The Pompano Rig: A Surf-Fishing Workhorse (How to Tie, Bait, and Anchor It)

The classic pompano rig—also called a high–low or two-dropper rig—is simple, stable in waves, and deadly for pompano, whiting, redfish, and more. This guide covers how to build it, best baits, and which sinkers (pyramid, sputnik, etc.) to choose for different surf conditions.

What You’re Building (At a Glance)

• Top: Barrel swivel → mainline
• Leader: 24–48" mono/fluoro with two dropper loops for hooks (some places allow three—check regs)
• Bottom: Sinker snap/clip → pyramid or sputnik sinker
• Add-ons: Color beads & floats on the droppers to lift bait and add attraction

Materials

• Leader line: 20–30 lb mono/fluoro (mono = more stretch/forgiveness; fluoro = abrasion & invisibility)
• Hooks: Short-shank circle hooks #2 to 1/0 (pompano/whiting) or up to 2/0 for larger bait/reds
• Swivel: Size 4–6 barrel swivel (top)
• Sinker clip: Duo-lock snap or dedicated sinker clip (bottom)
• Sinkers: Pyramid (general) and Sputnik/breakaway (strong lateral current) in 2–5 oz
• Attractors (optional but common): 4–6 mm beads (chartreuse/orange/yellow) and small foam floats
• Tools: Scissors, measuring tape, (optional) crimp sleeves if you prefer crimped hardware

Step-by-Step: Tie the Pompano Rig

1. Cut leader: 36–48" is versatile (shorter for heavy surf, longer for calm).
2. Top swivel: Tie a Uni or Improved Clinch to a barrel swivel.
3. Bottom sinker clip: Tie a snap/clip at the other end (same knot).
4. Droppers (2 total):
   • Measure 12–18" up from the sinker clip → form a dropper loop (3–4" loop).
   • Measure another 12–16" up → form the second dropper loop.
   • Leave 8–12" of leader from top dropper to swivel (reduces tangles).
5. Hooks on droppers:
   • Easiest: pass the dropper loop through the hook eye, then pass the hook back through the loop (lark’s head).
   • Optional: pre-tie 6–8" snoods (15–20 lb mono) with hook + beads/floats and lark’s head these snoods onto each dropper.
6. Beads/Floats (optional but effective): slide beads (and a small foam float) onto each dropper before hitching the hook, or build them into your snoods.
7. Final check: Dropper loops should stand off the main leader. Trim loops if too long to minimize tangles.

Tip: Keep the bottom dropper at least a foot above the sinker so bait doesn’t bury in sand during a set.

Double-Line T-Knots for Pompano Rigs

What it is: A T-knot creates a true 90° stand-off dropper that resists wrapping the main leader. The double-line version runs two strands through the T for extra stiffness near the knot (you can keep both strands to the hook or trim one).

Why use a T-knot instead of a plain dropper loop?

• Stands off at 90° → fewer tangles in lateral current and waves.
• Stiffer base → keeps bait/floats presented above sand and away from the sinker.
• Modular snoods → easy to pre-tie hook snoods and lark’s-head them on/off.

What you need

• Main leader: 25–30 lb mono (stiffer mono helps the T stand out).
• Snood (dropper) line: 15–20 lb for pompano/whiting; 20–25 lb if you expect reds/snook.
• Hooks: Circle #4–#2 (whiting/pompano), up to #1/0 for bigger baits.
• Beads/floats (optional): 4–6 mm beads; small foam floats.
• Swivel (top) + sinker clip (bottom) as in the standard pompano rig.

