Last Updated on August 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
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Pre-tied dropper loops can save you time when you want to get a bottom rig in the water without stopping to tie every loop by hand. The Rig Mate 20 lb Pre-Tied Dropper Loop Rigs spool gives you clear copolymer line with evenly spaced loops, but its fixed loop layout and 20 lb strength will not suit every fishing situation. This review explains what is on the spool, how the 5.5-inch loops and 18-inch spacing affect rigging, and where the lighter 20 lb version makes the most sense. You will also see the main limitations to consider before choosing it over a heavier Rig Mate spool or a hand-tied rig.
Quick Verdict
Rating: Recommended with caveats
Best For: Anglers who want faster dropper-loop rigging with 20 lb clear copolymer line for lighter freshwater, inshore, beach, jetty, and bottom-fishing setups.
Bottom Line: The pre-tied loops remove a repetitive knot-tying step and give you consistent 5.5-inch loops spaced 18 inches apart. The tradeoff is less freedom to change loop size or spacing, and Rig Mate notes that many offshore anglers move to 40 lb or heavier line.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rig Mate |
| Model / size | 20 lbs / 20 lb |
| Product type | Pre-tied dropper-loop fishing line spool |
| Material | Copolymer, single strand |
| Color | Clear |
| Breaking strength | 20 lb |
| Line diameter | 0.41 mm / 0.0161 in |
| Pre-tied knots | 80 knots per 20 lb spool |
| Loop length | About 5.51 in / 14 cm, ±10% |
| Loop gap | About 18 in / 47 cm, ±10% |
| Estimated rigs per spool | About 20 to 26 with common 3- or 4-loop setups |
| Included component | Pre-tied fishing dropper loops |
| Warranty | 30 days listed in Amazon product information |
| Best use | Fast custom dropper-loop or paternoster-style rig building in freshwater and saltwater |
What Is the Rig Mate 20 lb Pre-Tied Dropper Loop Rig Spool?
Rig Mate sells a spool of fishing line with dropper loops already tied into the line at regular intervals. On the 20 lb version, the line is clear copolymer with a listed 0.41 mm diameter and 20 lb breaking strength. The loops are about 5.51 inches long and spaced about 18 inches apart, with the manufacturer allowing a ±10% tolerance for loop length and gap.
The main idea is speed. Instead of tying each dropper loop from scratch, you cut off the number of loops you need, add your hooks and sinker, and finish the rig. Rig Mate lists 80 pre-tied knots on the 20 lb spool and estimates roughly 20 to 26 rigs from a spool when using common three- or four-loop arrangements.
This is not a bag of 80 complete rigs. It is a continuous spool with 80 pre-tied knots that you divide into the rig lengths and configurations you want.
Before You Buy: Choose the line strength for the fish, structure, sinker weight, and conditions you actually face. Rig Mate describes 6 to 20 lb as useful for smaller freshwater species, while noting that many anglers choose 40 lb or heavier for offshore fishing.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- You want to reduce time spent tying dropper loops at home, on shore, or on the boat.
- You use lighter 20 lb line for freshwater, inshore, beach, jetty, or moderate bottom-fishing setups.
- You like changing hooks, sinkers, beads, skirts, soft plastics, or other tackle while keeping the looped leader layout ready to go.
Skip If
- You need heavier line for demanding offshore, reef, or snag-heavy conditions.
- You want custom loop sizes or spacing that differ from the fixed 5.5-inch loops and roughly 18-inch gaps.
- You prefer tying every knot yourself so you can control the exact leader layout from end to end.
Line Construction, Strength, and Knot Consistency
The 20 lb Rig Mate version uses clear copolymer line with a listed breaking strength of 20 pounds. The 0.41 mm diameter gives you a concrete reference point when comparing it with other leader materials or deciding how bulky your rig will feel once hooks and sinkers are attached.
The main quality advantage is consistency. The dropper loops are already formed and spaced on the spool, so you are not trying to reproduce the same loop length and distance between droppers every time you rebuild. That can be useful when you want repeatable rigs during a long session.
