Using a live shrimp as bait is one of the best ways to catch saltwater fish like redfish, tarpon, seatrout, bonefish, snook, and many more. Almost all gamefish that can swim will eat a live shrimp if they can find them easily where they live.
Are you not sure how to rig a shrimp? Here are five simple methods that have been used for years.
Live shrimp are one of the most versatile and effective baits for inshore saltwater fishing. Their natural movement in the water combined with their strong scent makes them irresistible to a variety of popular gamefish species like redfish seatrout snook, tarpon, and more. However, shrimp often need to be rigged with some weight to get them down to the strike zone or cast them further distances. There are several effective ways to rig live shrimp with weight – here are some of the best methods to try for fishing success.
Why Add Weight to Live Shrimp Rigs
There are two primary reasons you’ll want to rig your live shrimp with a weight
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Get the shrimp down deeper – Shrimp often swim near the surface naturally. But many gamefish feed deeper, near structure or on the bottom. Adding weight gets the shrimp down into the strike zone.
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Increase casting distance – Shrimp are very light baits. Weighting them allows you to cast them much further to reach fish that are hanging out away from the boat.
The most common ways to add weight are jig heads, split shots, and casting weights like bullet weights or egg sinkers. Each has their own advantages for specific situations.
Jig Head Rigs
Jig heads are a popular option for weighting live shrimp. They consist of a lead head molded onto a hook. Jigs allow anglers to cast shrimp long distances and also impart action to the bait with a jigging retrieve.
To rig a shrimp on a jig head:
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Select a jig size based on your target species and conditions. 1/8 to 1/4 oz is a versatile range for inshore fishing.
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Thread the jig into the shrimp’s body under the head. Keep the hook point exposed.
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Make sure the shrimp is properly centered on the jig head to achieve the best action.
Jig heads are excellent for fishing live shrimp under a popping cork or for vertically jigging around structure. It allows the shrimp to suspend up off bottom. The jig head also gives you more control to twitch and pop the shrimp to trigger strikes.
[Example jig head rig with shrimp]
Split Shot Rigs
Another simple option is to use small split shot sinkers to get your shrimp down deeper. The advantage of split shots is that they allow for a more natural, horizontal presentation of the bait since it is not pegged to the bottom like a jig head.
To rig shrimp with split shots:
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Thread the hook through the head or tail of the shrimp.
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Pinch 1-3 split shots 12-18 inches above the hook depending on depth needed.
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Cast out and let the rig sink to the desired level, then reel slowly to impart action.
This rig is great for drifting shrimp around shallow grass flats or slowly bouncing them along bottom contours. The shrimp swim freely above the weighted line.
[Example split shot rig diagram]
Casting Weight Rigs
For increased casting distance, many anglers use casting weights like bullet weights, bank sinkers, or egg sinkers. These sinkers can be rigged above a shrimp on a Carolina rig or used as part of a fish finder rig:
Carolina rig – The egg or bullet weight freely slides on the main line above a leader and hook threaded through the shrimp. Allows for great castability and a natural presentation.
Fish finder rig – The main line runs through the egg sinker and then to a swivel and 18-24″ leader to a hook. Lets you cast far and keep the shrimp up off bottom.
No matter which style you use, make sure to use a weight size appropriate for the rod/reel combo and conditions – usually 1/4 to 1 full ounce. And use a leader 20-30lb fluorocarbon for abrasion resistance.
[Example carolina rig diagram]
[Example fish finder rig diagram]
Additional Shrimp Rigging Tips
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When possible, hook shrimp through the horn or head area rather than the tail for better action.
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Use circle hooks or live bait hooks and set the hook with a slow, steady sweep, not a hard strike.
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Match jig head and sinker sizes to the current speed so the bait moves naturally.
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Go lighter in shallow clear water and increase weight in deep or stained water.
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Consider scent attractants like Pro-Cure to enhance the shrimp’s natural tempting properties even more.
Rigging live shrimp with a bit of weight is easy to do and can make a big difference in your inshore fishing success. Next time you head out, try one of these effective weighted rigs to get your shrimp in the strike zone and maximize your chances of getting bit! Let us know which shrimp rigging methods have worked best for you in the comments.
How to Rig a Live Shrimp to Drift in the Current
When you drift a live shrimp in the current or dangle it below a float rig or popping cork, you should use its natural kicking action to your advantage. This is what many game fish do to make them strike. The best way to do this is to hook the shrimp through its carapace. However, it is important to avoid the shrimp’s stomach and pancreas, which appear as two translucent dark spots. In version one, the hook is threaded crosswise through the carapace, just under the tip of the shell.
How to Tail Hook a Live Shrimp
It’s best to hook the shrimp through the tail when you need to cast far, like when you’re trying to get a bait in front of a fish that’s moving slowly. This will move the heavier head section to the front and make it less likely that the shrimp will tear off on the cast. Also, removing the shrimp’s tail fan will emit a scent that attracts fish. After cutting off the tail fan, put the hook through the middle of the tail so that the whole shank is hidden. Then, push the point of the hook through the bottom of the tail. Now push the tail over the hook eye and knot to hide them. A baitholder-style hook will help prevent the shrimp from sliding off the hook.
Rigging Live Shrimp In The Head vs. Tail (Best Way To Rig Shrimp)
How do you rig a shrimp rig?
All you need for this simple shrimp rig is a 20lb Monofilament leader going down to a circle hook, with a split-shot weight, and live shrimp. You want enough weight to keep the shrimp on the bottom but still light enough for the current to move it along the shoreline. To start, tie a snug knot with the leader and circle hook.
What rig do I need for a shrimp rig?
Join the Insider Club and get access to our Entire Library of Mastery Fishing Courses In most cases, the majority of strikes will come right at the bottom or close to it. All you need for this simple shrimp rig is a 20lb Monofilament leader going down to a circle hook, with a split-shot weight, and live shrimp.
How do you rig live shrimp under a popping cork?
Here are five tips to rig live shrimp under a popping cork: Tip #1: Use a weighted, slitted popping cork Weighted, slitted popping corks are great because the slits make them easy to put on, take off, and adjust the depth that your shrimp swims.
Can You Rigg live shrimp on a hook for saltwater fishing?
You simply can’t go wrong with rigging live shrimp on a hook for inshore saltwater fishing! It’s so easy even kids can do it (as you’ll see with young Shauna catching lots of snapper in this video). Everything eats a shrimp so this is a fantastic method for quick tight lines for all beginner anglers or those looking to help their kids catch a fish.