I've been thinking a lot lately about how I used to catch carp twenty five plus years ago and it's got me thinking that everything I did was a lot more simple and yet I still caught just as many. So this season I'm going back to how I used to do things rig wise. I've ditched the helicopter set up with the bead up the line. I've ditched chods. I've ditched Ronnie rigs. I've ditched all the nonsense. I'm going back to simple short coated hooklinks, a bit shrink tube for the kicker, bottom baits and wafters and shock horror simple knot less knot rigs with bugger all metal work. I tied a load up the other day and it felt very refreshing.
Anyone else ever had a total rethink and scrapped the lot?
Anyone else ever had a total rethink and scrapped the lot?
In reply to Post #1
Use whatever makes you confident, funny because I was thinking about fishing a tricky venue the other day and going back to long braid hook lengths with a 2 inch hair just to give them something different.
No doubt at all far too many people get caught up with rigs, especially trends, they probably catch more people than fish!
As a match man, first thing they do when struggling is to scale down and the bites usually start coming again, I do think fishing for big carp is different, rig mechanics are far more important and you can get away with some surprisingly brutal stuff when you think about it, you look at them and think, no way, but you judge them by the results. Presentation of the bait is everything for me and that is around the lake bed make up and how a carp feeds. I always start long and go short, regular, until I find what seems to be the most efficient hook up method, enter weed and deep silt and you need something else. 3oz and the standard 6 inch hooklength don't answer every question, not many rigs will. Being adaptable to the conditions is the way for me, also understanding how carp feed, it might surprise some people but when a carp picks a bait up it will suck it right back into its teeth, next time you get one on the mat look how far down inside the mouth they are, that's where they are pulling the bait to before crushing it, not rolling it around in their lips like a lot of folks seem to think!
We rely on a carp to hook itself, it either blows the bait out and sets the hook (the dream for me), or moves and drags the hook home against the lead. You need a rig to make the most of this
Use whatever makes you confident, funny because I was thinking about fishing a tricky venue the other day and going back to long braid hook lengths with a 2 inch hair just to give them something different.
No doubt at all far too many people get caught up with rigs, especially trends, they probably catch more people than fish!
As a match man, first thing they do when struggling is to scale down and the bites usually start coming again, I do think fishing for big carp is different, rig mechanics are far more important and you can get away with some surprisingly brutal stuff when you think about it, you look at them and think, no way, but you judge them by the results. Presentation of the bait is everything for me and that is around the lake bed make up and how a carp feeds. I always start long and go short, regular, until I find what seems to be the most efficient hook up method, enter weed and deep silt and you need something else. 3oz and the standard 6 inch hooklength don't answer every question, not many rigs will. Being adaptable to the conditions is the way for me, also understanding how carp feed, it might surprise some people but when a carp picks a bait up it will suck it right back into its teeth, next time you get one on the mat look how far down inside the mouth they are, that's where they are pulling the bait to before crushing it, not rolling it around in their lips like a lot of folks seem to think!
We rely on a carp to hook itself, it either blows the bait out and sets the hook (the dream for me), or moves and drags the hook home against the lead. You need a rig to make the most of this
90% of my rigs are simple knotless knot
I'm toying with the idea of replicating the original hair rig and having it tied to the bend of the hook separately 👍😉
I'm toying with the idea of replicating the original hair rig and having it tied to the bend of the hook separately 👍😉
In reply to Post #1
I've got two go to rigs one quite simple knotless knot bottom/wafter rig with a bit of tube threaded onto a wide gape hook to pinch the hair on the curve, the other one the Johnny Mac rig for popups.
Then, i've got the makings of a chod just in case too which mostly uses the same ingredients as the JM rig.
Having just got back into fishing after a few years, I've been amazed to see the explosion and complexity of today's rigs and above all else, my eyes and fingers wouldn't be good enough to mess around with all the fiddly bits and bobs either.
Guess the big brands are all competing for our dollar more than ever and see this as a way of extracting more of it from our pockets
I've got two go to rigs one quite simple knotless knot bottom/wafter rig with a bit of tube threaded onto a wide gape hook to pinch the hair on the curve, the other one the Johnny Mac rig for popups.
Then, i've got the makings of a chod just in case too which mostly uses the same ingredients as the JM rig.
Having just got back into fishing after a few years, I've been amazed to see the explosion and complexity of today's rigs and above all else, my eyes and fingers wouldn't be good enough to mess around with all the fiddly bits and bobs either.
