10 TOP TIPS FOR MAKING RIGS

Great advice for making boat rigs, with many applicable to shore anglers too

1 While cheap rig components are readily available on line, it is inadvisable to compromise on quality when choosing certain items such as hooks and swivels. Bulk buying quality rig components from known brands is certainly the most cost-effective way to purchase, and need not be overly expensive. 2 Always use good-quality line for the rig body and its hooklengths. It might be tempting to use line left over from reel fills, but using proper leader/ rig line will help produce strong, more efficient and more reliable rigs. 3 Be careful when using metal crimps (below) to secure swivels as these can very easily damage nylon line if squeezed too tightly. 4 With the exception of rigs tied specifically for flatfish, don’t be tempted to add too much bling or over-complicate rigs. Simple, no-frills rigs are equally, or even more, efficient than those tied with excessive components. 5 Test all knots with a firm, steady pull. If you can break them, so can a fish. If you are not happy with a knot, tie it again. 6 Rigs with interchangeable hooklengths allow you to quickly replace a damaged hooklength or swap an existing one for another with larger or smaller hooks, or even a wire hooklength, as required. 7 Don’t be tempted to use line that is too thin for hooklengths. With few exceptions, most fish are not line shy, and a lot of very good fish are lost due to inadequate hooklengths. For instance, it’s rare you need anything less than 20-25lb clear monofilament for hooklengths on any boat rigs. Most boat anglers choose 30-50lb, with 80lb not too heavy for rays, smoothhounds, huss or even cod. 8 Always use strong hooks. You might tie a rig specifically for plaice or black bream, but that’s not going to stop a big turbot or bass taking your bait. You don’t want to lose a bonus good fish due to the hook straightening. 9 After use, soak used rigs in fresh water and then allow them to dry. This allows you to use them again, but always check each rig for any damage. Always replace the hooklength and use a new hook. 10 It is a good idea to store your rigs in individual self-sealing plastic bags in a rig wallet to keep them in a perfect, rust-free condition. n