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Catching Memories Since 2017

Catching Memories Since 2017Catching Memories Since 2017Catching Memories Since 2017

Our Premium Reef Rigs - Swains Slayer Series™

When the Reef Hits Back, These Rigs Hit Harder

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.


 First 12 customers only: 12% OFF our premium Swains Slayer Series™ — act now, stock is limited!

BUY NOW

 On this page you’ll find every rig in the series, along with guidance on how to fish it, what species it targets, the baits that work best, and pro tips straight from the reef. Whether you’re chasing coral trout, red emperor, snapper, or pelagics, these rigs give you the edge.

Explore the full lineup of Swains Slayer Rigs—each hand tied with premium gear in Australia—then scroll down for rig-by-rig breakdowns, pro tips, and maintenance advice.” 

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

FLOATING MACKEREL RIG (RIG 282)

 

Drift Assassin™


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.
     

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

TOPWATER PREDATOR RIG (RIG 281)

 

Drift Assassin II™


A variation of the classic Drift Assassin™, fitted with two ganged 8/0 hooks instead of three. This design is ideal for anglers who prefer slightly smaller baits while still maintaining the strength and natural presentation of a gang rig.


Best For: Drift fishing in 10m–30m depths, especially when fish are fussy or baitfish are smaller.

Targets: Snapper, coral trout, spangled emperor, trevally, mackerel, and other mid-to-large predators.

Recommended Baits: Whole pilchards, garfish, strip baits, squid heads.


Tips & Tricks:


  • This rig is tied with a long 3m 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.


  • Great option when fish are biting shy and won’t take a larger presentation.
     
  • Works well with slightly lighter drags to let fish swallow before the circle hook sets.
     
  • Keep bait streamlined to maintain a natural drift.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

REEF REAPER RIG (RIG 284)

 

Reef Reaper™

A rugged all-round reef rig designed to punch baits deep into heavy structure and pull big fish out. Built on flexible yet tough 80lb coated wire leader, this rig can take the punishment of coral ledges, bommies, and reef edges where the nastiest predators live.


Best For: Working reefs, ledges, and drop-offs in 20–60m depths. Perfect when fishing anchored or lightly drifting over gnarly reef terrain.

Targets: Coral trout, red emperor, cod, sweetlip, tuskfish, and other reef bruisers.

Recommended Baits: Whole squid, hardy fillets, mullet strips, and flesh baits that can handle pecks from pickers.


Tips & Tricks:

  • Drop baits tight against structure — that’s where the trophies lurk.
     
  • Use heavier sinkers to get down fast before pickers strip your bait.
     
  • Check leaders often; reef abrasion is unforgiving.
     
  • Strike hard and turn fish quick, this rig can definitely handle it! or risk losing them in the reef.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

DEPTH CHARGER RIG (RIG 290)

 

Depth Charger™


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:

  • 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!)

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

DEPTH CHARGER XL (RIG 289)

 

Depth Charger XL™


The big-bait upgrade of the Depth Charger™, featuring a double ganged 8/0 hook system. Built for larger slab or whole fish baits, it keeps presentations secure and straight when targeting true reef monsters.


Best For: Deep dropping with big slab baits in 20–60m depths.

Targets: XL coral trout, red emperor, cod, mackerel, and other oversized reef predators.

Recommended Baits: Whole mullet, tailor, slimy mackerel, or large strip baits.


Tips & Tricks:


  • Drop big baits near structure — perfect for “one bite, one fish” encounters.
     
  • Use strong drags and be ready to turn fish immediately. (Big Reds hit like a freight train and head straight for the reef, fight them hard from the start and get them up before the taxman get them!)
     
  • Ideal for trophy hunting when size matters over numbers.
     

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

CORAL TROUT CRUSHER RIG (RIG 285)

 

Trout Crusher™


A specialised single-dropper paternoster with a realistic artificial crab lure positioned near the sinker. Proven deadly on coral trout, this rig entices aggressive strikes when bounced along reef edges and drop-offs.


Best For: Fishing tight to reef structure in 15–40m depths.

Targets: Coral trout primarily, but also cod, redthroat,  spangled emperor and other reef species.

Recommended Baits: You can use the crab lure alone; however, we seem to get the best results when we add small amounts of flesh bait or squid for added scent.