Guess the big brands are all competing for our dollar more than ever and see this as a way of extracting more of it from our pockets
In reply to Post #1
I still use a soft braid knotless knot for the vast majority of the time for wafters and bottom baits. I'll stick a split shot onto the rig for pop ups. Sometimes I might trap the hair or add a kicker but not a lot. The length of both the hair and the rig are the most important factors imo.
I'll only use a different rig if the bottom requires it. Keep it simple I say - too much other stuff to think about!
I still use a soft braid knotless knot for the vast majority of the time for wafters and bottom baits. I'll stick a split shot onto the rig for pop ups. Sometimes I might trap the hair or add a kicker but not a lot. The length of both the hair and the rig are the most important factors imo.
I'll only use a different rig if the bottom requires it. Keep it simple I say - too much other stuff to think about!
In reply to Post #1
Anyone else ever had a total rethink and scrapped the lot?
Not as such but only because I never got caught up in all the latest rigs, they did peak my interest though and like a lot of us I bought the stuff to make them but I'll confess I've never used them for the new rigs.
I've really only used 2 rigs in 30 odd years, a stiff rig all the way through and a braid rig and the only evolution of those rigs has been rig rings instead of hairs most of the time now, and tungsten kickers instead if shrink tube and a shot. I only tend to fish small waters so my standard lead is 1.5oz, I only use bigger to get to the spot and most of the time I use bolt rigs, be that from the lead or as of most of the time in the last decade via a method feeder. Indication is virtually unchanged for me too, Solar Sprinbows/Quiverlocs and I nearly always fish with the line under tension and 1.5oz is plenty to set a hook in spite of companies nowadays saying you need 4oz! The only rig that I may give a go to is the 360 rig, as I can see it's benefits but I've never really been a pop up man...hmm
Oddly, over the last 10 years in Europe I have used pop ups, mainly due to advice from Ken Townley. I had started to incorperate this into my U.K fishing too, so I am capable of change!
The bit that really annoys me being so set in my ways is discontinuation of things like hooklink material. I've used Kryston from near day 1, and as documented on this forum in the past, I was gutted when new European laws meant the products just weren't the same re stiff rigs, Snakeskin, Mantis etc. I'm still in the process of trying to find something suitable as a alternative but it's very expensive to keep trying different hooklinks :-(
EDIT, and all the above is why I rarely contribute in the rigs section
Anyone else ever had a total rethink and scrapped the lot?
Not as such but only because I never got caught up in all the latest rigs, they did peak my interest though and like a lot of us I bought the stuff to make them but I'll confess I've never used them for the new rigs.
I've really only used 2 rigs in 30 odd years, a stiff rig all the way through and a braid rig and the only evolution of those rigs has been rig rings instead of hairs most of the time now, and tungsten kickers instead if shrink tube and a shot. I only tend to fish small waters so my standard lead is 1.5oz, I only use bigger to get to the spot and most of the time I use bolt rigs, be that from the lead or as of most of the time in the last decade via a method feeder. Indication is virtually unchanged for me too, Solar Sprinbows/Quiverlocs and I nearly always fish with the line under tension and 1.5oz is plenty to set a hook in spite of companies nowadays saying you need 4oz! The only rig that I may give a go to is the 360 rig, as I can see it's benefits but I've never really been a pop up man...hmm
Oddly, over the last 10 years in Europe I have used pop ups, mainly due to advice from Ken Townley. I had started to incorperate this into my U.K fishing too, so I am capable of change!
The bit that really annoys me being so set in my ways is discontinuation of things like hooklink material. I've used Kryston from near day 1, and as documented on this forum in the past, I was gutted when new European laws meant the products just weren't the same re stiff rigs, Snakeskin, Mantis etc. I'm still in the process of trying to find something suitable as a alternative but it's very expensive to keep trying different hooklinks :-(
EDIT, and all the above is why I rarely contribute in the rigs section
Long before I "understood" rig mechanics I used to just buy components and just tie them together with little thought. A rig I used loads, and caught me most my PBs for a while was around 15 inches of 20lb esp rig, to a size 6 Raptor knotless knot with a long stiff hair, with a bottom bait, or a snowman (sort of snowman as the stiff hair made it sit on its side)
I've considered going back to that rig for a while. But every time I tie it up it jist looks so wrong and it puts me off using it, at the time I didn't know any better, but it works. It's like we can "know" too much. Or at least think we know too much.
