Anglers use the high low rig to increase their odds of getting a bite by presenting two baits on the same line instead of just one. It’s an effective rig for bottom fishing and surf fishing. The biggest advantage of the high low rig it’s ability to present two baits at once. The disadvantage of this rig is having the weight positioned below the hooks. By having the weight positioned below the hooks, fish immediately feel an unnatural tension in the line when they take the bait. The angler must quickly set the hook or risk the fish releasing the bait.

High low rigs are used to target a variety of species, including fluke, black sea bass, scup, stripers or tautog. Hook choice is dependent on the species. For bottom fish such as fluke, sea bass, scup, or tautog, a 4/0 to 6/0 octopus hook tipped with worms, clams or squid on a high low rig is an effective presentation. The high low is also a great rig for early or late season stripers. For stripers a 5/0 non-offset circle hook tipped with worms on a high low rig is effective. Using straight-shanked hooks will reduce tangles.

The high low is a popular rig choice when trying to pinpoint feeding activity. Anglers can use the rig to present one bait tight to the bottom while the second bait rides slightly higher in the water column. Both hooks can offer the same type of bait, or two different baits can be used to see if fish have a particular preference. The position of either hook can be adjusted up or down the line to reposition the bait within the water column.

A high low rig is very similar to both a dropper loop and chicken rig. In fact, there is little difference between the three.