PENNING’s - Prologic Fishing - Carp · PDF file8 XXXXXXX XXXXXXXDownforce 9 Chod Drop Beads A two part buffer bead designed for all helicopter style setups such as chod rigs. Suitable

RIG TUTORIALPENNING’s

ADAM

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Hoox

Tools

Leaders

Downforce

Braided Hooklinks

Mono Hooklinks

NEW Minicry 3D

Location

Fishing Over Gravel

Fishing Over Silt

Fishing Over Weed

Fishing at Distance

Zig Rigs

River Fishing Europe

Boat Fishing Europe

A Guide to Fish Care

Prologic’s Last Meter range of terminal tackle provides every component you could ever possibly need to construct any rig.

In noticing just how far rig evolution has grown in the past decade in terms of mechanics and concealment, Prologic’s Brand and Product Manager, Enrico Parmeggiani called upon the collective expertise of his professional angling staff to help develop a fine-tuned, comprehensive range of terminal tackle to cater for the angler who goes the extra mile when it comes to their ‘Last Meter’.

It took two solid years of development, testing, tweaking (and then more testing and tweaking!) before the range was finally given Enrico’s seal of approval.

Each component in the range is manufactured entirely in-house via our very own production facility. This gives us complete control over material sourcing, production quality and the entire development process, allowing us to design, produce and offer unique alternatives to a highly competitive terminal tackle market.

With the help of our Senior Consultant and renowned big carp chaser, Adam Penning, we’re delighted to present our first ever Rig Guide!

Rather than bombard you with a flurry of over-complicated rigs, we pitched several common scenarios often faced by anglers to Adam and asked him to nominate the perfect rig solution for each situation. In addition, we’ve also included an illustrative step-by-step guide on how to construct each rig.

We hope this booklet helps you add some bonus fish to the bank!

Be lucky!

From all at Team Prologic.

XXXX4 Hoox

XCI

The slightly offset beaked hook-point of the XC1 aids hook rotation. This coupled with a 13 degree in-turned eye ensures that the point turns to catch hold as quickly as possible before the fish has chance to eject the hookbait. The beak protects the hook-point from blunting when fishing over gravel and also dramatically reduces hook-pulls.

Perfect for rigs that incorporate soft and supple hooklinks such as solid bag rigs.

XC5

The super-strong XC5 may look similar in appearance to the XC3 pattern, but features a few minor tweaks that make a huge difference. Primarily developed for targeting snaggy ‘hit’n hold’ situations, the XC5 features a thicker gauge wire for added strength in addition to a 15-degree in-turned eye and beaked hook-point for greater hook rotation and improved hook-hold properties.

Perfect for standard bottom bait rigs that incorporate supple or semi-stiff hooklinks such as Reptilian Coated Braid or Super Snake FS.

XC2

Our answer to the classic long-shank pattern, the XC2 is one of our most versatile patterns in the range.

Featuring a 25-degree in-turned eye and straight hook-point, the extended shank transfers weight towards the end of the hook, dramatically improving hook rotation and in turn, greater hook rates.

Suitable for both pop-up style rigs and bottom bait presentations, the XC2 is commonly used for blow-back style rigs that incorporate a rig ring along the shank.

XC7

The curved nature of the XC7 pattern coupled with a 3-degree in-turned eye causes the hook-point to flip and catch hold instantly.

Features a straight hook-point and medium-length shank for added strength.

A popular choice for rigs that use supple or semi-stiff hooklink materials such as the combi-rig, incorporating a rig ring along the shank.

XC3

The XC3 is a wide-gape style pattern with a straight eye that is better suited for stiffer hooklink materials such as thick monofilament or fluorocarbon.

The straight eye ensures the gape remains as wide as possible for a greater ‘claw’ effect when the fish picks up the hookbait.

The perfect choice for stiff style D-rigs or the ‘Bottom-Bait Chod Rig’.

XC8

The XC8 is our dedicated ‘stiff rig’ hook.

Features a 20-degree out-turned eye to compensate for stiff hooklink materials exiting the eye, ensuring the gape remains as wide as possible for a maximum ‘claw’ effect.

