How to rig poppers and stickbaits for GT

When a GT takes your popper at the reef edge, you need to apply pressure and get the fish away from the corals. That's when you want to be able to rely on your tackle, all the way from the leader to the hook. That's why it's worth spending some time on hooks, swivels, and split rings before you pack your bag.

Rods, reels, and lures often get the most attention before a fishing trip, but the small components also need to withstand the fishing ahead. Here we explain how to rig poppers and stickbaits for GT, the difference between single hooks and treble hooks, and how hook weight affects the lure's action.

Start with the lure and leader

For heavier GT fishing with poppers and stickbaits, PE6–PE8, a leader of around 130–200 lb, and lures of approximately 100–200 grams are a good starting point. This is also what we recommend in our guide to GT fishing and equipment. How close to the reef you fish, the current, and the lures you use will then determine your choice.

Start with the hooks and rings recommended by the lure manufacturer. A floating stickbait should sit correctly in the water, and a popper needs to get a firm grip on the surface. Hooks that are too heavy can make the lure difficult to work and alter its action more than you might think.

Don't forget to include the hooks in the lure's weight. A popper that weighs 150 grams without hooks becomes heavier when fully rigged. That is the weight you should compare with the rod's casting weight.

How to attach the leader to the lure

Tie the leader to a swivel and attach the swivel to the lure with a split ring. This is a convenient way to rig, since you can switch between a popper and stickbait with pliers without retying every time. If the leader or knot has been damaged, replace that too, of course.

In front of the lure

Leader → swivel → split ring → lure's front eyelet

At the hook attachment

Lure's hook eyelet → split ring → hook. On the Ringed Kudako, the split ring passes through the hook's fixed ring.

Tie the leader to the swivel's closed eye. The split ring then connects the swivel and the lure's front eyelet.

When should you use a ball-bearing swivel?

A good ball-bearing swivel can rotate even when the fish is pulling and helps reduce line twist. Shout! Powerful BB Swivel 412PB is one such option for heavier fishing. If the lure spins as you retrieve it, you should also check the hook weight and how you work the rod.

Shout! Powerful BB Swivel 412PB

A powerful ball-bearing swivel for heavy saltwater fishing. Size 4 has a stated strength of 266 lb, and size 5 has a stated strength of 288 lb. Make sure the swivel fits together with the split ring without the components binding.

View Powerful BB Swivel

Two other alternatives are the Sasame Ball Bearing Swivel 310-A with ball bearings and the compact Sasame Power Stainless Swivel 210-A without ball bearings. Compare the strength and dimensions of the current size when choosing between the models.

Which split ring should you choose?

A good split ring should withstand heavy loads and be large enough for the hook eye or swivel. If you have to pry it open properly to fit the components, it is too tight. Replace the ring if it does not close after installation.

Shout! Heavy Split Ring 411HS is made of flat-pressed stainless steel. Strength varies between sizes, so check the lb rating on the packaging when choosing. As the table shows, a higher size number does not always mean the ring is stronger.

Shout states the average deformation strength, meaning the force that causes the ring to change shape. The values are not a recommended drag setting. View the manufacturer's product data.

Of the sizes above, #8 is the strongest at 187 lb. However, the lure's weight alone is not enough to choose a ring; the eyes, hooks, and how hard you intend to fish also matter. Start with the lure manufacturer's recommendation and choose components that fit and can move freely.

Shout! Heavy Split Ring 411HS

Flat-pressed split rings for swivels and hooks. Bring a few extra on your trip so you can replace a damaged ring immediately and keep fishing with the same lure.

View sizes for Heavy Split Ring

Single hooks or treble hooks for GT?

You can fish with both. Single hooks mean fewer hook points to keep track of when unhooking the fish. Treble hooks have points facing in several directions and are already fitted to many lures from the start. Base your choice on how your lure is intended to be fished, and feel free to discuss hook selection with the guide before your trip.

