Heard so many conflicting reviews on this rig, some of my mates swear by it and some people lose lots of fish and have binned it off, anybody used it for a couple of seasons and been really happy with it ? Do you think certain components work better than others ? Seems to be a rig that definitely divides opinion.
In reply to Post #1
I pissed about with it a few years ago and gave up on it after a few dodgy hook holds. Then played with it again with bigger hooks a year or so later. The results convinced me to all but replace my hinge rigs which I'd been using for more than 20 years.
So imo big hooks (2s and 4s) work better than small'n's. Any old curve shank will do as long as it's sharp.
I prefer to weight the end of the boom rather than the base of the ronnie section, I think this gives the ronnie section a tiny bit more freedom of movement and imbalance (imbalance being a good thing in this case).
The ronnie gets stick because it's in fashion and the 'latest big thing' but imo anyone that lets stuff like that bother them is the fashion victim. End of the day the only thing you should consider when it comes to rigs is effectiveness and imo the ronnie is right up there with the multi and the hinge. Absolutely fantastic mechanics.
I pissed about with it a few years ago and gave up on it after a few dodgy hook holds. Then played with it again with bigger hooks a year or so later. The results convinced me to all but replace my hinge rigs which I'd been using for more than 20 years.
So imo big hooks (2s and 4s) work better than small'n's. Any old curve shank will do as long as it's sharp.
I prefer to weight the end of the boom rather than the base of the ronnie section, I think this gives the ronnie section a tiny bit more freedom of movement and imbalance (imbalance being a good thing in this case).
The ronnie gets stick because it's in fashion and the 'latest big thing' but imo anyone that lets stuff like that bother them is the fashion victim. End of the day the only thing you should consider when it comes to rigs is effectiveness and imo the ronnie is right up there with the multi and the hinge. Absolutely fantastic mechanics.
In reply to Post #2
What components do you tend to use then mate ? Soft braid or a stiff boom ?
What components do you tend to use then mate ? Soft braid or a stiff boom ?
In reply to Post #3
From the top:
Hook would depend on what I'm fishing over. Normally a Mugga in size 2 for silty areas, or a Long Shank Mugga in size 4 for weedier areas. Hooks are sharpened. If I need to use barbless I'll go with a Krank in size 4.
Any old half decent micro ring swivel and hook bead.
Any decent ronnie/spinner ring swivel.
I keep the shrink tube short. I cover the open eye of the ronnie swivel but don't take it down over the barrel of the swivel. Again this is to promote freedom of movement and imbalance. I just use the cheapest shrink tube i can find, I buy in bulk.
The boom would depend on what I'm fishing over but my fave is ESP Tungsten Loaded in Semi Stiff. If it's weedy I might use the Soft. This is fished with a figure of eight loop at each end. On the business end I pull a Taska Swivel Chod Bead in size small over the knot, this balances my 16 mm cork balls perfectly. The Taska jobbies aint available anymore, I believe Nash now sell them (called Tungsten Swivel Knot Beads). The loop on the other end of the boom is just for quick change, protected by an anti tangle sleeve (any old sleeve will do).
For the most part you can get away with any old reliable components, it's just the hook, boom, and weighting that you really need to think about imo.
From the top:
Hook would depend on what I'm fishing over. Normally a Mugga in size 2 for silty areas, or a Long Shank Mugga in size 4 for weedier areas. Hooks are sharpened. If I need to use barbless I'll go with a Krank in size 4.
Any old half decent micro ring swivel and hook bead.
Any decent ronnie/spinner ring swivel.
I keep the shrink tube short. I cover the open eye of the ronnie swivel but don't take it down over the barrel of the swivel. Again this is to promote freedom of movement and imbalance. I just use the cheapest shrink tube i can find, I buy in bulk.
The boom would depend on what I'm fishing over but my fave is ESP Tungsten Loaded in Semi Stiff. If it's weedy I might use the Soft. This is fished with a figure of eight loop at each end. On the business end I pull a Taska Swivel Chod Bead in size small over the knot, this balances my 16 mm cork balls perfectly. The Taska jobbies aint available anymore, I believe Nash now sell them (called Tungsten Swivel Knot Beads). The loop on the other end of the boom is just for quick change, protected by an anti tangle sleeve (any old sleeve will do).