How to tie a Double-Line T-Knot (step-by-step)

1. Mark the T location: On the main leader, pick the spot for your lower dropper (at least 12–18 in above the sinker clip).
2. Overhand #1 on main: Tie a loose overhand knot in the main leader—but don’t cinch it.
3. Insert the snood (doubled): Fold a 6–8 in snood in half (this makes the “double line”). Feed the folded bight through the overhand loop so the snood exits perpendicular to the main leader. Leave your desired dropper length sticking out (e.g., 3–5 in).
4. Overhand #2 on main (lock): Tie a second loose overhand in the main leader ~1/4 in above the first and pass the same doubled snood bight through this second loop from the opposite side. This opposing pair locks the snood at 90°.
5. Dress & cinch: Moisten and cinch both overhands toward each other while keeping the snood perpendicular. You’ll see a rigid “T” form with the double-line dropper sticking out.
6. Finish the snood:
   • Option A (keep doubled): Tie the hook to both strands with a snell or improved clinch (very stiff, great for floats).
   • Option B (trim to single): Carefully trim one strand near the knot so only one strand runs to the hook (a touch more finesse).
7. Add beads/floats: Slide beads/float onto the snood before tying the hook, or pre-tie snoods with decor.

Tip: Build a second T-knot 12–16 in above the first for a two-dropper pompano rig. Keep 8–12 in from the top T to the swivel to reduce tangles on the cast.

T-Knot vs. Dropper Loop (which to choose?)

Bait

Pro move: Tip a sand flea (or shrimp piece) with a small strip of Fishbites for durability and scent. Replace baits every 10–15 minutes to stay competitive.

Sinkers: Which One & When?

Starting weights (adjust for your beach):

• Calm: 2–3 oz pyramid
• Moderate: 3–4 oz pyramid (or 3–4 oz sputnik if strong lateral drift)
• Heavy: 4–5 oz sputnik (step up first in sinker type before just adding ounces)

If the rig walks down the beach, upgrade to a sputnik before jumping multiple ounces heavier. You’ll hold bottom without killing sensitivity.

Color & Float Strategy (Attract + Elevate)

• Beads: Orange/yellow mimic sand-flea eggs; chartreuse/pink for visibility in stain.
• Floats: Small foam floats lift bait off bottom (away from crabs), and help pompano/whiting spot it in chop.
• Keep hardware compact—too much bling can spin in heavy current.

Hook, Leader & Mainline Choices

• Hooks: Short-shank circle #2 to 1/0; go smaller (#4–#2) for whiting/finicky pompano.
• Leader: 20–30 lb mono/fluoro; stiffer mono helps the droppers stand off.
• Mainline: 10–20 lb braid to a 30–40 lb mono shock leader (4–6 ft).
• Clip changes fast: Use a sinker clip and pre-tied rigs in zip bags to rotate quickly.

Rule of thumb (casting safety): about 10 lb of shock leader per ounce of sinker.

How to Fish the Rig (Efficient Beach Rhythm)

1. Find a lane: First trough, bar edges, or a rip feeder. Pompano love clean green water with moving tide.
2. Cast & set: Cast slightly up-current; let sinker plant; tighten up until the rod loads.
3. Rod in sand spike: Tip high; light drag. Add a bell or watch the tip.
4. Timer: Check baits every 10–15 minutes (or sooner if pickers are bad). Fresh bait wins.
5. Spread: If you run multiple rods, stagger distances and lanes to find fish, then duplicate the winner.
6. Move: No life after 20–30 minutes? Slide 50–100 yards to new water.

Troubleshooting

Optional: Three-Hook Variant (Check Your Regs)

• Add a third dropper between the top dropper and swivel, spaced 10–12" apart.
• Keep overall leader closer to 48" and shorten each loop to control tangles.
• Many beaches limit hook counts—verify local rules before using 3 hooks.

Quick Build Card (Pocket Reference)

1. 36–48" of 20–30 lb mono/fluoro
2. Barrel swivel (top), sinker clip (bottom)
3. Two dropper loops: first 12–18" above sinker, second 12–16" above that
4. Hooks #2–1/0 on 3–4" droppers; add beads/floats
5. Sinker: 2–5 oz (pyramid default → sputnik if drift is strong)
6. Bait: sand flea (tip with Fishbites), shrimp pieces, or clam strips
7. Check every 10–15 min, keep bait fresh, move to find fish

Dial this in and your pompano rig becomes a set-it-smart system: efficient to build, quick to adapt, and relentlessly effective in the surf.