Use the XC8 pattern for all stiff-style pop-up rigs such as the Chod or MK2 Multi-Rig.

The brand new HOOX range has been designed, developed and manufactured entirely in-house via our own hook-making facility. This allows us to ensure that only the very best materials are used and only the highest production quality acceptable.

Manufactured using a high-grade CC-83 Japanese Carbon Steel Wire for minimal flexibility and maximum strength, this material plays a key role in the ‘sticky-sharpness’ and improved lifespan of our hook-points. Even after several captures, HOOX retain their ‘out of the packet’ sharpness.

As with all items in the Last Meter range, each hook pattern has undergone rigorous field testing before commencing with production.

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TOOLS.... READY-MADE LEADERS

Boilie Lip NeedleSafety gate latch needle for attaching hookbaits and threading hooklinks through small PVA sticks or bags.

Stringer Lip NeedleExtended safety gate latch needle for attaching hookbaits, stringers and threading hooklinks through large PVA sticks or bags.

Twisting Bait DrillDrills hard baits such as nuts and pellets with two-part twisting handle for ease of use.

Big Bait DrillBores out baits such as boilies and tiger nuts. Insert foam stick and trim to size for a critically balanced hookbait.

Pro Braid ScissorsCuts cleanly through all types of hooklink material effortlessly.

Compact ScissorsSuper sharp compact scissors for trimming hookbaits or cutting through braid and mono hooklinks.

Hair ControllerHandy tool for achieving the perfect length of hair.

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As with rigs, leaders and lead arrangements can differ in functionality in order suit the situation at hand to give us optimal

presentation in our bid to trip up our wise old quarry.However, leaders can also pose a significant risk to fish if used incorrectly

and can work against us when placed in the wrong situation.

For both safety and convenience, we have included a range of Ready Made Leaders that are good to go straight from the packet, each professionally constructed using components from the Last Meter

range. Available in a Metal Core version that contains a heavy inner metal lining or as a quick-sinking, super-supple ‘Hollow Core’ that hugs the contours of the lakebed for perfect concealment.

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Helicopter Style LeaderIdeal for fishing at distance due to its superb anti-tangle properties, allowing the rig full rotation in-flight. The lead is attached at the very end while the rig can be offset at any distance by adjusting the beads attached to the leader material. This is also regarded as one of the safer setups and the rig is able to travel off the leader in the event of a line break, leaving very little for the fish to tow.

Leadclip LeaderIdeal for snaggy, weedy waters where losing the lead on the take is imperative to increase chances of landing the fish. When force is applied from the rig end of the leader, the leadclip ejects the lead to allow you direct contact with the fish and give you much greater control during the fight.

In the event of a line break, the lead will automatically release itself from the clip when met with resistance from weed or excess force from the fish shaking its head.

It is vital to ensure that the lead clip is lubricated before applying the tail rubber and that the rubber isn’t pushed on too far. Additionally, the tail rubber should have enough purchase to withstand the rig entering the water on the cast without ejecting the lead on impact.

Running Rig LeaderOn baron venues that contain little or no hazardous snags such as weed, a running rig maybe the most suitable option.

This leader features a soft, rubberised sleeve for the run ring to grip onto. When force is applied from the rig end the run ring disengages and allows the leader and mainline to run through the ring easily while the lead remains stationary on the lakebed.

From a safety aspect, this allows the lead to run free in the event of a line break to minimise the amount of tackle the fish tows.

Another benefit of this setup is that fish are unable to use the weight of the lead to shake the hook from its mouth as the line passes through the ring. This can sometimes prove to be an edge on pressured waters and help you land more fish.

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Chod Drop BeadsA two part buffer bead designed for all helicopter style setups such as chod rigs. Suitable for use on leaders and naked monofilament.

Anti Tangle TubingEliminates tangles, protects the line and flanks of fish during the fight. The perfect alternative on venues where fixed leaders are banned, keeping everything pinned down out of view and contact.

Tungsten Putty KitKit contains three colours to match various substrates such as gravel, weed and silt. Moulds easily around knots to keep everything pinned down and allows you to fine-tune the buoyancy of hookbaits.

