Best rig for deep sea bottom fishing

[ft86tt]

In your opinion, what is the best rig for 60 ft or deeper waters when the target is snapper or grouper? I used a Carolina rig on my last trip and the leader got tangled to the main line every once in a while. This happened because the bait was doing a "helicopter" motion and twisting itself around the main line. I have read online that a knocker rig would be the best bet to avoid getting tangled. Is this true? Is it better than using a three way swivel? Mackerelman SkyJay

[Mackerelman]

If You were using Dead Bait, the Anal Fins need to be Cut Off.
You can either Use a (Knocker or Carolina Rig) or a Egg Sinker above the Swivel.
A 3-way swivel will tangle Your Lines with the swift current out there.

Another thing about using a 3-way swivel, if You catch 2 Fish at one time, You may Lose one or both Fish when You go to Reel them In.
But I have seen it done.

[detroitd]

I'm in no way an expert at deep fishing, but I do know a 3 way swivel is troublesome. Even from shore or pier they are a pain. Plus you introduce an additional weak point in your setup.

Knocker rig would probably be best to get that weight shifted down to the hook to minimize helicoptering.

D

[ft86tt]

Thanks guys! Will try it next time out on Two Georges or any other offshore fishing.

[SkyJay]

often times, "helicoptering" can be as
simple as improperly hooking your bait.
Have Mike, the deckhand, or captain Jessie
give you a quick lesson on how to hook
your baits so they wont spin.
Knocker rigs are great, but on the
days when the fish are picky, a leader will get
more bites.
Especially with wary Mangos.
also, egg sinkers and braided lines dont
mix well.
if you are using braided line,
a topshot of mono attached to your braid
with an FG knot will not only aleviate
tangles but also give you a bit of a shock absorber
preventing pulled and straightened hooks on big fish.

[SkyJay]

oh and no to the 3 way swivels.
personally i use jigheads almost exclusivly
anymore by the way.

[eaglesfanguy]

K.I.S.S .... if using braid line, used atleast 3 to 5 ft of Yozuri pink Florocarbon leader. . I don't have an issue with the sinkers on braid. I will usually put sinker "egg slider" in the braid, then a barrel swivel bearing swivel if i can get em, Make sure you put a damper bead on after sinker, and before swivel.The 36'' to 5ft florocarbon leader. Then snell a 4 to 7/0 octopus hook. Always make your bait as streamlined as you can.
If you see it hellocopter, pull it back up and rig it right.
A spining bait is unnatural, if you streamline it you might get something special on the way down.
If your using squid thread it on the hook like a worm. If using a sardine. always cut the tail off and thread either head first or tail first.
Start with 4 oz, and see if it holds bottom.. Don't be afraid of going heavier on weight. If you ar free floating chances are, you will get tangled up.

[imac813]

I vote knocker rig or jig head... the weight closer to the bait will give you the most control on the way down