Pre-tied loops do not remove the need to inspect your finished rig. Check the line for abrasion, nicks, flattened sections, or damaged knots after snagging structure or landing a fish. A 20 lb rating also does not mean every finished setup will tolerate the same real-world load, because knots, wear, shock, sinker weight, and contact with rocks can reduce effective strength.
Loop Size, Spacing, and Rigging Speed
Each loop on the 20 lb spool is about 5.51 inches long, and the gap between loops is about 18 inches, both with a ±10% manufacturer tolerance. That fixed layout is the product’s biggest convenience and its clearest limitation.
For many dropper-loop and paternoster-style rigs, the spacing gives hooks room to sit above the sinker without requiring you to measure each position. You can cut a section with the number of loops you want, then attach tackle. If your preferred rig needs shorter droppers, much wider spacing, or a nonstandard layout, a hand-tied leader gives you more control.
Pro Tip: Decide how many hook droppers and sinker attachment points you need before you cut the spool. That helps you avoid wasting a pre-tied loop and makes it easier to estimate how many finished rigs you can build.
Freshwater and Saltwater Versatility
Rig Mate markets the system for both freshwater and saltwater use. The manufacturer specifically describes lighter 6 to 20 lb strengths as suitable for smaller freshwater species, while heavier strengths are commonly chosen offshore. The Amazon listing also positions the 20 lb version for snapper and other bottom-feeding fish.
You are not locked into one hook style or bait method. Rig Mate says you can swap hooks, add beads or squid skirts, change sinkers, or use metal lures, live bait, soft plastics, and jigheads as part of a custom setup. That flexibility is useful because the product supplies the looped line structure rather than a complete hook-and-sinker rig.
The limiting factor is still the 20 lb line. For larger fish, heavy current, abrasive reef, or strong structure, the heavier Rig Mate strengths may be a more appropriate starting point.
Storage and Tackle-Box Use
A spool format is easier to organize than carrying many loose pre-built leaders. You can keep the line contained, cut only the section you need, and add hooks or sinkers when you are ready to fish. That also lets you avoid storing multiple finished rigs with exposed hooks tangled together.
Keep the spool in a compact, moisture-resistant tackle box so the line stays organized and separated from loose hooks. Before using a cut section, inspect the pre-tied loops and line for visible damage.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Freshwater Bottom Fishing
The 20 lb strength is within Rig Mate’s lighter range for smaller freshwater species. If your target fish and cover suit 20 lb line, the pre-tied spacing can make it faster to build a multi-hook bottom rig without tying each loop individually.
For Beach, Jetty, or Rock Fishing
Rig Mate specifically promotes its system for bottom fishing from beaches, jetties, and rocks. The ready-made loops reduce setup work, but you still need to match sinker weight, hook size, and leader strength to the current, structure, and target species.
For Boat and Offshore Fishing
The system is useful when you need to re-rig quickly, but the 20 lb version is not the obvious choice for every offshore situation. Rig Mate states that many offshore anglers select 40 lb or heavier line, so the 20 lb spool is better reserved for conditions where its lighter breaking strength is appropriate.
For Long Sessions and Tournaments
The biggest practical benefit is repeatability. You can cut another section with the same approximate loop length and spacing after losing a rig, which saves measuring and loop-tying time. The fixed layout also means you give up some customization compared with tying a fresh leader for each location.
How to Use It Correctly
- Plan the rig first. Decide how many droppers you want and where the sinker will attach before cutting the line.
- Cut the needed section. Leave enough line at both ends for your main-line connection and terminal setup.
- Add compatible tackle. Rig Mate allows different hooks, sinkers, beads, skirts, live bait, soft plastics, and other common tackle choices.
- Inspect every loop. Check for abrasion or damage before casting, especially after a snag or fish.
- Match strength to conditions. Use the 20 lb version only when its breaking strength is suitable for your target species and fishing environment.
Always follow local fishing rules for hook counts, bait use, and rig configurations. Regulations can differ by location and species.
Compatibility and Safety
The line itself is clear copolymer and is designed as a rig-building component, not a complete ready-to-fish system. You still need appropriate hooks, sinkers, swivels, clips, or other terminal tackle based on your method.