Ultragrip BeadA grip bead for use on chod rigs, helicopter rigs and as a shock bead for running rigs.

Anti Tangle Rig SleevesFits neatly over swivels to protect knots and eliminate tangles on the cast by pushing the rig away from the lead in flight.

Drop BeadsA tapered bore allows you to safely semi-fix the beads along leader materials. In the event of your line breaking, the drop bead is easily released, allowing the rig to run free of the leader and lead to prevent damage to the fish.

Drop SinkersA multitude of uses. Use as a stop bead for naked chods or pin down rigs and mainlines for a perfectly concealed presentation. Available in standard and mega sizes.

Micro Rig SleevesPerfect for protecting hooklink knots between materials such as combi-rigs and the MK2 Multi Rig.

Rig concealment is one of the most vital aspects of carp fishing. As carp fishing continues to grow in popularity, angling pressure at many venues is at an all-time high.The increase in pressure means that fish are fully aware they are being angled for and to outwit our quarry requires something a little different at the business end.

Thanks to the diversity of tungsten-impregnated terminal tackle, we’re now able to stay one step ahead and fine-tune the mechanics of our rigs accordingly, concealing any visible ‘danger signs’ by pinning everything down onto the lake bed.

Our Downforce range of tungsten-based terminal items provides all components needed to take rig concealment to the next level. Each Downforce component is manufactured using large percentages of high density tungsten in its mixes for added weight and maximum concealment.

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Hooklinks


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BRAIDED HOOKLINKS MONO HOOKLINKSMimicry 3D Mirage Mono

Taking rig concealment to dizzy new heights! Mimicry 3D Mirage is the first mono hooklink of its kind to feature a broken camouflaged pattern, blending perfectly over any type of lakebed.

Use the super-supple lower diameters for smaller, lighter baits such as maggots or corn, and the stronger, thicker gauge versions to create the ultimate camouflaged stiff rig.

Available in 20lb, 25lb, 30lb and 35lb versions on 40m spools

Viper Ultra Soft

Super-supple and sinks like a brick! This eight-strand HMPE braid is mixed with high-density PL fibres that simply plummets through the water and pins itself perfectly to the lakebed contours for optimum presentation. Features a two-tone green camo for added concealment.

Available in 15lb, 25lb and 35lb on 15m spools.

Pro Chod Mono

This clear, high memory monofilament is super-stiff and easily manipulated to create the perfect curve on chod style rigs or steamed as straight as an arrow for boom sections.

Features superb knot strength and extreme abrasion resistance, leaving nothing to chance during the fight.


Viper 3S

Viper 3S is a high-density braid consisting of fibres that are interwoven with a special PE fibre an anti-friction treatment for improved knot strength, greater abrasion resistance and super-fast sinking properties.

Being slightly stiffer than Viper Ultra Soft, it lends itself to longer rigs for reduced tangles and improved presentation at distance. The three-tone green camo finish blends into the lake bed.

Add its sinking properties and it offers absolute discretion.


Spectrum Zig and Floater Special

A super-strong floating monofilament, specifically designed for zigs and surface fishing.

Low in diameter and clear in colour for maximum discreteness.

Superb knot strength and abrasion resistance.


Super Snake FS

An extreme braid for extreme situations. This semi-soft uncoated braid contains Aramid and PTFE fibres for ultimate abrasion resistance. Due to its high-density, this sinks faster than nylon monofilament, helping to keep everything pinned down and out of sight. Finished in a subtle matt-green.


Spectrum Z Fluorocarbon

Our new and improved Spectrum Z Fluorocarbon Hooklink has undergone a slight recipe change to improve abrasion resistance and increase knot strength. A 100% fluorocarbon that is perfect for creating stiff rigs and combi rigs.


Reptilian Coated

A high-density PE fibre with a semi-stiff coating, perfect for creating rigs that incorporate a hinge effect such as combi-rigs.

The coating is easily strippable to expose a supple braided core for a multitude of presentation options.

Finished in an earthy two-tone brown on both the coating and braided inner for maximum camouflage properties.

