The two most widely exploited chunking rigs by surfcasters are fish finder rigs and high-low rigs. Both rigs are effective when fish correctly. But, my personal go-to chunking rig is a variation of the high-low rig. I call it the “HX” rig. The HX rig is a high-low rig without the “low” dropper loop.
The technical advantage of the HX rig versus fish finder rigs and high-low rigs is casting distance. Having the weight at the bottom of the rig, as apposed to at the top of the rig like fish finder rigs, “pulls” the rig through the air. A single dropper loop provides less wind resistance than the two dropper loops on a high-low rig.
The HX rig is also very versatile. I have caught fish with it from 2 feet of water to 30 feet of water. I always carry a spectrum of bank and pyramid sinkers from 1 1/2 oz to 6 oz. I use circle hooks with bleeding sharp points like the Owner SSW inline circle hook (9/0). Circle hooks hang a chunk better and once they penetrate, they do not come out.
Chunking is a very productive method to land keeper and trophy fish. But, casting a piece of meat into the ocean is no guarantee that you will catch fish. The superior castability of the HX rig will help you to place your tasty chunk in the strike zone.
