What's the best way to rig a surface iron?
 

Hi,

I searched around and couldn't find the answer. Could someone please tell me the best way to rig the surface iron? Can I just tie it to my line or is it best to have a leader with swivel?

Thanks in advance!

Just tie your line directly to your jig, you do not need a swivel.

some people tie it directly to spectra (no stretch)
some people tie it to mono leader (stretch, but more knots)

both ways are fine. its just a matter of preference. i tie it to mono 5ft fluoro topshot and 65# spectra. why? thats just how i've done it and i've caught zero yt with it so far lol :p

I tie straight to the iron with a palomar knot.

Straight mono and a san diego knot. No floro, braid, or swivels for me. Its more of a reaction bite anyway and the stretch of mono helps reduce pulled hooks.

This exactly

Surface irons don't spin, or shouldn't any way, so you don't need
A swivle. I use spectra for bait and plastics but I use straight 40lb
Mono for surface iron. I use a San Diego knot or improved clinch.
Palomar is a great knot but I find it awkward to need such a huge loop
To pass the iron through. Mike

Braid to floro with uni knot, floro to iron with SD Jam knot

Same. Works for me!

X4. Save the fluoro for bait. I still back with spectra but want a mono topshot a little longer than I can cast so the knot doesn't go through the guildes on the cast... either that or a short leader so the knot doesn't go though the guides (more of a kelp cutter rig).