Available in 15lb, 25lb and 35lb versions on 15m spools

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Mimicry Safety Leadclip

• Designed to release the lead when snagged

• For use with size 8 swivel

• The swivel can be locked and fixed with the swivel pin

Mimicry Distance Leadclip

• Perfect for distance fishing with heavy leads



• The metal arm reduces twist, releases easier and is stronger for bigger leads

Mimicry Flat Leadclip with Speedlink

• Designed to be used with speed links (included)

• Change your rig quickly and easily

• Speed link can be locked in place with the pin

• Can be used with any size of lead


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LAST METER COMPONENTS

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Mimicry Semi Fixed Rig Kit

• Can be used fixed or running style

• Swivel can be locked using pins (included)

• Can be configured to release lead

• Multiple presentation options

• Superb anti-tangle properties

Mimicry Helicopter/Chod Buffer

• Two part chod buffer

• For use with helicopter style setups such as chod rigs

• Use running style on naked mono

• Semi-fixed when used with leader material

Mimicry Chod Drop-Off Lead Sleeve

• Shock absorber sleeve

• Perfect for helicopter style setups such as chod rigs


Mimicry Grip Tail Beads

• Long tail beads for increased grip

• Ideal for anti-tangle tube and leaders

• Soft durable material

• Shock absorber

Mimicry Anti-Tangle Rig Sleeve

• Pushes the rig away from the lead mid-flight to eliminate tangles


• Slim design for better presentation

• Parallel swivel chamber reduces damage from quick links

• Fits Prologic Quick Change Swivels perfectly

• Slow sinking

• Protect knots

Mimicry Naked Chod Rig System

• Grips monofilament perfectly for naked style setups

• Two part system

• Slow sinking to settle over weed

Mimicry Drop-Off Lead Buffer

• Ideal for running rigs and helicopter rigs

• Thick but soft construction

• Shock absorber


Mimicry Gripper Beads

• Universal bead for use on running rigs, chod rigs and helicopter rigs

• Tapered hole is designed to slide over knots in the event of the line breaking

• Available in small and large

Mimicry Micro Rig Sleeve

• Protecting knots

• Covers quick-change clips

• Produces a neat protected rig

• Can be used as line aligner for long shank hooks

Mimicry Buffer Beads

• Shock absorbing

• For use on running rigs, chod rigs and helicopter rigs

• The larger hole is designed to protect the knot

• For use with a size 8 swivel or quick change link

Mimicry Anti-Tangle Tailrubber

• 10cm tailrubber with short anti-tangle tube built in

• Ideal for distance fishing with ‘naked’ (no leader) style setups

• Eliminates tangles mid-flight

• Can be used with all lead clip systems

• Can be used as shock absorber for Chod rigs

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Mimicry Line Aligner Sleeve

• Protect knots

• Produce a neat and protected hook presentation

• Improves hook rotation for improved hook holds

• Adjust the length by trimming to required size

• Available in large and medium

Mirage Loop Leaders

• Sinking

• Soft construction-adapt to any contour of the bottom

• Superb blending properties against all types of lakebed

• Loop at both ends

• Extreme abrasion resistance

Mimicry Anti-Tangle Tubing

• Tubing to protect the line, the fish and reduce tangles

• Perfect alternative to leaders

• Can be used with all types of rigs

• Superb blending properties against all types of lakebed change link

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You could have the ‘best rig and bait in the world’, but if there are no fish nearby, you won’t catch them. Simply put, this aspect of carp fishing is THE most vital part for us to get right.

Sure we can get occasionally lucky by pitching up in a swim near the car park or one that has a nice view and a flat area for the bed, but placing all our hopes on convenience rather than actual fish location will leave us with a dry net all too often.

Watercraft is often whispered about as if it is some sort of ‘dark art’ or Jedi skill – it isn’t! All watercraft consists of is looking and listening to our surroundings and then reacting accordingly. Sounds simple? Well, it is but it does require

effort and patience – the two elements that anglers who are often preoccupied on the quick route to success are not keen to put in.

The secret to successful carp fishing is not in a packet, in a box or on a DVD – it is inside YOU. You are the key to your fishing success and if you are willing to take time looking for and locating the fish then from that alone, your catch rate will soar, I promise you!

