Dropper Loop: Adding Hooks Above the Weight

By Cal Brannock · house pen name of the Dockrig editors · who writes here · Updated Oct 11, 2026

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The dropper loop puts a loop in the middle of the line. The loop stands out from the line at a right angle. Hang a hook on it, and the sinker goes on the end below.

It takes 4 steps. Make a loop, twist 1 side around the other 5 to 7 times, push the loop through the center and pull tight.

The 4 steps

Step 2 is about even twists. Keep the center opening in the middle so the twists split evenly. Lopsided twists make a crooked loop.

In step 3, keep the loop from pulling back out. A pencil through it works. Some anglers hold it in their teeth. We'd use a pencil or a finger.

Step 4 sets the loop. Pull slowly at first, with the line wet. Dry mono can heat and kink as the twists close. If the loop starts shrinking, hold it open with a finger while you pull.

How long is the loop?

The starting circle sets the loop size. A bigger circle gives a longer dropper. The twists use up line, so start bigger than you think.

Most droppers for panfish end up about 1 to 3 in. long. Longer droppers tangle around the main line more often. If you want a hook farther out, tie a short leader to the loop instead.

Hanging a hook on the loop

There are 3 common ways.

• Loop through the eye. Push the loop through the hook eye, then pass the hook through the loop. Pull it snug. Fast, and you can swap hooks.
• Cut 1 side of the loop. That leaves a single strand. Tie the hook to it with a snell or clinch. The hook sits farther from the line.
• Loop to a leader. Tie a 6 to 12 in. leader to the loop with a loop-to-loop connection. Good for a hook that needs to drift.

The first way is the quickest. On a crappie rig with a #4 or #6 light-wire hook, it's what we'd use.

Double dropper rig

A double dropper puts 2 hooks above the weight. Space the loops 12 to 18 in. apart. Leave 6 to 12 in. from the bottom loop to the sinker.

It's a common rig for perch, crappie and white bass. It also works for bluegill around docks in summer. Tip each hook with a minnow or a small piece of bait. Fish it straight down from a dock or anchored boat.

Hook limits per line vary by state and by water. Check local rules before you add a second hook. Your state fish and wildlife agency has them. A list of state agencies is a good place to start.

The sinker on the end does 2 jobs. It takes the rig down and keeps the loops standing out from the line.

A bank sinker kit in 1 to 3 oz suits deeper water, wind and current. In still water off a dock, a lighter weight is enough, since all it has to do is hold the rig straight below you while the loops stand out to the side.

Where it fits on the water

• Crappie around brush in 8 to 15 ft: 6 to 8 lb mono and 2 loops. Use #4 light-wire hooks and a 1/4 to 1/2 oz sinker.
• Yellow perch on a flat in 10 to 20 ft: the same rig, small hooks, worm pieces.
• White bass under birds: 1 dropper with a small jig, a heavier spoon or jig on the end.
• Catfish from the bank: 1 dropper, 15 to 20 lb mono, sinker on the bottom of the line. Bait sits just off the bottom.

On bottom rigs, the sinker hits snags first. Use a lighter line for the sinker drop, about 4 lb less than the main line. If it snags, you lose the sinker and keep the hooks.

Dropper loop vs 3-way swivel

The loop costs nothing and adds no weight. On a 6 lb crappie rig, that keeps things light and simple.

A 3-way swivel is easier to tie and change. It also handles twist from a spinning bait. In river current or with 20 lb line and up, we'd usually reach for the swivel.

Both put the hook above the weight. Pick by line size and how often you'll retie. See swivels and snaps for the hardware side.

Braid and the dropper loop

Braid is slick and thin. A dropper loop in braid can slip and won't stand out well. It also lies flat against the line.

Tie your dropper rig in a mono or fluoro leader. Join it to braid with a double uni. See knots for braided line for the full list.

Common mistakes

1. Too few twists. The knot looks loose and the loop leans. Use 5 to 7.
2. Starting circle too small. You end up with a tiny loop. Start with 4 to 6 in.
3. Loop pulls back out in step 4. Hold it open while you tighten.
4. Droppers too long. Hooks wrap around the main line. Keep loops short.
5. Hooks too close together. Under 12 in. apart, the 2 baits tangle.

When to skip the dropper loop

• A loop at the lure. That's the non-slip loop knot.
• Line to reel spool. That's the arbor knot.
• Heavy line, about 40 lb and up. The twists get bulky and hard to close. A 3-way swivel is simpler.
• Waters with a 1-hook rule. Check local rules first.

Next knots

• Fishing knots by connectionevery knot on Dockrig by job
• Non-slip loop knota loop at the lure
• Knots for braided linewhat holds in braid
• Arbor knotline to reel spool
• Knot tying toolsclippers for clean trims

Sources: articles_spec outline for steps and double dropper. Hook limits: your state agency, via the AFWA member list. Method on our methodology page.. Animated Knots: about 6 twists.