In reply to Post #1
I never got swept away with all the terminal bits and bobs, I never use shrink tubing, never use any form of kicker, never use rings or swivels.
Only use two Hook link materials – Masons Tiger Braid and the other a coated Braid (No idea who's it is, was given a big spool of it years ago, presume it's around 25lb BS)
Only use three patterns of Hooks, and two simple Rigs - regardless of conditions, be it on the River or on a lake, same Rigs for Carp, Barbel, Chub or Cats.
Knotless Knot, but I have never used a Hair as such, I form a “Loop” that's attached to the bend which it then pulled though the bait as you would a Hair, why do I do it –if set right it's impossible for the Bait to flip around into the Hooks gape.
I do see other's Rig's when at the lakes and think “What the hell is all that about!”
I never got swept away with all the terminal bits and bobs, I never use shrink tubing, never use any form of kicker, never use rings or swivels.
Only use two Hook link materials – Masons Tiger Braid and the other a coated Braid (No idea who's it is, was given a big spool of it years ago, presume it's around 25lb BS)
Only use three patterns of Hooks, and two simple Rigs - regardless of conditions, be it on the River or on a lake, same Rigs for Carp, Barbel, Chub or Cats.
Knotless Knot, but I have never used a Hair as such, I form a “Loop” that's attached to the bend which it then pulled though the bait as you would a Hair, why do I do it –if set right it's impossible for the Bait to flip around into the Hooks gape.
I do see other's Rig's when at the lakes and think “What the hell is all that about!”
I've never used a Chod ,Ronnie ,tried a heli rig around 30 years ago..
There's a reason for that ,carp are a really simple creature ,they eat ,move ,procreate at certain times and excrete..and repeat, depending on weather ,temperature and pressure either from predation and anglers..
They are not super intelligent beings from another time zone,despite certain people,manufacturers telling it is so, ..
But,I've been around very,very good anglers and learnt from them ,the best thing I have learnt is keeping it simple,finding the carp if possible and not scaring them off trying to catch one..
As always ,location,presentation and finally bait LPB,it has to be in that order..
And @ Blanko,your correct ,but wish you'd not started thread as ,keeping it simple is a massive thing,let all the non free thinkers and purveyors of silly bits of expensive plastic carry on...lol..
I use a simple knotless knot everywhere. .
There's a reason for that ,carp are a really simple creature ,they eat ,move ,procreate at certain times and excrete..and repeat, depending on weather ,temperature and pressure either from predation and anglers..
They are not super intelligent beings from another time zone,despite certain people,manufacturers telling it is so, ..
But,I've been around very,very good anglers and learnt from them ,the best thing I have learnt is keeping it simple,finding the carp if possible and not scaring them off trying to catch one..
As always ,location,presentation and finally bait LPB,it has to be in that order..
And @ Blanko,your correct ,but wish you'd not started thread as ,keeping it simple is a massive thing,let all the non free thinkers and purveyors of silly bits of expensive plastic carry on...lol..
I use a simple knotless knot everywhere. .
In reply to Post #2
For a while now I've been thinking about giving using a long fine hair (2-3in) on a long braided hook link. There are just so many times when I feel I and others should be catching more than we are and I think back to how the hair rig transformed my fishing overnight.
One thing I would disagree with is that I firmly believe that there are times, probably many, where the carp are tentatively picking up our rigs in their lips and testing for safety, hence my thinking about a long thin hair.
For a while now I've been thinking about giving using a long fine hair (2-3in) on a long braided hook link. There are just so many times when I feel I and others should be catching more than we are and I think back to how the hair rig transformed my fishing overnight.
One thing I would disagree with is that I firmly believe that there are times, probably many, where the carp are tentatively picking up our rigs in their lips and testing for safety, hence my thinking about a long thin hair.
In reply to Post #1
I've never used a chod or ronnie, I rarely use a pop up, perhaps I'm missing something but after reading this thread I think I'll keep things as they are.
I've never used a chod or ronnie, I rarely use a pop up, perhaps I'm missing something but after reading this thread I think I'll keep things as they are.
In reply to Post #10
I feel I and others should be catching more than we are
100%, exactly that
I feel I and others should be catching more than we are
100%, exactly that
I have yet to find a better hooking arrangement that Gibbensons line aligner.