LOCATION

Dawn: Get to the lake as early as you can; just before first light is best. Try and watch the lake from a single position (instead of long walks between swims where you can’t see anything through the trees) – one that allows you to see as much of the water as possible. Look for big, oily swirls, tips of heads and noses as carp slide silently out of the water. When it starts to get light, look for areas of fizzing as it is nearly always flat calm at dawn. Additionally, areas of large frothy bubbles trapped in the surface film can often betray a zone where the carp have been leaping and feeding earlier in the night.

Birdlife: Nervous bird life is another good one and following the shrill alarm of a spooked coot has caught me many carp.

It is ALL about looking for signs and then positioning yourself accordingly. Your eyes are like a muscle – the more you exercise them, the stronger they get and the more you will start to notice. On many lakes, even well stocked ones, whole areas can be devoid of carp – it is imperative that you search out the areas of activity and then approach them accordingly.

Remember: The more you look, the more you see. The more you see, the more you know. The more you know, the more you will catch!

Good luck!

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Gravel is one of the most pronounced and easiest of features to locate with the aid of some decent polarising sunglasses or a marker rod setup and is often the preferred substrate to target due to its clear and firm properties, allowing rigs to be presented neatly without hindering mechanics.

Finding small areas of gravel on predominantly soft or weedy lakebeds can often indicate feeding hotspots where sediment has been cleared away by feeding fish.

GRAVEL

LOCATING GRAVEL: In bright and sunny conditions on clear-water venues, try gaining a high (but safe) vantage point in the surrounding trees. This will often reveal entire areas of gravel, allowing you to watch if or how fish approach the area.

If visual location is not possible, explore features above the surface such as islands, points and channels between weed beds with a marker rod setup. Venues that contain weed up to the surface will allow you to see where a weed bed ends as the lakebed changes in format. These areas are definitely worth investigating with the marker rod using a bare lead attached to a braided mainline.

Simply drag the lead back across the lakebed slowly until a ‘purring’ sensation is felt through the rod tip, as the lead bounces across gravel fragments. The lead should travel unimpeded with zero resistance on the retrieve.

FISHING OVER GRAVEL For large areas of gravel, try to locate the nearside edge of the spot where the gravel meets weed or silt sediment. Gravel patches are expanded by fish feeding on this surrounding sediment on the outer edges as this is where the majority of natural food is harboured. By presenting a rig on the nearside edge, your rig will not only be presented effectively, but will also place itself directly in the vicinity of the carp’s likely next feeding area. Another major benefit of presenting a rig near to the edge of a spot is that any excess mainline will be hidden from view, posing no threat to visiting fish.

Ideally, locating more ‘subtle’ areas of gravel will pose far less risk to passing fish. I have often found that larger stamp of fish will feed comfortably on smaller, less blatant patches of gravel. Finding and presenting a bait accurately on these spots is obviously a lot more difficult and will require practice.

PRESENTATION As with all rigs you are looking to achieve an accessible, concealed and tangle-free presentation.

Gravel is one of the easiest areas to effectively present a rig over, therefore your main focus should be concealment.

In this scenario, I would favour the Wafter Rig. The idea being that the rig lays completely flat and pinned to the deck using small drops of tungsten putty, whilst the critically-balanced wafter hookbait hovers above the hook, masking it from view.

Due to the weightless nature of wafters, minimal effort is required for a feeding fish to pick up the hookbait along with the rig.

WAFTER RIG

Add your wafter hookbait and attach hook via a knotless knot, leaving a 20mm gap between the bait and hook and 30mm of uncoated braid behind the hook eye.

Slide 10mm of silicone tubing over the hook eye and angle slightly. Add a small drop of tungsten putty where coating starts.

Strip approx. 3” of coating from Reptilian Coated to expose the braid and tie a small loop.

Thread a Downforce Anti-Tangle Sleeve onto hooklink before attaching to the Quick-Change Ring Swivel.

Test your rig in the margin. If necessary, add/remove putty until the bait sinks slightly slower than a normal freebie and ensure the hook point faces outward,

away from the lead.