For the most part you can get away with any old reliable components, it's just the hook, boom, and weighting that you really need to think about imo.
In reply to Post #2
I haven't used it quite as comprehensively as it sounds Yonny has and if there's anyone to listen to it's him.. but I'll add a few bits from my experience..
I've become quite a convert of the ronnie since late Autumn. I'm normally a hinge man early year and a bottom bait fan post spawning. Late Autumn/early winter however I was fishing grubby spots over crushed baits and small food items and felt the ronnie would suit that situation better than my usual presentations.
I started with size 4 Kurv's and had a couple of decent hookholds before one straightened on me under the tip. It wasn't entirely the hooks fault but it put me off enough to make a change.
Since I've been using size 5 Trighammers and they've been excellent. Perfect hookholds with most an inch or more back in the bottom lip and I haven't lost any despite some fraught battles in the remaining weed.
I've used them with Semi-stiff Tungsten Loaded booms due to the nature of the spots but would happily use Amnesia or similar if the spots were cleaner.
One thing that I think potentially makes a difference is the swivels used. I started off with the cheapest I could find, I think from Bank Tackle. I now use the dedicated Korda spinner jobbies which, IMO, spin far more freely.
I also much prefer the Kickers to shrink tube due to ease of use and pliability. Cut them down slightly and stick the narrow end over the hook first.
I've been so impressed that I am going to be using it in place of my beloved hinge for this spring's angling.
I haven't used it quite as comprehensively as it sounds Yonny has and if there's anyone to listen to it's him.. but I'll add a few bits from my experience..
I've become quite a convert of the ronnie since late Autumn. I'm normally a hinge man early year and a bottom bait fan post spawning. Late Autumn/early winter however I was fishing grubby spots over crushed baits and small food items and felt the ronnie would suit that situation better than my usual presentations.
I started with size 4 Kurv's and had a couple of decent hookholds before one straightened on me under the tip. It wasn't entirely the hooks fault but it put me off enough to make a change.
Since I've been using size 5 Trighammers and they've been excellent. Perfect hookholds with most an inch or more back in the bottom lip and I haven't lost any despite some fraught battles in the remaining weed.
I've used them with Semi-stiff Tungsten Loaded booms due to the nature of the spots but would happily use Amnesia or similar if the spots were cleaner.
One thing that I think potentially makes a difference is the swivels used. I started off with the cheapest I could find, I think from Bank Tackle. I now use the dedicated Korda spinner jobbies which, IMO, spin far more freely.
I also much prefer the Kickers to shrink tube due to ease of use and pliability. Cut them down slightly and stick the narrow end over the hook first.
I've been so impressed that I am going to be using it in place of my beloved hinge for this spring's angling.
In reply to Post #5
I Like what I'm hearing about the Trighammers Tom, I have a couple of packs at home I'm currently playing with.
I'd add for the OP's benefit that if Hyperloop is also ditching the hinge for the spinner that should tell you that there really is something in it.
I Like what I'm hearing about the Trighammers Tom, I have a couple of packs at home I'm currently playing with.
I'd add for the OP's benefit that if Hyperloop is also ditching the hinge for the spinner that should tell you that there really is something in it.
In reply to Post #5
How big would you say the Trig Hammers are because I've heard they come up pretty big? Would a size 5 be similar to Size 4 Kurv or Krank for example? Very interested in trying some out because I've heard good things so far.
How big would you say the Trig Hammers are because I've heard they come up pretty big? Would a size 5 be similar to Size 4 Kurv or Krank for example? Very interested in trying some out because I've heard good things so far.
In reply to Post #7
Yeah they come up big mate. Even the 5's are pretty meaty, they're a smaller gauge but the gape aint actually that different to the 4's. I would say the 5 would compare to a Krank in 4.
