In this article, we will explore some of the most popular carp rigs used by anglers in the UK and around the world. These rigs have been proven to be effective for catching carp in a variety of situations and water conditions. We’ll provide a detailed overview of each rig, explain how to tie and set them up, and offer tips on when and where to use them.
1. The Hair Rig
Overview
The hair rig is arguably the most popular and widely used carp rig, and for good reason. It was developed in the late 1970s by Kevin Maddocks and Len Middleton as a way to present the bait more naturally, allowing the carp to pick up the bait without feeling the weight of the hook.
How to tie the Hair Rig
1. First, cut a length of hooklink material (braided, coated braid or fluorocarbon) to the desired length.
2. Tie a small overhand loop at one end of the hooklink, which will form the hair.
3. Thread your chosen bait onto the hair using a baiting needle and secure it in place with a bait stop.
4. Tie the hook onto the hooklink using a knotless knot, ensuring the hair exits the knot on the inside of the hook.
When to use the Hair Rig
The hair rig is a versatile rig that can be used in various situations, making it ideal for beginners and experienced anglers alike. It works well with boilies, pellets, and other types of bait, and can be used with different lead systems, such as inline leads or swivels.
2. The Chod Rig
Overview
The chod rig is a highly effective carp rig designed for fishing over soft or silty bottoms, where conventional rigs may become hidden or ineffective. The rig uses a short, stiff hooklink and a pop-up bait, ensuring that the bait presentation remains highly visible to the carp.
How to tie the Chod Rig
1. Cut a section of stiff monofilament or fluorocarbon hooklink material, approximately 4-6 inches long.
2. Form a small loop at one end of the hooklink using a figure-eight loop knot.
3. Thread the other end of the hooklink through the eye of a wide gape, out-turned eye hook, and then tie the hook on with a whipping knot.
4. Thread a pop-up bait onto a bait screw or micro swivel, then attach it to the small loop formed in step 2.
5. Attach the rig to a helicopter or chod lead system, ensuring it can move freely up and down the leader.
When to use the Chod Rig
The chod rig is ideal for fishing over soft or silty bottoms, where traditional rigs may become buried. It’s also effective in weedy areas or over light debris, as the stiff hooklink helps to prevent tangles and the pop-up bait remains highly visible to carp.
3. The Ronnie Rig
Overview
The Ronnie Rig, also known as the Spinner Rig, is an increasingly popular rig that provides excellent hooking potential and is ideal for fishing with wafters or pop-up baits. It features a 360-degree rotating hook, allowing the bait to spin freely and ensuring optimal hook presentation.
How to tie the Ronnie Rig
1. Attach a size 11 quick-change swivel to the eye of a curved shank hook using a split ring or hook ring swivel.
2. Thread a hook bead onto the shank of the hook, positioning it just before the start of the curve to secure the swivel in place.
Cut a length of coated braid hooklink material, remove a section of the coating near one end, and create a small loop using an overhand loop knot.
Attach the loop to the quick-change swivel on the hook.
Thread your chosen wafter or pop-up bait onto a bait screw or micro swivel, and then attach it to the loop formed in step 3.
Tie the other end of the hooklink to a swivel or lead clip on your mainline, making sure to strip back a section of the coating near the knot to allow for some flexibility.
When to use the Ronnie Rig
The Ronnie Rig is well-suited for fishing with wafters or pop-up baits in a variety of situations, including over gravel, silt, or low-lying weed. It provides excellent hooking potential due to the 360-degree rotation of the hook, making it a popular choice among experienced carp anglers.
4. The Multi Rig
Overview
The Multi Rig, also known as the “Johnny Mac Rig,” is a versatile and highly effective carp rig that can be used with a variety of hooklink materials and bait types. Its primary advantage is the ease with which the hook can be changed without retying the entire rig, making it an efficient choice for anglers who want to quickly adapt their setup on the bank.
How to tie the Multi Rig
1. Cut a length of your chosen hooklink material (coated braid, fluorocarbon, or stiff monofilament) and tie a figure-eight loop knot at one end to create a small loop.
2. Thread the other end of the hooklink through the eye of a wide gape, out-turned eye hook, from the point side to the shank side.
3. Attach the loop created in step 1 to the hook’s bend using a bait floss knot or a small rig ring.
4. Pull the hooklink back through the hook’s eye, and then slide a small rig ring or hook bead onto the hooklink to secure the hook in place.
5. Thread your chosen bait onto the small loop using a baiting needle and secure it with a bait stop.
When to use the Multi Rig
The Multi Rig is a highly adaptable rig that can be used in various situations and with different bait types, such as boilies, wafters, and pop-ups. It’s an excellent choice for anglers who want a versatile rig that allows for quick and easy hook changes on the bank.
In conclusion, these popular carp rigs have proven to be highly effective for carp anglers of all experience levels. By understanding how to tie and use each rig in the appropriate situations, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a variety of carp fishing scenarios and increase your chances of success on the bank.
