
   
• The luminous bead works best at dawn, dusk, and deeper water.

• When fishing at night, shine your torch on the beads before you drop for extra attractant
   
• Use fresh strip baits to resist pickers and tempt big fish. (If you use soft baits like pilchards, you'll be constantly winding back up n have arms like Popeye before you know it!)

 Twisted paternoster rigs are one of the most reliable reef setups used across Australia. Learn how they work and why they’re so effective here → 

A rugged two-dropper paternoster made from 80lb mono with red luminous beads and 8/0 beak hooks. The perfected dropper placement delivers maximum hook-up rates after years of trial and refinement. A great all round reef rig, based on one of the most popular rigs on the market.

Best For: Versatile reef fishing in 20–70m depths with bait kept just off the bottom.

Targets: Snapper, red emperor, sweetlip, tuskfish, coral trout, and more.

Recommended Baits: Squid strips, pilchards, fish fillets, or cut baits.

Tips & Tricks:

• Drop straight down over reef edges or rubble.
   
• Use different baits on each dropper to find what fish prefer.
   
• The twisted dropper design reduces tangles and improves bait presentation.

 Running sinker/fish finder rigs like this allow fish to take bait naturally without resistance. Learn how they’re used across different Australian fishing situations here → 

A simple but deadly running rig with a size 7 ball sinker sliding freely above an 80lb mono leader and a razor-sharp 8/0 beak hook. This stealth setup lets the fish take the bait without feeling resistance, making it perfect for fussy feeders. Designed for depths up to 20m, the Silent Assassin™ shines when anchored or slow drifting.

Best For: Fishing anchored reefs or slow drifts where subtlety gets the bite.

Targets: Spangled emperor, redthroat, coral trout, cod, and a wide range of reef species.

Recommended Baits: Whole pilchards, squid strips, or small fish fillets for maximum effectiveness.

Tips & Tricks:

• Keep your sinker size light to maximise stealth and natural bait presentation.
   
• Ideal for overnight anchor sessions when fish are feeding cautiously.
   
• Match bait size to your target species for better hook-ups.
   

 Keep Your Slayers Fighting Fit

Your Swains Slayer rigs are built tough — hand tied right here in Australia using only the best gear. Look after them properly, and they’ll outlast the cheap imports every time. Here’s how to keep them in top shape:

Saltwater is brutal. After each trip, give your rigs a rinse in fresh water. A quick bucket dunk or a spray with the hose knocks out the salt crystals that chew through line and hardware.

Don’t just stuff them back in the tackle box wet. Lay them on a towel, hang them in the shade, or give them a bit of airflow. Avoid direct sun — UV cooks line faster than a barra on a barbie.

Keep your rigs organised in resealable bags, rig wallets, or foam winders. Burying hooks in foam stops tangles and protects the points. Label them by species or rig type so you can grab and go when the bite’s on. (If you open the original rig packet at the bottom, you can reseal it) 

Before tying one on again, check the leader for nicks, worn knots, or chafing. Touch up dull hooks with a file, and swap out any floats, beads, or skirts that have lost their flash. A sharp rig equals a hooked fish.

Don’t abandon your rigs in a hot car or leave them baking on the deck. Store them cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Toss a silica pack in your rig wallet if you’re stashing them long-term.

“Treat your Slayer rig like a good deckie — rinse it, dry it, and don’t throw it in a rusty bucket. Do that, and it’ll keep slaying long after the cheap imports and copycat knockoffs have curled up and died.”