Assist Hook Tying Accessories

Assist hook tying accessories include braided cords, solid rings, tubing and tools for making your own assist rigs for shore jigging and vertical saltwater jigging. Tying your own rigs allows you to adapt the length and construction of the assist system to the specific jig, lure and target fish.

When choosing assist cord, focus primarily on abrasion resistance, suppleness and core construction. For connecting rings, the shape and surface smoothness where they contact the leader also matter. When finishing the rig, distinguish between tubing for protecting the binding and tubing that also helps secure a soft plastic lure.

Cords for DIY Assist Rigs

• DECOY DIY-10 Assist Braid Line – a braided cord with a removable core, which leaves a hollow braid through which the hook can be threaded. Suitable for jigging assist systems as well as rigs for large soft plastic lures and swimbaits.
• Varivas Ocean Works Assist Leader SMP – a supple Super Max Power PE material with approximately twice the abrasion resistance of standard PE braids. The surface treatment reduces water absorption and the effects of UV exposure; the inner core must be removed before forming a loop.

Solid Rings and Metal Rig Extensions

• BKK Solid Ring-51 – a stainless steel solid ring made using stamping and forging to achieve greater strength with a thinner material cross-section. The chemically polished surface reduces damage to monofilament or braid at the contact point.
• DECOY R-6 GP Ring – a seamless ring made from a single piece of metal, with a shape that limits the movement of knots and connectors. Its anti-corrosion finish is useful for heavy-duty saltwater fishing.
• Varivas Ocean Works Solid Ring – a stamped and polished stainless steel ring for attaching assist cord or a shock leader. When choosing a size, bear in mind that the stated diameter is the internal diameter, not the external diameter.
• DECOY R-8 Metal Leader – a wire adapter for extending the hook position and protecting against bite-offs from predators' sharp teeth. Eyes at both ends allow connection using split rings to build your own assist system.

Tools, Binding Protection and Lure Retention

• DECOY DT-3 Braid Knotter – a threading needle for removing the core and pulling cord through the hollow braid. It makes forming loops easier and helps minimise damage to the material during use.
• DECOY T-3 Shrink Tube – heat-shrink tubing designed primarily to protect and reinforce assist hook bindings. When heated, it contracts around the connection, covering it and reducing abrasion to the cord.
• DECOY T-4 Tuning Tube – heat-shrink tubing that creates a stop to prevent soft plastic lures from sliding down the shank of a hook or jig head. When heated, its diameter shrinks by approximately half, and it can also be used to protect an assist hook knot.

Tip: When working with braid with a removable core, prepare the hollow braid first and only then form the loop. Use hot air rather than a direct flame to shrink the tubing over the finished binding, as a flame can damage the assist cord.