The best drone fishing rig is not automatically the rig with the most hooks. A useful rig has to match the bait, target species, sinker weight, leader strategy, local fishing rules and—critically—the payload margin of the drone carrying it.
Quick answer: start with the simplest rig that presents your bait correctly. Single-hook rigs reduce complexity, double-hook layouts add a second hook position, and double-leader configurations give you another terminal arrangement. The current DroneFisher core purpose-built rigs are $14.99 AUD at the time of writing — always confirm the live price on the product page before you buy.
Current DroneFisher rigs compared
| Rig | Configuration | Current price | Reason to compare it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drone Fishing Rig – Single Hook | Single hook | $14.99 | Lowest-complexity hook layout. |
| 1 Hook Double Leader | One hook, double-leader configuration | $14.99 | One-hook presentation with a different leader arrangement. |
| Drone Fishing Rig – Double Hook | Double hook | $14.99 | Two hook positions where the bait presentation and local rules suit it. |
| 2 Hook Double Leader | Two hooks, double-leader configuration | $14.99 | More complex two-hook terminal arrangement. |
| Flashers Rig – 120lb – Mac Tuna & Bonito | Species-oriented flasher rig | $14.55–$39.19 | A listed pelagic application rather than a generic drone-drop rig. |
Single hook versus double hook
| Factor | Single hook | Double hook |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Hook management during launch | One exposed hook to control | Two exposed hooks to control |
| Potential tangle points | Fewer components | More components |
| Rules | Check local hook and fishing rules | Especially important to confirm what your state permits |
The complete rig is part of the drone payload
Never calculate payload from bait alone. Put the bait, sinker, leader, hooks, swivels and release loop on a scale together. Then leave operating margin below the aircraft's published maximum, because line drag, wind and manoeuvring all demand additional power.
| Payload component | Planning rule |
|---|---|
| Bait | Weigh every prepared bait because size and water content vary. |
| Sinker | Include its full mass; it can be a large part of the load. |
| Leader, hooks and swivels | Include the assembled terminal rig. |
| Release loop/cable | Anything hanging from the aircraft counts. |
| Line drag | Not static scale weight, so compensate by leaving payload and battery margin. |
How to choose the right rig
- Start with the target species and bait. The rig should solve the fishing problem first.
- Use only as many hooks as the presentation requires. More hardware is not automatically better.
- Choose sinker weight and type for the conditions. Then recalculate the total aircraft load.
- Select leader/trace around abrasion and target species. Read our leader and trace guide.
- Confirm local fishing rules. Terminal tackle restrictions, protected areas, bag limits and species rules are set state by state and can vary by region and species within a single state. Check the current rules with your state fisheries authority.
- Ground-test the complete rig. Lift it from the release point and check for wrapping, spinning or hook contact.
Preventing tangles before the bait leaves the beach
- Bind soft or irregular bait so it cannot rotate freely.
- Keep sinker and hook sections separated during setup.
- Use a dedicated release loop rather than clipping onto a random swivel or hook.
- Lay main line so it pays out cleanly toward the water.
- Perform a short controlled lift before committing to the full bait deployment.
See How to Stop Drone Fishing Rigs Tangling and the Bait Release Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many hooks can I legally use on a drone fishing rig in Australia?
There is no single national answer. Terminal tackle rules are set by each state and territory fisheries authority, and they can differ by region, by species and by whether you're fishing from a boat or the shore. Check your state fisheries authority's current rules before you rig up.
Do CASA drone rules apply to drone fishing?
Yes — a fishing drone is still an aircraft the moment it leaves the sand, so CASA's standard rules for recreational flying apply to every drop. Keep the drone within visual line of sight with your own eyes, don't fly higher than 120 metres above ground level, keep at least 30 metres away from other people and never fly over anyone, fly in daylight only, and fly just one drone at a time. CASA also prohibits flying in a populous area and specifically lists beaches among its examples.
What's the difference between a single-hook and double-hook drone fishing rig?
A single-hook rig is simpler to manage during launch, has fewer tangle points, and is usually the better starting point if you're new to drone fishing. A double-hook rig gives you a second hook position, which can help when bait length or target species calls for it, but it also means two exposed hooks to control during takeoff and landing, so it demands a bit more care.
How do I stop my drone fishing rig from tangling in flight?
Bind soft baits so they can't spin, keep your sinker and hook sections separated during setup, use a dedicated release loop instead of clipping onto a hook or random swivel, and do a short controlled test lift before committing to the full drop. If the rig oscillates or the line stops feeding cleanly, abort and reset rather than pushing through it.
Browse all Drone Fishing Rigs and use the payload-planning guide before attaching a loaded rig to the aircraft.