A step by step guide to bulding a boat ling rig.

Although baits and lures fished on plastic booms with a mono trace are traditional for ling and remain successful, a modern approach sees a simpler rig fish better with less tangles, and with less expensive components to minimise losses.



1. Begin by tying on to the end of the leader a size 4/0 rolling swivel and add a 3/0 oval split ring to the other end. This split ring takes the lead weight.


2. Take another swivel and add a 3/0 split ring to one end. Now put that split ring on to the bottom eye of the swivel tied to the leader.


3. To the free eye of the second swivel tie on 6 to 8-feet of 80lb Fluorocarbon line. The 80lb Fluorocarbon is way tougher than mono, and much more abrasion resistant to the teeth of ling, but with improved presentation and definitely improves overall catches. Alternatively use 120/150lb mono.


4. To the end of the Fluorocarbon for bait fishing tie on a size 8/0 to 10/0 hook, this for whole fillets of mackerel, or whole flapper mackerel.


5. When lure fishing you can reduce the Fluorocarbon to 60lbs then add a lead head appropriate to the size of shad or lure you’re fishing.

With the weight attached to the swivel split ring, when the main weight hits the seabed and you retrieve a few feet of line, the added weight of the mackerel bait, or the lead head continues to fall and this pulls out the hook length and eliminates any tangles. It’s the most simple and efficient rig when working baits tight in to structure.

The baits and lures are fished by retrieving enough line on to the reel to just lift the bait or lure just up off the seabed. Then by lifting and lowering the rod in a gentle up and down sweep, allowing the lure or bait to “hop” up and down in a natural swimming action.