First Impressions of R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs
Deep drop fishing is a different beast altogether. It’s a challenging and rewarding pursuit that takes you to the ocean’s depths where bizarre and often delicious creatures reside. When you’re dangling a bait hundreds, or even thousands, of feet below the surface, your gear needs to be up to the task. This is where the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs come in.
I’ve been chasing swordfish, tilefish, and barrelfish for years, and I’ve tried just about every rig configuration imaginable. My journey to find the “perfect” deep drop rig has been filled with frustration and lost fish. I was constantly tinkering with leader lengths, hook styles, and light attachments, never quite satisfied. The promise of high-quality components and pre-assembled convenience drew me to R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs.
The rigs arrived neatly packaged. My initial impression was positive, noting the quality of the components. The luminous tubes were a welcome sight, promising enhanced visibility in the inky depths. I also liked the inclusion of an extra snap swivel, seemingly designed for attaching a light, and the overall construction appeared robust.
I had been using hand-tied rigs previously, and also some from another manufacturer that used cheaper components. I chose R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs because I needed a rig that addressed the issue of twisted leaders and lost fish. The swivel hook and breakaway snap swivel design seemed to tackle these issues directly. My first thought: Could this be the end of my deep drop rig woes? Time, and the ocean, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs off the coast of Florida, targeting tilefish in depths of 800-1000 feet. The conditions were typical for that time of year: moderate current and relatively calm seas. I baited the Mustad circle hook with a large chunk of squid and sent it to the bottom.
The ease of deployment was immediately noticeable. The pre-tied rig meant less time fiddling with knots and more time fishing. The luminous tubes glowed brightly even in the fading sunlight, giving me confidence that my bait was visible to any lurking tilefish. The breakaway snap swivel also gave me peace of mind knowing if I got snagged I wouldn’t lose the entire rig.
After about an hour, I felt the tell-tale thump of a tilefish taking the bait. The swiveled hook did its job, keeping the leader from twisting as I reeled in my catch from the depths. I landed a beautiful golden tilefish of about 15 pounds. No issues and no surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs on multiple trips, I can confidently say they hold up exceptionally well. I fished in varying conditions, from calm seas to strong currents, and the rigs consistently performed flawlessly. There were a few occasions when the breakaway snap swivel did its job, sacrificing the lead weight to save the rest of the rig from a snag.
There is very minimal wear and tear. The Mustad hooks remain sharp, and the luminous tubes still glow brightly. I make sure to rinse the rigs thoroughly with freshwater after each use. That helps to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the components.
The R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs have exceeded my expectations. Previously, I would lose fish due to twisted leaders, and often entire rigs to snags. These rigs have significantly reduced both problems, making deep drop fishing more enjoyable and productive. I would tie my own for the cost savings but the time savings of these rigs justify the purchase price.
Breaking Down the Features of R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs
Specifications
- High-Quality Components: The R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs are constructed using premium materials. This ensures durability and reliability in the harsh saltwater environment.
- Luminous Tubes: These tubes emit a bright glow underwater. That enhances the visibility of the bait and attracts fish in the dark depths.
- Extra Snap Swivel: An additional snap swivel is included. It is designed for easy attachment of a light or other attractants.
- Swiveled Hook: This feature prevents line twist. It minimizes the risk of losing fish due to tangled leaders.
- Break-Away Snap Swivel: The break-away snap swivel is a critical feature. It allows the lead weight to detach if it gets snagged on the bottom, saving the rest of the rig.
- Mustad 33950BL Hooks: These chemically sharpened black circle hooks are known for their strength and sharpness. They ensure solid hooksets.
- Dimensions: The rig has a width of 5.5 inches, length of 8 inches, and height of 0.6 inches. The dimensions are compact enough for easy storage.
These specifications are essential for deep drop fishing. The luminous tubes attract fish, the swiveled hook prevents line twist, and the breakaway snap swivel minimizes the risk of losing the entire rig. The quality of the components used in the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs directly impacts its performance and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs perform their intended job admirably. They effectively present the bait at the desired depth while minimizing the risk of line twist and lost gear. The rigs have significantly improved my success rate when targeting deep-water species.
The rig’s strengths lie in its thoughtfully designed features. The luminous tubes, swivel hook, and breakaway snap swivel all work in harmony. One area that could be improved is the addition of different hook sizes.
The R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs have definitely met my expectations. They were designed to address the common challenges of deep drop fishing. These rigs deliver on that promise.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs is simple yet effective. The rigs are easy to handle and deploy. The materials used are durable.
The rigs require no assembly and are ready to use straight out of the package. The pre-tied knots are strong and reliable.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality components ensure the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs are built to last. With proper care, these rigs should provide many seasons of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with freshwater after each use and store in a dry place. Replace the Mustad hooks if corrosion occurs or if hook points dull.
Accessories and Customization Options
The R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs come ready to use. The extra snap swivel provides some customization options. You could attach a light, flasher, or other attractants to the rig.
The rig is compatible with a variety of lead weights, depending on the depth and current. I have used weights ranging from 8 ounces to 3 pounds, with no issues.
Pros and Cons of R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs
Pros
- High-Quality Components: The use of premium materials ensures durability and reliability in harsh saltwater conditions.
- Luminous Tubes: These tubes provide excellent visibility for your bait, even in the darkest depths.
- Swiveled Hook: This crucial feature prevents line twist, reducing the risk of losing fish.
- Break-Away Snap Swivel: The breakaway snap swivel minimizes the loss of your entire rig if the weight gets snagged.
- Ready to Use: The pre-tied design saves valuable time and effort on the water.
Cons
- Hook size selection: Only one hook size available. A selection of different hook sizes would improve this product.
- Price: While the quality justifies the cost, the price point might be prohibitive for some anglers.
Who Should Buy R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs?
The R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs are perfect for serious anglers who frequently engage in deep drop fishing. They are suitable for targeting species such as tilefish, grouper, swordfish, and barrelfish. This rig is ideal for those who value convenience, reliability, and high-quality components.
Anglers who only occasionally deep drop or who prefer to tie their own rigs to save money might want to skip this product. Those who require specific hook sizes may need to look elsewhere or consider modifying the rig themselves.
A must-have accessory is a selection of lead weights to match the depth and current conditions. Using a high-quality braided line is also highly recommended for deep drop fishing.
Conclusion on R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs
The R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs are a well-designed and thoughtfully constructed product that addresses the common challenges of deep drop fishing. The high-quality components, luminous tubes, swivel hook, and breakaway snap swivel all contribute to its excellent performance. While the price may be higher than some alternatives, the convenience, reliability, and reduced risk of gear loss make it a worthwhile investment.
The value proposition is clear: these rigs offer a tangible improvement in your deep drop fishing success. They are well worth the price for serious anglers who value their time and equipment.
I would absolutely recommend the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs to anyone looking to enhance their deep drop fishing experience. If you’re tired of tangled leaders and lost gear, give these rigs a try. You might be surprised at how much more enjoyable and productive your deep-water adventures become. Invest in the R & R Lotion Deep Drop Rigs and experience the difference!
