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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!
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.”
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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?
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.”
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