I use various types of rigs depending on where I’m fishing and how 'aware' I consider the Carp I’m fishing for are. A significant amount of the fishing I do these days is abroad, or on large waters where finding the fish is often more important than using the latest all singing all dancing rig! It is more important to me that my rigs are strong and reliable, offering maximum rig efficiency. I use heavy leads nearly all the time, even on UK waters, with a minimum of 4oz going to 10oz on the continent.

As you can see from the photograph, the rig is simple and strong, tied using components I have come to trust over the years during many thousands of hours on the bank in pursuit of big carp from all over the planet! Detailed below are the various components I use and the reason why, I hope it is self-explanatory and assists in putting a few extra fish on the bank.

Sharp hooks are of paramount importance. I often see guys whacking a rig back out after having a fish or retrieving from distance, with no check of the hook or rig change. I like to change my hook after every fish, or at very least if I’m feeling lazy, using a hook sharpener to ensure the point is razor. On a lot of the new chemically sharpened points, the point is extremely fine and is easily bent over – sometimes this is very difficult to see with the naked eye. As soon as the Carp sucks in your bait and tries to blow it out, your hook must penetrate fully – just nicking the lip or partially penetrating will often result in dropped takes or hook-pulls. You have been warned! My favourite pattern of hook is the Nash Fang X in a size 6 or 4. I’m not a fan of barbless hooks, but both the barbed and barbless version of this hook are superb. Tied with a knotless knot, they ‘kick away’ from the hook-link, allowing superb hooking potential – just try running it over the palm of your hand without it turning and taking hold. If you want proof, I hold the Essex Common Carp at 53.9lbs caught on a size 6 Fang X barbless hook from a mega weedy venue!!

Leads are another extremely important factor in the rig equation. There are really only three types of lead I use these days, all are manufactured by Atomic Tackle in their Bottle Bomb shape. I only use swivel leads, as I consider these to be the optimum in performance and casting. As I mentioned earlier, 4 – 10oz, depending on where I am and conditions / range. A heavy lead will help in rig ‘efficiency’; there is no doubt in that. If it is a local smallish UK water then a 4oz is fine, but fishing big distances overseas where waves / undertow are about, then I prefer to use leads in the 6 – 10oz bracket. This not only ensures that the hook-bait doesn’t move, it also means I can tighten down properly without moving the lead. I use a boat to drop the big leads, as casting anything over about 6oz any distance is nigh on impossible. For gravel pits or venues with a sandy type bottom make-up-up I use the gravel coating, for silt / muddy bottoms I use the Dung coating and for general situations I use the green ‘total coverage’ version. With the Dung coating, it is preferable to dip the lead in water for a while first to allow any bubbles to disappear. The dung coating can also be glugged, and soaks up any hook-bait soaks or oils very well. The ‘total coverage’ versions have camouflaged swivels too, definitely an advantage on pressured venues.

Hook Link

For a long time now I’ve used Stealth Skin in 25lb. This is available in green and a browny gold colour. It is extremely strong and the coating peels back easily. You don’t need to muck about steaming knots either, just moisten the knot with saliva before pulling tight. I prefer a hook length of around 8 inches long, with the last two inches of skin near the hook peeled back. This allows free movement of the last couple of inches to maximise hooking potential. Stealth Skin comes in various formats these days; there is a black colour, a camo version and even a multi-coloured version called Khameleon.

Swivels

These have to be strong and flexible. I use Atomics ring swivel in size 8 (compatible with most common lead-clip systems) and also Solars new ball bearing swivel. I’m not a fan of hook-link clips etc, preferring to hook the PVA bag onto the hook rather than on the hook-link itself.

Lead-Clips

I generally use either Nash or Korda. With the Korda version, I cut down the leg so that the lead is easily released. Nash version is extremely safe, with a small pin that pushes through the clip into the swivel. Atomic are working on a version, due for release soon, so watch out for it!! With big leads I want them to drop off the minute the hook is in, a big lead swinging about on the hook link playing a fish is no good for anyone.

Leaders

In my humble opinion, it is crucial the area around the hook-bait sits flat on the bottom. I use either a nylon ready-made leader, Korda do a good ‘Safe Zone’ version or lead-core. Atomic and ESP both produce good, ready to go, versions.

Flying Back Leads

I use these all the time, on every rig. We all know the importance of ensuring the area around your hook-bait is pinned down and as concealed as possible. Atomics new flying back lead is an excellent product, with significant advantages over most others on the market at the moment. I use rods with large tip eyes, as many of my colleagues and friends do too, and it is very frustrating that some flying back leads are able to go through the tip eye! Atomics version is large enough not to go through your tip ring, without the need for added bits of plastic or large beads. It has a built-in friction free sleeve, which runs through the central hole where the line goes, allowing frictionless movement up and down the line. The front side has an inverted surface that will catch the air on cast, allowing the back lead to fly smoothly back up the line.

Hair Length

Very important, too tighter hair and your hook will not turn properly. My ideal length is 5 - 10mm clearance from bend of hook to top of first boilie, this allows sufficient room for turn.

So, there you have it, my ‘Favourite Rig’. I’ve caught loads of Carp using this rig and will continue to do so until something better comes along or I stumble across a way to make my current favourite better. You need to be confident in your gear, bait and rig!

Tight Lines!!

Chris ‘Essex Man’ Woodrow