Yeah they come up big mate. Even the 5's are pretty meaty, they're a smaller gauge but the gape aint actually that different to the 4's. I would say the 5 would compare to a Krank in 4.
In reply to Post #8
Cheers mate, I'll try a 5 to begin with. Should be fine with 16mm corkballs
Cheers mate, I'll try a 5 to begin with. Should be fine with 16mm corkballs
I've found bigger hooks definitely work better. Size 4 Conti muggas with two 13mm pop ups seem to have caught me the bigger fish. I think this is due to them not being used to the length of the swivel, hook and bait combined.
For a lower presentation I use a size 4 talon tip with a 13mm pop up. I use a slither of foam under the pop up to critically balance the rig.
The above accounted for my pb's last year.
For a lower presentation I use a size 4 talon tip with a 13mm pop up. I use a slither of foam under the pop up to critically balance the rig.
The above accounted for my pb's last year.
So the general consensus is that it works better with bigger hooks and a loop to the swivel for more movement ? I'm tempted to give this a go with a size 4 krank, done well on the chod version in a size 6, anybody used a size 6 with differing results or just go straight for the 4 ? Cheers 👍
In reply to Post #11
Size 4s on the ronnies for me, Haven't used them for a while as i'm using the multi hinge. I've used them with size 4 kranks and wide gapes.Found the wide gapes better imho.
Size 4s on the ronnies for me, Haven't used them for a while as i'm using the multi hinge. I've used them with size 4 kranks and wide gapes.Found the wide gapes better imho.
Has anyone given it a fair crack for bottom baits? I have tried 'turbo german' style (hooklink tied directly to quick change swivel with ring cut off) with some success. Anyone had more extensive testing?
My concern is the bottom bait rolling and therefore pulling the hook up the side of it so off the bottom (not sure that makes any sense!)
My concern is the bottom bait rolling and therefore pulling the hook up the side of it so off the bottom (not sure that makes any sense!)
In reply to Post #6
.
I'm sold on the Trighammers Yonny. Sharp out the pack, consistent hookholds, keep their point well and seem strong despite the relatively fine wire. They suit the Ronnie down to the ground, imo.
They come up fairly big but I don't know how you can compare a long shanked hook to a curved pattern... a 4 in one is obviously different to the other. I haven't used anything smaller than a 4 for years but went for a 5 in the Trighammers.
I don't have a loop at the swivel end, preferring a grinner to use for something for the putty to grip. I'll find a couple of pictures.
.I'm sold on the Trighammers Yonny. Sharp out the pack, consistent hookholds, keep their point well and seem strong despite the relatively fine wire. They suit the Ronnie down to the ground, imo.
They come up fairly big but I don't know how you can compare a long shanked hook to a curved pattern... a 4 in one is obviously different to the other. I haven't used anything smaller than a 4 for years but went for a 5 in the Trighammers.
I don't have a loop at the swivel end, preferring a grinner to use for something for the putty to grip. I'll find a couple of pictures.
In reply to Post #14
In reply to Post #15
I really like the look of that ! What size pop up are you using mate ?
I really like the look of that ! What size pop up are you using mate ?
In reply to Post #15
You can't moan with hook holds like that mate
@OJCARP, I can't see why anyone would use the ronnie for bottom baits. When it comes to fishing on the deck the rig/hook bait needs to be balanced imo (as oppose to imbalanced for a pop up rig which is already cocked and ready to grab hold of the flesh). All the gubbins on the ronnie (swivels etc) make it too heavy and cumbersome for that imo. For me there are far more simple and less cluttered ways of achieving a rig that will flip with a bottom bait or wafter.
That said, I do have a close mate that's been using the ronnie with wafters and the 50 lb common he had recently seemed to disagree with my theories above
You can't moan with hook holds like that mate
@OJCARP, I can't see why anyone would use the ronnie for bottom baits. When it comes to fishing on the deck the rig/hook bait needs to be balanced imo (as oppose to imbalanced for a pop up rig which is already cocked and ready to grab hold of the flesh). All the gubbins on the ronnie (swivels etc) make it too heavy and cumbersome for that imo. For me there are far more simple and less cluttered ways of achieving a rig that will flip with a bottom bait or wafter.
