
Blue Water Candy Drum Rig
Purpose-built for red drum fishing with a focus on successful live releases. The short leader and 13/0 circle hook combo keeps fish hooked in the jaw for clean, fast unhooking. Available in surf and Pamlico Sound styles. See our full rigs collection for more options.
- 13/0 Eagle Claw circle hooks for live release
- 60lb monofilament leader
- Short leader design improves release survival
- Surf style with snap for weight
- Pamlico Sound style with 2oz egg sinker
- Made in USA, from $5.49
Built for Drum, Built for Release
Red drum regulations in most states require releasing fish over the slot limit. A good release starts with a good rig. The Blue Water Candy Drum Rig uses shortened leaders that reduce gut hooking and 13/0 circle hooks that catch in the corner of the jaw. That means faster unhooking, less handling, and healthier fish going back in the water.
Two styles cover both major drum fishing approaches on the Carolina coast. The surf style has a snap for attaching your own pyramid sinker. The Pamlico Sound style comes pre-rigged with a 2oz egg sinker for fishing the shallow flats. Hand made in North Carolina by Blue Water Candy.
Two styles cover both major drum fishing approaches on the Carolina coast. The surf style has a snap for attaching your own pyramid sinker. The Pamlico Sound style comes pre-rigged with a 2oz egg sinker for fishing the shallow flats. Hand made in North Carolina by Blue Water Candy.
Circle Hook for Clean Release
13/0 Eagle Claw circle hooks catch in the corner of the mouth, not the gut. This means faster dehooking and higher survival rates on released fish. Also compliant with circle hook regulations in most states.
Short Leader Design
Shortened leader reduces the chance of deep hooking. When a drum runs with bait on a short leader, the circle hook sets in the jaw before the fish can swallow it. Better for the fish, easier for you.
Two Styles for Two Fisheries
Surf style comes with a snap for your own sinker weight. Pamlico Sound style includes a 2oz egg sinker ready for the flats. Pick the style that matches where you fish for drum.
How to Fish the Blue Water Candy Drum Rig
- Choose surf style (add your own sinker) or Pamlico Sound style (pre-rigged)
- Tie the rig to your mainline
- Bait with cut mullet, shrimp, or blue crab
- Cast to sloughs, cuts, or structure where drum feed
- Let the fish run, then reel tight and let the circle hook set in the jaw
Specs & Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you buy
Full Specifications +
| Brand | Blue Water Candy |
| Type | Drum Rig |
| Hook | 13/0 Eagle Claw Circle |
| Leader | 60lb Mono |
| Styles | Surf / Pamlico Sound |
| Made In | USA |
| Variants | 2 |
| Price | From $5.49 |
What is the difference between the surf and Pamlico Sound style? +
The surf style has a snap for attaching your own pyramid sinker. The Pamlico Sound style comes with a pre-rigged 2oz egg sinker for fishing the shallow sound flats. See our redfish fishing guide.
Why use a circle hook for drum fishing? +
Circle hooks catch in the corner of the jaw, reducing gut hooking and improving live release survival. Most states now require circle hooks for drum fishing. See our circle hook guide.
What bait works best for red drum? +
Cut mullet, live shrimp, cut menhaden, and blue crab are all proven drum baits. Fresh bait outperforms frozen in most situations. See our black drum guide.
Can I use this rig for black drum too? +
Yes. The 13/0 circle hook is appropriate for both red and black drum. Use cut blue crab or shrimp for black drum. See our sheepshead guide.
Do you carry other Blue Water Candy rigs? +
Yes. We carry king rigs, sheepshead rigs, bottom rigs, tandem striper rigs, and more. All hand made in North Carolina. See our full rigs collection.
What rod and reel do I need for drum fishing? +
A medium-heavy spinning or conventional rod in the 7-8 foot range with 20-30lb line is standard for drum fishing from the surf or sound. See our rigging guide.