For the last few years, a lot has changed regarding rig building and rig mechanics. A lot of additions to the market aimed at aiding rig building and effectiveness were (in my opinion) very much just money-making methods. But at the same time, much of the evolution of rigs has come in handy and proven to be very trustworthy and effective.
I am not one to criticize new technology if it works or makes carp fishing more effective, as well as safer for these beautiful creatures we fish for. But enough about that—let's get into some of the things I look for to make a rig effective. And when I say effective, I mean that, and safe to use, with a bottom lip hooking ratio that can be trusted.
Let’s start with rig material. I always go for a coated braid for my hook links, whether it be for a bottom bait setup or a spinner rig for pop-ups or wafters. Coated braid gives you the best of both worlds in terms of stiffness, and the ability to strip some coating off helps the business end have more freedom of movement—thus turning more effectively.
Secondly, hooks. I have developed a big liking and confidence in straight point hook patterns. I feel it makes a rig so much more effective when built correctly. My preferred patterns are wide gapes for bottom baits and curve shanks for pop-ups, both in straight point.
Another very important factor is the length of the hair from the bottom of the hook to the bait. When fishing pop-ups, you want your pop-up close to the shank of the hook, as it helps pick the shank up and keeps the hook point facing downwards. However, when you fish a bottom bait—especially a big hook bait—you want at least a 10mm gap from the bottom of the shank to the hook bait. This allows the rig to do what it needs to do and turn, without the bottom bait keeping the hook shank down or sideways.
Fishing a big hook bait on a spinner setup with a bait swivel, for instance, will result in more side scissor hook holds than bottom lip hook holds—making it easier to hurt or lose the fish.
There are loads more factors that each angler adds to their rig building for effectiveness and confidence, but I’ll have to leave that for next time. For now, I hope this brief explanation helps you make some effective changes to your rigs that will help you land more carp safely.
— by Juan Versfeld