How to Tighten a Fishing Rig
Fishing rigs are as much a part of fishing as rods and reels. Rigs are a means of assembling terminal tackle such as leaders, weights, beads, hooks and lures to the main line using various knots. As a result of casting, retrieving and catching fish, some rigs and associated knots may begin to work loose. Checking and tightening your fishing rig is a way to prevent rigging failure and potentially losing a hooked fish. Tightening a rig essentially consists of tightening existing knots.
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Instructions
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1
Look at the knot used to attach the hook, lure, barrel swivel or leader to the main line. The knot used will typically consist of a loop of line passed through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel. The end of the line may be wrapped around the main line and then secured through a loop in the knot.
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Hold the line in one hand and the leader, hook or lure with the other. Pull in opposite directions and watch to determine if the knot is so loose it can be undone when pulled.
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Continue pulling the rig tight if the knots are still intact. An intact knot will have at least 1/8 inch of the free end of the line extending past the knot.
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4
Work the line through the knot to extend the free end past the knot if the entire knot needs to be tightened. Just 2 to 3 inches of line at the free end will make pulling the rig tight much easier. Gradually work the knot up the line by making small adjustments and feeding line through the knot.
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Moisten the knot slightly before pulling it down tight. Pull on either side of the knot to tighten the rig and trim excess line from the knot with scissors.
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