Thread a small piece of silicone tubing and an XC1 Hook, trapping the braid to the hook.

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Form a smaller loop at the desired length of the main loop using the tag ends.

Pass the mono loop through the front of the hook eye and slide on a medium-sized rig ring. Tip: use a fine braid or floss to pull the mono through the eye.

Thread a Downforce Anti-Tangle Sleeve and attach a Quick-Change Ring Swivel.

Take a section of Reptilian Coated Braid and remove 3” of coating to expose the inner braid and pass through the smaller loop.

Pass the mono loop over the hook-point.

Lasso the pop-up with bait floss and tie to rig ring using a series of overhand knots before carefully fusing tag-ends together with a lighter.

Take 6” of Pro Chod Mono in 0.53mm and fold in half.

Whip around the main loop seven times and three times back on itself before passing back through the smaller loop. Lubricate and bed knot down before pulling tight.

Using a bait drill, form a ‘D’ on the shank of the hook. Use hooklink to tension the loop and steam to keep its shape.

Use the hook to gauge the length of loop needed

Ensure there is a 1” uncoated section behind the finished knot. This allows 360 movement of the hook.

Add a short section of silicone tubing the protect the knot and a drop of tungsten putty where coating starts.

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Often avoided and highly underrated, silt is home to a variety of natural life such as bloodworm and fly hatches and is often found in older, mature waters.

Silt is formed when dead materials such as leafs and weed break down and decay. The resulting sediment is carried and deposited by the lake’s tow to a particular area, accumulating over a period of time to eventually form a silt bed that can vary in depth.

Locating beds or pockets of silt on predominantly gravel or weedy lakes are certainly worth targeting as these spots can offer a smaller but concentrated area of natural food.

LOCATING SILT: Older, deeper silt is usually black in colour and carries an unpleasant ‘rotten egg’ like smell. Carp will still happily feed amongst this form of silt but where possible, I prefer to target the finer, ‘cleaner’ silt. Distinguishing silt from clay or sand can be difficult due to its smooth, non-textured nature.

The best way to separate the three is by feeling the lead down on a tight line before landing with a firm ‘thud’. When pulling the rod back, you should initially feel a light resistance with the rod tip taking on a slight curve before the lead unplugs itself from the lakebed, followed by little or no resistance as the lead glides smoothly and effortlessly. The stronger the initial resistance the deeper the silt, but ideally the lead should pull free with minimal force from the rod tip.

FISHING OVER SILT Presenting a pop-up style rig over silt will ensure your hookpoint remains unhindered by any lakebed debris such as leaves. I tend to use rigs at around 8” in length, adjusting them slightly longer depending on the depth of silt. This extra length ensures that the rig is not pulled into the silt by the lead upon impact and leaves enough material for the rig to sit flat along the surface.


In this scenario I’ll always opt for a MK Multi-Rig presentation, fished with a pop-up. The pop-up section is kept to a minimal length, as near to the lakebed as possible.

The stiff coated boom section eliminates tangles and is adjusted in length depending on the depth of the silt for perfect rig lay.

Another benefit of the MK2 Multi-Rig is that the hook can be easily changed if needed, without having to retie the entire rig.

SILT

• Attach to a Helicopter style leader. Adjust stop beads depending on depth of silt.

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XXXXXXX XXXXXXX26 Fishing Over Weed

It’s inevitable that at some point you will be faced with the dreaded green stuff, especially on shallow, crystal clear waters where sunlight can penetrate through to the lakebed.

On waters that become choked with weed during the summer months, there may be no option but to present over it if a clear spot cannot be found.

It’s important to remember that weed is home to a vast portion of a carps natural diet such as snails, shrimp and daphnia. Finding the right area of weed to present a rig over can produce great results.

WEED

LOCATING WEED: On shallower waters, weed will often reach the surface and can be located visually. However, this may not be the case in deeper water and may require some work with the marker rod to confirm.

In long and dense weed growth, it may be difficult to feel the lead land as the descent is highly cushioned. The rod tip will also lock up tight on the retrieve and may require additional force before the lead pulls free. The level of force required to free the lead will indicate the density of weed.

