Lead systems play a crucial role in carp fishing, as they help present the bait effectively and provide the necessary casting weight. In this guide, we will explore various lead systems used in carp fishing, highlighting their advantages and ideal situations to use them. By understanding these systems, you can fine-tune your carp fishing approach and increase your chances of landing that dream catch.
1. Inline Lead System
Usage and Benefits
The inline lead system is a simple and versatile setup that has been widely used in carp fishing for many years. It’s an excellent choice for fishing on clean bottoms and provides good hooking potential due to its self-hooking properties.
Types of Inline Leads
There are several types of inline leads, including:
- Inline Pear: Ideal for medium-range casting and fishing on slopes.
- Inline Flat Pear: Suitable for fishing on flat bottoms or near margins.
- Inline Distance: Designed for long-range casting and fishing in windy conditions.
How to Set Up an Inline Lead System
To set up an inline lead system, follow these steps:
- Thread the mainline through the lead’s central hole.
- Attach a swivel to the mainline using a suitable knot, such as the Palomar or improved clinch knot.
- Insert the swivel into the lead’s rubber sleeve or insert, ensuring a secure fit.
- Attach your hooklink to the swivel using a loop-to-loop connection or another reliable knot.
2. Swivel Lead System
Usage and Benefits
The swivel lead system, also known as the running lead system, is suitable for a variety of fishing situations, including fishing in weed or silt. It offers excellent hooking potential and allows the fish to move away from the lead after being hooked, reducing the chances of the fish using the lead’s weight to shake the hook.
Types of Swivel Leads
Common swivel lead types include:
- Swivel Pear: Ideal for medium-range casting and fishing on slopes.
- Swivel Flat Pear: Suitable for fishing on flat bottoms or near margins.
- Swivel Distance: Designed for long-range casting and fishing in windy conditions.
How to Set Up a Swivel Lead System
To set up a swivel lead system, follow these steps:
- Thread the mainline through a lead clip or running rig attachment.
- Attach a swivel to the mainline using a suitable knot, such as the Palomar or improved clinch knot.
- Clip the swivel onto the lead’s swivel attachment.
- Attach your hooklink to the swivel using a loop-to-loop connection or another reliable knot.
3. Helicopter Lead System
Usage and Benefits
The helicopter lead system, also known as the rotary or chod rig system, is designed for fishing in weed, silt, and other challenging bottom conditions. It offers excellent anti-tangle properties and allows for easy adjustment of the hooklink’s position on the mainline, ensuring optimal presentation.
Types of Helicopter Leads
Common helicopter lead types include:
- Helicopter Pear: Ideal for medium-range casting and fishing on slopes.
- Helicopter Flat Pear: Suitable for fishing on flat bottoms or near margins.
- Helicopter Distance: Designed for long-range casting and fishing in windy conditions.
How to Set Up a Helicopter Lead System
To set up a helicopter lead system, follow these steps:
- Thread the mainline through a bead, followed by a helicopter sleeve or buffer bead.
- Attach a swivel to the mainline using a suitable knot, such as the Palomar or improved clinch knot.
- Thread the lead onto the swivel’s ring or dedicated lead attachment.
- Slide the helicopter sleeve or buffer bead over the swivel to protect the knot and mainline.
- Attach your hooklink to the swivel using a loop-to-loop connection or another reliable knot, allowing the hooklink to rotate freely around the mainline.
4. Method Feeder System
Usage and Benefits
The method feeder rig system is specifically designed for fishing with groundbait or pellets, allowing the bait to break down slowly around the hookbait and attract carp. This system provides excellent hooking potential and is particularly effective in heavily stocked waters.
Types of Method Feeders
There are several types of method feeders, including:
- In-line Method Feeder: Ideal for short to medium-range casting and fishing on clean bottoms.
- Elasticated Method Feeder: Designed for fishing in snaggy or weedy areas, offering better fish safety and reduced chances of lost fish.
- Flatbed Method Feeder: Suitable for fishing on flat bottoms, ensuring optimal bait presentation.
How to Set Up a Method Feeder System
To set up a method feeder system, follow these steps:
- Thread the mainline through the feeder’s central hole or attachment point.
- Attach a swivel to the mainline using a suitable knot, such as the Palomar or improved clinch knot.
- Connect the swivel to a quick-change bead or link, allowing easy hooklink replacement.
- Attach your hooklink to the quick-change bead or link using a loop-to-loop connection or another reliable knot.
- Mould the groundbait or pellets around the feeder, burying the hookbait within the bait.
For more information on method feeder systems, visit the Guru Fishing website.
In conclusion, understanding various lead systems, such as inline, swivel, helicopter, and method feeder systems, will greatly enhance your carp fishing success. By choosing the right lead system for the specific fishing situation and adapting your approach accordingly, you can present your bait more effectively and increase your chances of landing a prized carp. Good luck, and tight lines
