Rigging Corner: Tying up a Chicken Rig (Snapper Rig)
Eugene L. 06.18.25

Summer is here, so for the southeast United States, especially the Gulf states, that means red snapper season is also here. While you can catch the smaller varieties of snapper year-round in most states, the American Red Snapper season is usually open only during the summer and into the fall. A super prolific species that you can range in size from just a few pounds up to 30+ pounds, these snapper and many other reef fish are highly sought after for both their fight and food quality. One of the most common ways to rig up to catch American red snapper and other snapper is the chicken rig (snapper rig), a dropper loop rig that is very efficient for filling up coolers.
Knot Tying Coverage on AllOutdoor
- Are You Nuts? Know your Fishing Knots! – The Dropper Loop
- Are You Nuts? Know your Fishing Knots! – The Uni Knot
- Are You Nuts? Know your Fishing Knots! – The Surgeon Loop Knot
To tie up a Chicken Rig (Snapper Rig), you need to know how to tie the three knots linked above. Most importantly, you need to be able to tie a dropper loop, so go check out how to tie one up above and then come back here. For terminal tackle, you will need leader line anywhere from 40lb test to 80lb test, depending on what exactly you are targeting. So, for vermilion snapper and other smaller reef fish, think on the lighter end, while for targeting larger American Red Snapper, think 60 to 80lb leader.
For hooks, you will need circle hooks. One of my go-to hooks is the Mustad 12/0 39960-DT, a larger commercial-style hook great for larger snapper and grouper.
For smaller snapper and reef species, I prefer smaller 4/0 or 5/0 circle hooks, these being 5/0 Talon Series 4x Circles from Bird of Prey Tackle.
Finally, you will need some leads and swivels to finish up your chicken rig (snapper rig). You want to have at least 1lb leads and maybe even heavier, depending on depth and current. I prefer these flat weights, they don’t roll around on the gunnels and deck as much. For swivels, you want something that is at least 100lb rated.
To tie the chicken rig (snapper rig), first start with a surgeon loop knot at the end of the line; you want it to be at least a 6-inch loop.
Then, 16 inches up the line, you want to double up the line and make a 6-inch diameter loop of line.
Tie a dropper loop, cinching the knot down tight. Then go up another 16 inches from this dropper loop and tie another.
For a heavier snapper rig, I stick to two loops; for a snapper rig for vermillion snapped, I usually stick to 3 loops.
Once you’ve got your dropper loops tied, go up 16 inches of line once again and tie on your swivel with a uni-knot or whatever your knot of preference is.
Once the swivel is on, it’s time to attach the hooks and lead. Start on the inside of the circle hook and push the loop through the hook eye.
Run the end of the loop over the bend of the hook and double it back to the hook eye.
Then cinch down the line to draw the loop tight over the hook eye. Repeat this for all the hook dropper loops.
Repeat this method for the lead weight, and you are done making your chicken rig (snapper rig).