# Pier fishing help
**URL:** https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417
**Category:** California Fishing Information
**Created:** [May 28, 2015, 1:30am UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417 "2015-05-28T01:30:51Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@tubeN2](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/tubeN2)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2015, 12:22pm UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/21 "2015-10-29T12:22:51Z")
The drop shot and dropper loop are two different rigs yet the dropper loop is more of the saltwater version of the drop shot.
The dropper loop has the weight on the bottom just as the drop shot. They key difference is that the area to tie the hook onto will dangle from the main line instead of being fixed and rigid like the drop shot.
The loop can be tied closer or farther from the hook, depending on the distance you want to fish from the bottom. It may also be reversed in an instant to put the weight on the top and bait on the bottom.
We have a link floating around here about saltwater knots. I will find it for you.
---
### Author:  [@tubeN2](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/tubeN2)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2015, 12:34pm UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/22 "2015-10-29T12:34:47Z")
The old link we had has been deleted. Her is a new link. There are no forums on the other site so I can put the direct link here.
> **[Fishing Knots](https://www.animatedknots.com/fishing-knots)**
>
> Fishing Knots. Fishing knots are designed to be tied in monofilament or braided fishing line and to run through the eyes and rings of a fishing rod or rig.
Take note on the Dropper loop. In order to make it longer, you will need to add length to the initial upper loop area.
This is one of most widely used knots for inshore and offshore fishing on the bottom. You can even tie 2 hooks. I will usually tie them at 12 and 24 inches from the bottom.
---
### Author:  [@albinotrout](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/albinotrout)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2015, 1:55pm UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/23 "2015-10-29T13:55:39Z")
Ok so the loop is similar to how o tie my drop
Shots. I have a weight on the bottom then using three way swivels tie a line on coming off the three way swivel for my hook. But looking at this, it says I don’t want a very long length to the loop so in my minds eye the hooks are almost if not attached to the main line.
---
### Author:  [@albinotrout](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/albinotrout)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2015, 8:53pm UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/24 "2015-10-29T20:53:29Z")
The dropper loop knot looks easy enough and better than what I had been doing which was similar to a surgeons loop.
---
### Author:  [@albinotrout](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/albinotrout)
#### Post date: [October 29, 2015, 8:57pm UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/25 "2015-10-29T20:57:32Z")
Bait and plastics are ok for the Rockfish and local bottom dwellers. A Sabiki rig works good for catching the Macks.
Do you know how to tie a dropper loop? That is one of key rigs for the Stripers.
On the sabiki rigs I noticed a couple different styles/colors. Any particular one I should look at or just get multiple ones?
---
### Author:  [@tubeN2](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/tubeN2)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2015, 12:03am UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/26 "2015-10-30T00:03:44Z")
I will usually carry 1 with bigger hooks for catching Mackeral. Color is not too important since Macks hit anything with shine to it. I also carry 1 with smaller hooks to catch occasional Sardines, Anchovy or the periodic Pompano when they are around.
When you decide to surf fish, with a longer rod, you can use the #6 or #8 hook with pieces of squid, clam or sand worm to catch Barred Surf Perch, Butterlip Perch (closer to the pier) or even some Pile Perch in the warmer season.🕶
---
### Author:  [@albinotrout](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/albinotrout)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2015, 2:00am UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/27 "2015-10-30T02:00:34Z")
Ok then I should get 2 or 3 of different sizes lime 3,4,6,and 8. Maybe some with white/green and white/red. Should they be tipped with anything?
---
### Author:  [@tubeN2](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/tubeN2)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2015, 5:09am UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/28 "2015-10-30T05:09:00Z")
The Macks usually like a about a 1 inch by 1/4" piece of squid. Almost everything that get tipped up with squid is accepted as a peace offering. lol
The Sardines and Chovies require ultra small pieces of tip ups.
---
### Author:  [@albinotrout](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/albinotrout)
#### Post date: [October 30, 2015, 6:42am UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417/29 "2015-10-30T06:42:13Z")
Great sounds good.
[Previous page](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/pier-fishing-help/247417.md?page=1)