Hooks and sinkers can cause injury, so assemble and store finished rigs carefully, especially around children. Replace any section with visible abrasion, cuts, or damaged knots rather than assuming the original 20 lb rating still applies after wear.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 80 pre-tied knots on the 20 lb spool reduce repetitive loop tying.
- Consistent 5.5-inch loops and roughly 18-inch spacing simplify repeat rig builds.
- Clear 20 lb copolymer line works in both freshwater and saltwater setups when the strength is appropriate.
- You can customize hooks, sinkers, beads, skirts, lures, and bait around the pre-tied loops.
- Spool format is easier to store than a pile of fully assembled multi-hook leaders.
Cons
- Fixed loop length and spacing give you less layout control than hand-tied rigs.
- 20 lb line may be too light for heavier offshore, reef, or snag-heavy fishing.
- 80 knots does not equal 80 complete rigs, because each finished rig uses multiple pre-tied loops.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
At the time of this review update, Amazon displayed a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 163 customer ratings for this 20 lb listing. That is stronger evidence than the older 4.6-from-131 figure in the previous article, which had become outdated.
Ratings can change as more buyers leave feedback, so treat the number as a snapshot rather than a permanent product spec. The more durable buying decision comes from checking whether the 20 lb strength, fixed loop layout, and spool format match how you actually fish.
Is It Worth the Price?
This is best viewed as a mid-range convenience purchase rather than the cheapest way to make dropper rigs. You are paying for the repeated knot-tying work to be done in advance and for a spool that lets you cut consistent sections as needed.
It offers the most value if you rebuild bottom rigs often, dislike tying dropper loops on the water, or want repeatable spacing across several rigs. It is less compelling if you already tie loops quickly, need custom spacing every time, or usually fish conditions that call for heavier line.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Within Rig Mate’s own range, the 10 lb version is a lighter option for smaller fish and more delicate setups, while the 40 lb and 60 lb versions give you more line strength for heavier conditions. The 20 lb spool sits between those choices and makes the most sense when you want a lighter leader than common offshore strengths without dropping to the lightest option.
A traditional hand-tied dropper rig remains the main alternative if customization matters more than speed. Hand tying lets you choose every loop length and gap, while Rig Mate trades some of that control for faster, more repeatable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complete rigs can you make from the 20 lb spool?
Rig Mate lists 80 knots on the 20 lb spool and estimates about 20 to 26 finished rigs when you use common three- or four-loop configurations. Your actual total depends on how many loops you cut into each rig.
Can you use the 20 lb Rig Mate spool in saltwater and freshwater?
Yes. Rig Mate describes the system for both freshwater and saltwater use. The key is choosing a line strength that matches your target fish, structure, current, and terminal tackle.
What hooks can you use with the pre-tied loops?
Rig Mate allows you to customize the loops with different hooks and other accessories. Choose hook style and size based on your target species, bait, local rules, and the strength of the rest of your setup rather than assuming one hook size fits every situation.
Can you use lures, live bait, or soft plastics with Rig Mate?
Yes. Rig Mate says anglers can use metal lures, live bait, soft plastics, jigheads, beads, skirts, and different sinkers with the loop system. The spool supplies the pre-tied leader structure, while you choose the terminal tackle.
Is 20 lb line heavy enough for offshore fishing?
It depends on the species and conditions. Rig Mate notes that many offshore anglers choose 40 lb or heavier strengths, so the 20 lb version should be reserved for situations where a lighter leader is appropriate.
Are the loop size and spacing adjustable?
No. The 20 lb spool comes with loops about 5.51 inches long and gaps about 18 inches apart, with a ±10% tolerance. If you need very different spacing, a hand-tied leader gives you more control.
How should you store the spool and finished rigs?
Keep the spool in a compact, moisture-resistant tackle box and separate it from loose hooks that can catch the line. Secure hooks on finished rigs and inspect the line for visible damage before reuse.
The Bottom Line
The Rig Mate 20 lb Pre-Tied Dropper Loop Rigs spool is a practical choice if you want faster, repeatable dropper-loop setups and 20 lb line is appropriate for your fishing. Skip it if you need heavier offshore strength or custom loop spacing, because its main advantage is convenience rather than full rig-design freedom.
