We all know that to sell the magazines and Jargon that we have to move forward, but for some reason some of the things i hear are taking carp fishing a step back to move the profits forwards. I'm seeing rigs that we just do not need and can be done a hell of a lot simpler with less hassle and probably works a hell of a lot better.
Just look at some of the rigs you see in the mags and simplify it in your head, and i reckon you'd improve it.
I've seen this particular rig i just don't like, i think it goes back to the days off the old method feeders - These.
So here we are, you generally thread this line an in line lead, so it is a safe rig, but what would you say would be wrong with using this method feeder? (If you use it properly like designed). One thing i identified and a lot of other people did to is the fact that you cant guarantee to have the hook bait on the right side of the feeder (Facing up - Instead of on the deck). This was a real issue in the match fishing world, so they took a step FORWARD, and designed an in line flat feeder or a feeder which only had weight on one side. This IS innovation and this is FORWARD thinking.
The rig i'm suggesting is moving backwards is a similar sort of set up. Its not a feeder but a lead and i feel it sort of gone with the same design floor as the original method feeder.
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Now don't get me wrong, im all for rig innovation and im not knocking the guy that's done the article. Its just unfortunate that i've come a cross this and i find it a perfect example of over rigging and under thinking.
Lets say you cast this out, how sure are you it wont turn and lang on the under side of the rig? Yeah i hear what your probably saying about the extra buoyancy of the pop up but i still don't feel it. This will not catch you anymore fish than a simple drop off heli rig with a short tail, in fact it'd probably be better!#
So this brings me to this conclusion then, I use probably 5 types of rigs for all my bottom and pop up fishing, here is the break down (Fished on either Mono or Braid.)
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Starting from left to right,
We have the Chod, this simple rig is probably accountable for 50% of the larger carp i have caught, I think the biggest i've had on this is 41lb. Ideal for distance fishing and searching the depths of the old plane bottomed lakes.
Next in we have the typical Arma or Fang type curved shank hook. I use these on the short hook links mostly.
Next is just the regular wide gaped hook, plain old tied on but this time with a bit of shrink tubing and a simple loop in the hair going round the hook. I use this type of set up of smooth braids as it tends to absorb water and make the point heavier than just using a rig ring.
Next in we have the old faithful, the plane Jane of carp rigs, the knotless knot plain and simple. Use this for probably 90% of my bottom fishing.
Last but not least is the long shank set up. With the rig ring on the shank, offers great capability and hooking. I don't use the rig ring for another other than bait alignment and making the hook point heavier. I use this method mainly for snowman type set ups or if i wish to fish a long hair. This rig has landed me some big carp to 49lb.
Obviously the above would be in Mono or Braid and in several different colours, but the point is there. Simple rigs do still work.
Dont get blinkered by the mags and dont stare into that tunnel to long!
