You'll need: a free-running lead clip (or a strong link swivel that slides easily), two rubber buffer beads, one swivel, and 60 to 120 cm of 15 to 25 lb mono for the snood.
Step by step
- Thread the lead clip onto the mainline: let it sit so it can slide freely up and down. The lead hangs off the clip.
- Slide on two buffer beads: these protect the swivel knot from being battered by the lead.
- Tie on the stop swivel: this is what the lead rests against. It also stops the lead riding all the way down to your hook.
- Attach the snood: 60 to 120 cm of 15 to 25 lb mono to the bottom of the swivel. Longer for spookier species (bass), shorter for inshore smoothhound.
- Hook: size 1 to 4/0 depending on bait and target. Wide-gape patterns work well for crab and worm baits.
Why it fishes shy biters
When a fish picks up the bait and moves off, the line slides through the lead. The fish feels no resistance, no drag, just the bait. Crucial when you're targeting species that drop the bait the moment they feel weight, bass and smoothhound being the classic examples.