Single hook for easier unhooking

With a large fish, it's reassuring to have fewer loose hook points around your hands. Shout! Ringed Kudako is a heavy-duty single hook with a fixed ring that attaches to the lure's split ring. This gives the hook plenty of movement and makes it suitable as a rear hook on larger poppers and stickbaits.

Choose a hook gap that extends beyond the lure body and make sure the hook hangs freely. Also try moving the hooks toward each other. If they catch on each other, you need to change the size or mounting.

Shout! Ringed Kudako Hooks

A heavy-duty single hook to attach to the rear of a popper or stickbait. The fixed ring is already attached to the hook and threads onto the lure's split ring.

See Ringed Kudako

Treble hooks on larger poppers and stickbaits

If you want to fish with a treble hook, Shout! Curve Point Treble 31 is designed for GT and other heavy saltwater fishing. It has heavy-gauge wire, inward-curving points and a finish that protects against rust.

Keep an eye on the weight when switching to a heavier treble hook. It can change how the lure sits in the water and how it responds when you work the rod. Start with the hook size recommended by the manufacturer and change one thing at a time, making it easier to find the right setup.

Shout! Curve Point Treble 31

For those who want a heavy-duty treble hook for GT fishing. Choose the size according to the lure manufacturer's recommendation and check the weights below before changing hooks.

See Curve Point Treble 31

Hook weight affects the lure's action

The same size number can mean a significant difference in weight. For example, a Ringed Kudako in 5/0 weighs 4.1 grams, while a Curve Point Treble 31 in 5/0 weighs 10.8 grams. Replacing the treble hook with the single hook makes the lure 6.7 grams lighter at that particular hook attachment point.

Average weights according to Shout: Ringed Kudako and Curve Point Treble 31. The table shows weight differences, not which hooks can replace one another.

Weigh the old and new hooks with the rings attached. Where the weight is located also matters. A lighter hook at the rear of a floating stickbait can change how the tail sits during the pause, and on a popper, the angle toward the surface can change. Test the lure in the water after changing the hooks to see how it behaves.

How to rig the lure step by step

1. Prepare the leader. Tie it to the swivel's closed ring with a knot suited to the leader material and diameter. Moisten the knot and tighten it evenly. Then pull the leader with a knot tool to check that the knot holds before attaching the lure.
2. Attach the swivel to the lure. Use split-ring pliers and open the ring just enough for the swivel's ring and the lure's front eyelet to fit on. Rotate the parts until both are fully inside the ring.
3. Attach the hooks. Thread the hook eye, or the fixed ring on Ringed Kudako, through the split ring at the hook attachment point. Let the hooks hang freely and move in both directions.
4. Test the lure in the water. Fish it with the retrieve you intend to use. The popper should grip the surface, and the stickbait should work without rolling over or catching on the hooks. Adjust one thing at a time if its action has changed.

Prepare the lures at home and pack them with hook covers. Keep extra hooks, rings and pliers close at hand in the boat, so you can quickly change them when you or the guide wants to try another lure.

Your hands need to last the entire fishing trip

Several days with heavy poppers and stickbaits take their toll on your hands, and blisters on the very first day are not something you want to deal with for the rest of the trip. A good pair of fishing gloves protects your casting finger and makes it more comfortable to hold the rod and reel during long days of fishing. Try them on with your gear at home so they fit well when it is time to fish.

Shout! Short Mesh Glove 3L

Fishing gloves with soft synthetic leather in the palm and mesh on the back that allows air to pass through. A pair to bring along when many days of popping and stickbaits lie ahead.

View Short Mesh Glove 3L

Inspect your gear after catching a fish

After catching a fish, or if the leader has been in contact with the reef, it is a good idea to run your fingers along it to check for abrasion. At the same time, inspect the rings and hooks. The rings should close tightly, and the hooks should be sharp and not bent. Replace anything that has taken damage before casting again.

Frequently asked questions about rigging for GT