The only major change I have made in the last 30 years is not using third braided hook links. Which I love and now combi linking 2” of these to a flouro nylon, the best of both worlds in my opinion-
The only major change I have made in the last 30 years is not using third braided hook links. Which I love and now combi linking 2” of these to a flouro nylon, the best of both worlds in my opinion-
In reply to Post #1
For the first trip of a summer campaign last year I decided to go back to how I used to catch carp in weed as a kid - long strong hooklinks cast straight into it. I dug out an old spool of original snakeskin and managed to find a local place that stocked the kamasan equivalent of the original gardner talon tip hooks. tied up a couple of 18 inch rigs - a bit stripped back, knotless knot, long hair & line aligners.
First morning back resulted in a good hit of fish including my biggest of the year. The hooks remained sharp & I didn't need to change my rigs all day. With the aid of a sharpening stone the rigs lasted for weeks. Deffo brought back some confidence too & I saved one of them on my rig board to remind me not to overcomplicate things
For the first trip of a summer campaign last year I decided to go back to how I used to catch carp in weed as a kid - long strong hooklinks cast straight into it. I dug out an old spool of original snakeskin and managed to find a local place that stocked the kamasan equivalent of the original gardner talon tip hooks. tied up a couple of 18 inch rigs - a bit stripped back, knotless knot, long hair & line aligners.
First morning back resulted in a good hit of fish including my biggest of the year. The hooks remained sharp & I didn't need to change my rigs all day. With the aid of a sharpening stone the rigs lasted for weeks. Deffo brought back some confidence too & I saved one of them on my rig board to remind me not to overcomplicate things
In reply to Post #10
A friend of mine, sadly no longer with us, always used to use a hair around 2" long from the bend of the hook, he more than caught his share!
A friend of mine, sadly no longer with us, always used to use a hair around 2" long from the bend of the hook, he more than caught his share!
In reply to Post #1
Side hooked broad bean and a penny on the spool , that's old school 🙂
Side hooked broad bean and a penny on the spool , that's old school 🙂
In reply to Post #16
Yep. It's potato hookbaits and cat biscuits for me this year 😄
Yep. It's potato hookbaits and cat biscuits for me this year 😄
In reply to Post #17
😂😂👍
😂😂👍
I'm going to try.....a worm 
Not decided whether or not to douse it in hormones yet
Not decided whether or not to douse it in hormones yet
Free lined luncheon meat, or float fished at night with a star light float !!
I'm ditching my alarms and going churning, with a stone on me spool and a tin plate on floor
In reply to Post #19
A simple old school tactic, with a very modern twist. It'll catch you loads!
A simple old school tactic, with a very modern twist. It'll catch you loads!
In reply to Post #22
The father in law used to pick up quite a few more bites than me on swing tip, 1oz free running lead and a cube of luncheon meat. When he started using boilies he did it again, with a boilie burger, 2 halves of a boilie with a slice of luncheon meat between.....I might have copied that one, it works well
The father in law used to pick up quite a few more bites than me on swing tip, 1oz free running lead and a cube of luncheon meat. When he started using boilies he did it again, with a boilie burger, 2 halves of a boilie with a slice of luncheon meat between.....I might have copied that one, it works well
Not quite the same but been collecting some old Daiwa reels lately.
Emblem baboons x 3 6000H model - absolute mint and boxed
Daiwa infinity 5000s x 2 both boxed and mint - 1 never used and was a reps model when they first got released
Emblem baboons x 3 6000H model - absolute mint and boxed
Daiwa infinity 5000s x 2 both boxed and mint - 1 never used and was a reps model when they first got released
In reply to Post #1
I occasionally get sucked down the fancy rig rabbit hole. I never even get to the point of casting them out however, I see sense beforehand usually.
I have never tied up a ronnie rig though, never felt the need.
I occasionally get sucked down the fancy rig rabbit hole. I never even get to the point of casting them out however, I see sense beforehand usually.
I have never tied up a ronnie rig though, never felt the need.
In reply to Post #8
i have been looking for a Bulk Spool of coated braid for a while without much luck as i dont lik changing things
i have been looking for a Bulk Spool of coated braid for a while without much luck as i dont lik changing things
In reply to Post #26
I asked a friend in America to buy and mail me a spool of Tiger Braid, off memory it came to £45.00 all in for a 100 yard spool
I asked a friend in America to buy and mail me a spool of Tiger Braid, off memory it came to £45.00 all in for a 100 yard spool
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