Tips & Tricks:


  • Drop straight into reef ledges and lift slowly to imitate a fleeing crab.
     
  • Short, sharp rod lifts trigger aggressive reaction bites.
     
  • Always be ready — trout hit hard and head straight for cover.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

TWISTED TWIN-STRIKE PATERNOSTER RIG (RIG 286)

 

Twin Strike™


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.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

BOTTOM BASHING PATERNOSTER FLASHER RIG (RIG 293)

 

Bottom Flasher™


A classic paternoster rig fitted with luminous beads and flash material around the hooks, imitating small baitfish. Its tough design and eye-catching appeal make it effective across a wide variety of reef species.


Best For: Bottom fishing in 20–60m depths, especially when fish need extra attraction.

Targets: Coral trout, snapper, trevally, emperor, cod, and other common reef dwellers.

Recommended Baits: Strip baits, Pilchards, squid strips, prawns — you can fish it bare to mimic tiny baitfish but we have found the additional scent when adding bait to be extremely productive


Tips & Tricks:

  • Excellent choice when fish are shy — the flash draws them in.
     
  • Works as both a baited rig and a bare “teaser” for opportunistic strikes.
     
  • Ideal as a go-to when other rigs go quiet.
     

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

SKIRTED ASSASSIN RIG (RIG 291)

 

Skirted Assassin™


A running rig armed with a 7/0 circle hook cloaked in a colourful silicone skirt and buoyed by a pompano float with lumo bead. The smaller size 7 ball sinker allows a natural drift down, perfect for fishing in depths up to 30m.


Best For: Targeting mid-depth reefs and rubble patches with a lively, buoyant presentation.

Targets: Snapper, redthroat, spangled emperor, coral trout, cod, and many more.

Recommended Baits: Whole pilchards, strip baits, or squid strips tipped inside the skirt.


Tips & Tricks:

  • The skirt adds movement and colour to draw fish in.
     
  • Perfect for lightly weighted bait fishing in shallower reefs.
     
  • Cast up-current and let the bait waft naturally into the strike zone.
     

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

SILENT SLIDING BALL SINKER RIG (RIG 292)

 

Silent Assassin™


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.
     

CHECK AVAILABILITY

SWAINES SLAYER SERIES - Rig Specific Hints & Tips

TWISTED PATERNOSTER BLANKS (RIGS 287 & 288)

 


Slayer Blanks™


Heavy-duty twisted paternoster backbones, purpose-built for anglers who like options. Each blank comes pre-tied with a 165lb swivel, leaving the hook choice up to you. Perfect for quick changeovers when leaders get damaged or frayed, or when you want to swap hook sizes to suit the bait and target.


Best For: Fast re-rigging without losing fishing time, and for anglers who prefer choosing their own hook sizes.

Targets: Whatever you rig it for — from reef bruisers like trout and red emperor to pelagics and everything in between.

Recommended Use: Pair with your preferred hooks (J or circle), add bait, and drop straight in. Available in 80lb or 100lb mono for serious stopping power.

Pack Contents: 3× pre-tied blanks per pack.


Tips & Tricks:

  • Keep a pack handy to save time if your leader gets damaged or sharked!
     
  • Match your hook size to bait profile — small squid and pilchards = smaller hooks, slabs and whole fish = larger hooks.
     
  • Pre-rig your hooks on spare blanks at home for instant changeovers on the water.

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Slayers on the Reef

 In July 2025, we took the Swains Slayer Series™ to one of Australia’s toughest fishing grounds. From stunning sunsets to hard-fighting reef fish, this trip proved what these rigs were made for — creating unforgettable memories on the reef.


What will you catch?

Rig Care & Maintenance

 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:


1. Rinse After Every Session

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.

2. Dry Properly

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.

3. Store Smart

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) 

4. Inspect Before Re-Use

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.

5. Long-Term Care

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.

Pro Tip

“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.”


Want to know the story behind the rigs built for warfare?

The Story Behind the Swains Slayer Series™

The Reef Hits Hard. with the Swaines Slayer Series™ You Hit Harder

red emperor cauch on wiggle ya worm rigs at swaines reef queensland

Swains Slayer Series™

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