That said, I do have a close mate that's been using the ronnie with wafters and the 50 lb common he had recently seemed to disagree with my theories above
In reply to Post #17
I completely agree. I have, however, also had success with wafer/snowman, just enough bouyancy to get the bait sitting above the hook rather than next to it.
My ideal would be to find a decent bottom bait rig that incorporates a hook swivel or equivalent rather than a hair. I like the idea of being able to choose any bait without having to tie up a new rig to alter the hair length.
I completely agree. I have, however, also had success with wafer/snowman, just enough bouyancy to get the bait sitting above the hook rather than next to it.
My ideal would be to find a decent bottom bait rig that incorporates a hook swivel or equivalent rather than a hair. I like the idea of being able to choose any bait without having to tie up a new rig to alter the hair length.
In reply to Post #18
In reply to Post #19
Isn't the German variation considered more of a bottom bait/wafter rig due to the lack of hinge at the hook, with a Ronnie with a bottom bait the hook can end up falling backwards and lying back up the hook link, if that makes sense?
Isn't the German variation considered more of a bottom bait/wafter rig due to the lack of hinge at the hook, with a Ronnie with a bottom bait the hook can end up falling backwards and lying back up the hook link, if that makes sense?
In reply to Post #20
Yes, cutting the ring off the swivel and then tying swivel direct to hook link without a loop makes the whole section stiffer so stops it falling back. Still not sure whether it is the best option for a bottom bait though.
Yes, cutting the ring off the swivel and then tying swivel direct to hook link without a loop makes the whole section stiffer so stops it falling back. Still not sure whether it is the best option for a bottom bait though.
In reply to Post #20
Yeah think so
Yeah think so
Been using the Ronnie quite some time. Started off loosing 4 out of 5 fish on size 6 muggas so went down to 4s and 2s and can't remember the last time I lost one 👍🏻
In reply to Post #23
Started off loosing 4 out of 5 fish on size 6
Jeez, I'd have ditched it after the first 2 lol.
I wasn't suffering losses with smaller hooks, just really inconsistent placement of hook holds.
Started off loosing 4 out of 5 fish on size 6
Jeez, I'd have ditched it after the first 2 lol.
I wasn't suffering losses with smaller hooks, just really inconsistent placement of hook holds.
In reply to Post #24
Tbh I kept mucking about using it but here there but the losses soon added up so I ditched it for a while til I spoke with someone, that's when I went back with 2s and 4s and all was good
Tbh I kept mucking about using it but here there but the losses soon added up so I ditched it for a while til I spoke with someone, that's when I went back with 2s and 4s and all was good
In reply to Post #25
I had the same experience with size 6 muggas and just went back to stiff hinges
Did two sessions with size 4 kranks at the end of the summer last year and it was much better
Might have another go with them this spring
I had the same experience with size 6 muggas and just went back to stiff hinges
Did two sessions with size 4 kranks at the end of the summer last year and it was much better
Might have another go with them this spring
In reply to Post #15
I've stayed away from the ronnie rig, but you can't argue with those hookholds...
Tempted to give it a try this year.
I've stayed away from the ronnie rig, but you can't argue with those hookholds...
Tempted to give it a try this year.
It's a rig that works better with bigger fish for some reason and defo bigger hooks. Size 6 the smallest. I also find it works better with pop ups that arnt over buoyant. Balanced with a bait that requires little or no putty has always given me better holds.
In reply to Post #28
3 years ago I started using the Ronnie rig after seeing the video with Lewis Read.
I was sold :-)
Had real good results on some hard fished Dutch lakes.
I really like the rig, only had one hook pull after a double take.
Hookholds are good, no mouth damage at all.
On one lake where I used them I caught 10 different commons between 15 and 21 kg. This is a deep pit where the fish fight like hell.
I had two fights of 22 minutes and one of 17 minutes and no problem or damage at all in combination with Mugga's size 4.
