STEVE’S HARD PELLET RIG EXPLAINED – TIE IT NOW…

The secret to success with hard pellets as far as rigs are concerned is to fish as light as possible in terms of your float and line so that your hookbait behaves as naturally as possible.

Float choice

In 4ft-6ft of water I like to fish with a 4x10 Mick Wilkinson Steady. This features a tough wire stem to aid stability in the water and enables me to fish a much lighter float than might be the case with other patterns.

Mainline and hooklength

Line choice depends on the size of fish you’re likely to catch, after all there is no point fishing an 0.11mm hooklength if you are targeting double-figure carp! When fishing for carp from 2lb to 5lb my mainline is 0.15mm Guru N-Gauge to a 4in hooklength of 0.12mm fluorocarbon. Many anglers aren’t keen on fluorocarbon but I have to admit I love it when the water is still a little clear because it gives your rig a little extra in terms of stealth.

Shotting pattern

A slow fall of the hookbait through the water is essential and I therefore opt for a lightly strung bulk of No.11 shot. Spacing-wise, the bottom shot is placed 5in from the hook with the others droppers at 1in intervals above this.

Hook choice

For hard pellet fishing with 6mm baits I’ve settled on a size 18 LWG hook which I think is simply perfect for the job. It’s a light hook that enables the bait to behave as naturally as possible, but one which is strong enough to handle carp too. My hook is tied using a knotless knot with a bait band sitting just off the back of the hook to present the pellet.

Hookbaits

For fish averaging 2lb-5lb I tend to use 6mm hard pellets as hookbaits but will also try an 8mm bait if I’m pestered by small silvers. Always put the pellet band across the barrel of the pellet and for speed I use a pellet banding tool. A light pole rig is best when fishing with hard pellets