Bottom bait rig

Well this has to be the simplest of fishing rigs. Useful when fishing for carp, barbel, tench and other freshwater species this rig is simple but effective. You can add variations such as using double baits instead of just one. You can use particle baits such as sweetcorn, tigernuts, maize and many others.

You could use stiff mono, supple braids, coated braids the choice is yours. The important thing about the bottom bait rig is that the more you use it the greater your confidence will grow, and more confidence will mean more fish on the bank!

Some anglers swear by having a small weight just behind the hook. This they feel aids hooking and it does seem to be the case as extra weight in just the right spot will help to turn the hook creating a greater chance of the hook cathing. This is purely a personal preference however and in most cases will not be required.

Adding 2 small boilies to the hair of say 10ml and fishing along with a 10 bait stringer can be a deadly tactic in the winter. Over-flavouring the baits with a dip attractor will also help. Observe anglers around you and see which rigs they use and how successful they are. Are they using pop up's with little or no success? If this is the case then use a bottom bait rig and vise versa if they are using bottom baits and struggling.

A 6 to 8 inch hooklength will suffice in most situations and match your hook size to the bait size. Dont use a size 4 hook with a single 10ml bait for instance as the presentation will look odd and the chances and the rig wont work efficiently. For a 10ml boilie use a size 8 hook long shank narrow gape pattern. If using 2 10ml baits on the hair then a size 6 hook would be better.

Assembling the Bottom Bait rig

To build this rig you start by tying a loop using a simple overhand knot. After creating your loop which will eventually hold your bait you then cut the hooklength to size.

We recommend cutting off around 12 inches. You then pass the tag end through the back of the hook eye and secure your hair at the correct length using the knotless knot.

From there you finish by tying the hooklength to a swivel. You can add the optional pivot weight behind the hook if you so choose.