The dropper loop rig is the workhorse of SoCal bottom fishing. If you’ve ever fished a party boat targeting rockfish, sheephead, or whitefish, you’ve seen this rig on every rail. It’s simple, effective, and lets you fish multiple baits at different depths \u2014 which is exactly what you want when you’re working structure and don’t know exactly where the fish are sitting.<\/p>\n\n
This guide covers how to tie the dropper loop knot, how to set up a complete rig, and when to use it versus a Carolina rig<\/a> or other bottom rigs.<\/p>\n\n A dropper loop rig places one or more hooks<\/a> on short loops that extend perpendicular to your main line, with a weight at the bottom. The hooks sit above the weight, suspending your baits at specific depths off the bottom. This design is different from a Carolina rig<\/a> where the bait sits on the bottom \u2014 a dropper loop keeps baits up in the water column where species like rockfish, whitefish, and sheephead actively feed.<\/p>\n\n Most SoCal dropper loop rigs run two hooks \u2014 one about 12 inches above the sinker and another 12\u201318 inches above that. This covers a band of water column and doubles your chances of finding where the fish are holding.<\/p>\n\n Step 1:<\/strong> Form a loop in your line where you want the hook to sit. Make the loop about 4\u20135 inches across \u2014 this will become the arm that holds your hook away from the main line.<\/p>\n\n Step 2:<\/strong> Pinch the crossing point with one hand. With the other hand, twist the loop around itself 6\u20138 times. The more twists, the stiffer the loop arm will be (which is what you want \u2014 it keeps the hook from tangling with the main line).<\/p>\n\n Step 3:<\/strong> Find the center of your twists and push the top of the loop through the middle opening. Pull it through firmly.<\/p>\n\n Step 4:<\/strong> Moisten the knot and pull both ends of the main line to tighten. The loop should stand out perpendicular to the line. If it lays flat against the line, you didn’t use enough twists \u2014 retie with more wraps.<\/p>\n\n Step 5:<\/strong> Clip one side of the loop to create a single tag end, then tie your hook to this tag using a Palomar knot<\/a>. Alternatively, you can pass the hook directly through the uncut loop \u2014 this lets you change hooks quickly without retying. See our complete knot guide<\/a> for step-by-step instructions on the Palomar and other terminal connections.<\/p>\n\n Repeat the process at your second hook position. Then tie a sinker to the bottom of the rig using a simple overhand loop or a snap swivel for quick weight changes.<\/p>\n\n Main line:<\/strong> 30\u201350lb fluorocarbon or heavy monofilament<\/a>. Many anglers pre-tie dropper loop rigs on heavy mono and attach them to their braided main line<\/a> with a swivel. This lets you swap entire rigs quickly if one gets tangled or cut off on the rocks. See our fishing line guide<\/a> for specific brand recommendations by pound test.<\/p>\n\n Hook 1 (lower):<\/strong> Positioned 10\u201314 inches above the sinker. Use a circle hook<\/a> in 2\/0\u20134\/0 for rockfish and whitefish, or a J-hook if you prefer setting the hook manually. The Owner Mutu Circle (5163)<\/a> in 2\/0\u20133\/0 is the go-to for dropper loop rigs \u2014 the medium wire handles rockfish and sheephead without straightening, and the circle design means jaw-corner hookups for easy releases on short fish. The loop arm should be 3\u20134 inches long \u2014 long enough to keep the bait away from the main line but short enough to avoid tangles.<\/p>\n\n Hook 2 (upper):<\/strong> Positioned 12\u201318 inches above the first hook. Same hook size and style. This hook fishes higher in the water column, which often catches a different species than the lower hook.<\/p>\n\n Sinker:<\/strong> 4\u201316 ounces depending on depth and current. For party boat fishing in 150\u2013300 feet of water, 8\u201312 ounces is standard. For shallower rockfish spots (50\u2013100 feet), 4\u20136 ounces works. Use a torpedo or bank sinker \u2014 their streamlined shape cuts through current better than round sinkers.<\/p>\n\n For a complete breakdown of hook models, wire weights, and sizes for every SoCal bottom species, see our hooks by species guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Squid strips are the all-time top bait for dropper loop rigs \u2014 tough, stays on the hook, and catches everything. Cut a squid into strips about 3\u20134 inches long and 1\/2 inch wide. Thread the hook through one end so the strip trails behind.<\/p>\n\n Other top baits: shrimp (whole or pieces) for sheephead, sardine chunks for rockfish, and live anchovies when you can get them. Tip: double up by putting squid on one hook and shrimp on the other \u2014 you’ll quickly learn what the fish prefer that day.<\/p>\n\n Bottom fishing with a dropper loop doesn’t require the heavy offshore gear you’d use for tuna<\/a>, but you still need enough backbone to haul fish up from deep structure:<\/p>\n\n Rod:<\/strong> A 7-foot medium to medium-heavy rod<\/a> for most party boat bottom fishing. Enough backbone to lift 8\u201312 ounces of lead plus a fish from 200 feet, with enough sensitivity to feel the bite.<\/p>\n\n Reel:<\/strong> A 20lb class conventional reel<\/a> or 30lb class<\/a> for deeper water. Conventional reels are preferred over spinning reels<\/a> for dropper loop fishing because the vertical drop-and-retrieve is easier to control.<\/p>\n\n Line:<\/strong> 30\u201340lb braid<\/a> as mainline with your pre-tied dropper loop rig attached via a barrel swivel. Braid’s zero stretch lets you feel bites clearly from 200+ feet, and its thin diameter cuts through current better than mono. See our braid vs fluorocarbon guide<\/a> for why braid mainline with a mono\/fluoro rig is the standard setup.<\/p>\n\n Hooks:<\/strong> Circle hooks<\/a> in 2\/0\u20134\/0 are the best choice for dropper loops \u2014 jaw-corner hookups, fewer gut-hooks, and better survival on released fish. The Owner Mutu Circle (5163)<\/a> and Owner SSW Circle (5178)<\/a> are both excellent for bottom fishing. See our hooks by species guide<\/a> for specific models and sizes for rockfish, sheephead, and whitefish.<\/p>\n\n For complete rod and reel pairing advice, see our best rod and reel combo guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\nWhat Is a Dropper Loop Rig?<\/h2>\n\n
How to Tie the Dropper Loop Knot<\/h2>\n\n
Complete Rig Setup<\/h2>\n\n
Best Baits for a Dropper Loop Rig<\/h2>\n\n
Tackle Setup<\/h2>\n\n
When to Use a Dropper Loop vs Other Rigs<\/h2>\n\n