Paternoster Rigs

In both New Zealand and Australia, the paternoster rig, commonly referred to as the dropper rig, is a popular and effective setup for anglers targeting a variety of species in coastal waters. This versatile rig is particularly well-suited for situations where fish are holding close to the seabed or structure, making it an ideal choice for anglers looking to catch species that inhabit the rocky shorelines, reefs, and other underwater structures especially in deep water.

The paternoster rig's design, featuring multiple dropper loops branching off the mainline, allows anglers to present baits at different depths simultaneously, increasing the chances of enticing fish that may be feeding at various levels in the water column.  

In New Zealand, the paternoster rig is often favoured by anglers targeting snapper, kingfish, and blue cod. These popular fish are known to frequent the coastal waters around the North and South Islands, where the rugged underwater terrain is ideal for using the dropper rig to navigate the contours of the seabed.

In Australia, particularly along the eastern and southern coasts, the paternoster rig is ideal targeting species like snapper, bream, flathead, and whiting in estuaries and along rocky shorelines. In deeper water the paternoster rig is commonly used for blue eye and pearl perch.

Its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for anglers looking to explore diverse environments and target a broad range of fish species found in the coastal waters of both New Zealand and Australia.