The present invention comprises a novel fishing tackle rig generally consisting of an open-eye formed by double “U” bends on the shaft of a hook or other tackle, a hook-shield which threads onto a fishing line with a hollow rear section to slide over the open-eye, a solid front section to provide structure, and a pin extending perpendicular to secure the hook-shield to the bait, and a cone shaped bait protecting device where the narrow end threads onto the fishing line and the wide end fits over the bait and other components of fishing tackle holding everything together. In an alternative embodiment, the hook-shield is replaced by integrating onto the shaft of the hook or other tackle a closing mechanism that slides along the shaft from an open position to a closed position that completes the open-eye. In preferred embodiments there is a grooved indention around the outside circumference of the wide end of the cone which may accept an O-ring, rubber band, or some other means of attaching a skirt or other attractant. Also in preferred embodiments the bait protecting device features a bait holder attached to the narrow end of the cone via a hinging mechanism that allows the free end of the bait holder to penetrate through the bait protecting device and into the bait at the wide end of the cone, and thereby secure the bait protecting device to the bait.