Depending on the situation I use Mugga's, Kranks (in weed because of beak point) and for this season I will give the ESP Hammers a try. All of them in size 4.
For hooklinks the Gemini Tidy Booms (love 'm), and ESP Tungsten Loaded on softer bottoms.
PS. For grass carp (i know some hate them) it's the perfect rig, grassies tend to nible at your baits rather than suck it in like normal carp, so the Ronnie is perfect.
Together with my young kids we had some amazing short sessions catching loads of grassies in our local "gracht" fishing Pinapple Goo popups and ESP plastic Double Corn over a big spread of mais and 15 mm boilies using Ronnies.
3 years ago I started using the Ronnie rig after seeing the video with Lewis Read.
I was sold :-)
Had real good results on some hard fished Dutch lakes.
I really like the rig, only had one hook pull after a double take.
Hookholds are good, no mouth damage at all.
On one lake where I used them I caught 10 different commons between 15 and 21 kg. This is a deep pit where the fish fight like hell.
I had two fights of 22 minutes and one of 17 minutes and no problem or damage at all in combination with Mugga's size 4.
Depending on the situation I use Mugga's, Kranks (in weed because of beak point) and for this season I will give the ESP Hammers a try. All of them in size 4.
For hooklinks the Gemini Tidy Booms (love 'm), and ESP Tungsten Loaded on softer bottoms.
PS. For grass carp (i know some hate them) it's the perfect rig, grassies tend to nible at your baits rather than suck it in like normal carp, so the Ronnie is perfect.
Together with my young kids we had some amazing short sessions catching loads of grassies in our local "gracht" fishing Pinapple Goo popups and ESP plastic Double Corn over a big spread of mais and 15 mm boilies using Ronnies.
Anybody tried it with the slip d on the shank ? Like the idea of the separation it gives, going to give it a try 👍
In reply to Post #30
With a wafter hookbait, do you guys use a loop on the swivel end, or just a knot..does the extra movement created by a loop with a wafter improve it?..whats your thoughts?
With a wafter hookbait, do you guys use a loop on the swivel end, or just a knot..does the extra movement created by a loop with a wafter improve it?..whats your thoughts?
For a Ronnie - I use a grinner at the swivel end, there is enough movement and flexibility already in the rig. I have hook holds the same as below, using the rig for 2 seasons it has done me very well and I would need some convincing to change to anything soon. I use a Mugga in a 4.
Has anyone ever had a hook come off during the fight on a ronnie?
I've tied up some with bank tackle spinner/ ronnie swivels and using a kicker sleeve to hold the hook in place but I'm worried it could come loose during the fight as there is a big gap on the swivel if that makes sense!
I've tied up some with bank tackle spinner/ ronnie swivels and using a kicker sleeve to hold the hook in place but I'm worried it could come loose during the fight as there is a big gap on the swivel if that makes sense!
In reply to Post #33
They dont come off mate.
They dont come off mate.
I use the Gardner quick change swivels at the hook, I have to open the gape of the swivel hook to hook it through the eye of the Mugga hook, then squeeze it back to shape once hooked through.
They don't come off.
They don't come off.
In reply to Post #35
That's the point I'm making (or trying) I used to use this type but have just bought the ronnie ones and the gap makes it easy to come off when I move the hook about and back on itself.
That's the point I'm making (or trying) I used to use this type but have just bought the ronnie ones and the gap makes it easy to come off when I move the hook about and back on itself.
In reply to Post #33
Be mindful these swivels are lighter than the other brands
So it may affect your presentation
Be mindful these swivels are lighter than the other brands
So it may affect your presentation
In reply to Post #31
With a wafter I would use a knot, so a German rig basically, with a loop or ring swivel I find the hook can fall back along the hooklink if that makes sense
With a wafter I would use a knot, so a German rig basically, with a loop or ring swivel I find the hook can fall back along the hooklink if that makes sense
In reply to Post #38
Sorry to hi jack the thread....
What are the best quick change swivels that you guys are using?
Thanks.
MH.
Sorry to hi jack the thread....
What are the best quick change swivels that you guys are using?
Thanks.
MH.
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