This is probably seen as a very naive question, but can anyone name benefits of building your own rigs like double drop down rigs, popping cork rigs, etc. rather than just buying the ones from academy?

I know that it can save money in the long run, but what about reliability. I am pretty crafty but the convinience of just buying ready made is tempting me.

oh and any benefit of snelling your hooks for redfish? I have never done this but I have read on various webpages you should.

I build my own rigs, this allows me to change lengths and make adjustments for my own personal preferences. I also found that circle hooks work best when snelled, and they work least reliably when they are clipped, as you would do when using store bought rigs.

All circle hooks should be snelled with the main line coming out of the eye from the point side of the shank, this insures proper alignment of the hook.

I like to build my own rigs for special applications. Like poppin' corks. Also if I am after a specific species like say shark that have sharp teeth and can cut through MONO leaders fairly easily.

Ah ok, I am going to experiment and build a few of my own and buy a few. "Pferox" thanks for the tip about snelling circle hooks, I am gonna try that as well.
"RedsRule" definitely will be building popping corks as I have only found wire leader corks where Im at...

One of the reasons I go to mono leaders is just because Sharks cut through them, don't want to mess with them anymore, gettin too old I guess.

Some of the premade leaders available at Academy aren't worth buying. It just won't hold up to larger fish. I keep spools of material on the boat and just tie up what I need usually as I need it. I use a lot of heavy mono leader unless sharks are in.

just reporting back, building rigs is definitely the way to go. I decided to buy the berkley rig building kit for 7 bucks from Gander mountain which came with a crimping tool and size 3 connector sleeves for 40to50lb leader line. I really liked the connector sleeves in this kit as they are easy to crimp.
I also bought terminal connector sleeves made by eagle claw(lazer sharp) in a size 3 as well, and for the life of me no matter how hard i clamp down with pliers or the crimping tool I cant even flatten the eagle claw sleeves at all.

Did i buy the wrong ones? or do I need bigger pliers?

I order all of my leader materials online.....you can save big money.....ebay

the hook doesn't move in their mouth, so the hook won't penetrate and that's why when you get them close, they open their mouth and out comes the jig.........





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