Here is a rig I have been thinking of for quite some time. I have not had the opportunity to test it but soon we will have some feedback if all goes well.
The reason for this rig is that reports of specimens caught in deep water is increasing and some natural phenomena suggest a congregation of fish at specific depth. Now other tests conducted on deep fishing styles have also indicated certain factors that indicates that the best means of targeting at depth and most successful is Live Baiting. Herein lies quite a challenge and one would have to start to experience and overcome these challenges.
This rig was designed with specific issues in mind and I believe it over comes most of them which will be being burnt off/reefed, fighting a fish with a weight attached or operating separate devices to deep drop.
The rig uses 9-10m of stranded nylon coated steel, a power swivel, some crimps, some dacron or wax line and high quality strong J hooks.
Crimp the Ball Bearing swivel onto the end. I use two crimps to ensure strength and melt the nylon coating together just to have it as strong as possible. The swivel is about a 600 pound but I'm sure a 200-250 will be fine.
I added an anti chaff just for additional safety. Then cover in Heatshrink.
About 1/2 to 1m away from the swivel tie Dacron onto the wire. Start with a Granny knot and keeping pressure on the tag end make 3 half hitches tightly. Make a loop now and continue with another 4 half hitches. Seal with super glue.
Leave a 1/2m gap and repeat process. Once done you will be left with two loops on the cable. They are to be used for the self release weight that you will select according to the depth and current on your expedition. Picture below shows how you tie the sinker in with mono that will break at the point based on your selection of mono. This will release the sinker and leave you with just the fish.
At the bussiness end you leave a long tag end and snell the first hook onto the wire. Taking care as this is where the doggies get hooked 70% of the time.
Know for the back hook. This will be stiffed rigged. Wire thru hook eye, around shaft and back thru. Double crimp and melt the nylon coating.
You are now done. Lenghts and hook sizes you will have to work out for yourself as it is all dependant on bait used.
Just another tip depending on how deep and current, you might want to add an additional 6 ounce weight close to the bait just to assist with unnecessary tangles.
