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The zig rig has been around for many years now and allows a buoyant bait to be fished from the lake bed at the depth of your choice. Although effective at any time of the year, zig rigging really comes into its own through the spring when the carp are spending much of their time in the upper layers. A good starting point on any water is to begin at two thirds of the depth in front of you and then take it from there. If you have no luck to start with then don't be afraid to experiment. The depth the carp are sitting at will vary on conditions and the time of day. Also remember that the carp won't suddenly all swim to the bottom just because it gets dark. Carp will pick up a zig rigged bait at any time of the day or night - if you have the nerve to give it a go! STEP 1 Here are the basic items needed to construct a zig rig: Size 10 ESP Big T Hooks, 10lb Pro Clear line, 0.5mm Korda Silicon Tubing, and for bait some Bankside Pineapple Pop Ups. STEP 2 Thread on a short piece of silicon tubing and then tie a normal loop into your hooklink. STEP 3 Carefullly pass the hookpoint through the tubing and thread around the hook to the position shown. STEP 4 Put a bait on before you finish the rig off to ensure you get the length of the hair just right. We also like to add a thin piece of Gardner Zig Rig Foam to the top of the boilie. STEP 5 A simple knotless knot finishes the rig off. STEP 6 To create an agressive 'bent hook' effect, push another short length of silicon over the eye as showm. STEP 7 We use two lead set ups depending on the situation. For weed free waters we prefer the inline set up, whilst in weedy venues a swivel lead fitted on a safety clip is a better option. When fishing zigs always go for the lightest lead you can as this will make playing a hooked carp a lot easier. STEP 8 This inline set up works well for zig rigging in open water. A short two to three inch length of anti tangle tubing pushed into the tail rubber helps to reduce tangles. STEP 9 For weedy waters a safety clip set up fished without a tail rubber ensures the lead will drop off quickly if it gets snagged. To secure the lead for casting the clip can be tied up with PVA string. STEP 10 Along with the ever dependable Pineapple pop ups, another very successful bait for zig rigging is a small piece of foam, with yellow and black two well proven colours. |