FISHING OVER WEED: It goes without saying that a rig presented near to weed on a firm, clear substrate will allow for a much better rig presentation. But, when the entire lakebed appears to be carpeted with weed and no clear spots can be found, attempt to seek out the shorter, low-lying weed.

Using a marker rod, apply a series of casts, feeling the lead down each time until a positive landing can be felt through the rod tip. The firmer the landing, the shorter or sparser the weed is likely to be.

Ideally the lead should travel relatively unimpeded and return with small amounts of weed attached. Don’t be alarmed if your rig comes back covered in weed, this is likely to happen on the retrieve.

Be wary of any dense weed between you and your spot as this can be hazardous when playing fish. Using light leads or an effective lead drop-off system will drastically improve your chances of landing a fish.

PRESENTATION: As with all rigs you are looking to achieve an accessible, concealed and tangle-free presentation.

In this situation, I favour the Micro-Chod Rig which is similar to the traditional chod rig but features a short boom section. This used in conjunction with a helicopter setup allows me to adjust the distance between the lead and rig in order to present on top of the weed.

MICRO-CHOD RIG

Whip around the tag-end and hook shank four times with the loop and pull the tag end semi-tight.

Attach a size 12 ring swivel via a 1-2 turn blood knot and curve mono between fingers until hook-point sits parallel.

Rotate the knot until both sides of the knot run parallel with the hook and tease down to the hook eye before lubricating and pulling tight using a puller tool.

Tie a 2” boom section using Pro Chod Mono 0.53m to the ring section and attach a size 10 ring swivel at the opposite end using 2-turn blood knots.

Take 8” of Pro Chod Mono 0.53mm and thread an XC8 hook.

Thread a medium-sized rig ring onto the tag-end before passing back through the hook eye to create a ‘D’.

Add a small drop of tungsten putty to the boom knot nearest to the size 12 ring swivel.

Using the tag end that exits the back of the hook, form a loop against the shank

Set size of ‘D’ to desired size before trimming the tag-end and carefully blobbing with a lighter to secure

Lasso your chosen pop-up using bait floss and attach to the rig ring via a series of overhand knots. Carefully fuse tag ends with a lighter.

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Test the rig buoyancy in the margin before casting, adjusting tungsten putty until rig descends slowly through the water.

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BOTTOM BAIT CHOD RIG


Aggressive casts can often leave rigs prone to tangles and therefore a stiff-style rig with maximum anti-tangle properties is required. For this I use a fine-tuned ‘Bottom Bait Chod Rig’, fished helicopter style.

As the name suggests, this rig was discovered after accidentally attaching a bottom bait to a traditional chod rig. It was only when unhooking the resulting fish that I discovered my ‘error’, but the hook hold suggested that this rig was equally as effective on the deck.

The Bottom Bait Chod features a few minor tweaks to the traditional buoyant setup such as a supple hair to increase hook rotation and a small loop incorporated at the swivel end for added movement, allowing the rig to be approached from any angle.

DISTANCE

Whip around the tag-end and hook shank four times with the loop and pull the tag end semi-tight.

Tie a small ‘Perfect Loop Knot’ or Figure of Eight Loop running through the eye of a size 8/10 ring swivel.

Rotate the knot until both sides of the knot run parallel with the hook and tease down to the hook eye before lubricating and pulling tight using a puller tool.

Take 8” of Pro Chod Mono 0.53mm and thread an XC8 hook..

Take 3” of Viper 3S braid and tie a small hair loop to a medium-sized ring swivel.

Using the tag end that exits the back of the hook, form a loop against the shank.

Attach your hookbait and thread rig ring onto the hook, securing with a Hook Shank Bead parallel to the barb.

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Form a slight curve in the Pro Chod Mono using your fingers.

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Attach to a Helicopter Leader.

29 Fishing at Distance


As mentioned earlier in this booklet, fish location should always dictate your choice of swim and rig position on any venue.

On large and pressured waters, it’s not uncommon for fish to seek sanctuary further out into the lake, away from the endless crashing of spods and leads.

Of course finding a suitable spot to target in this scenario can be a tricky dilemma. Do you risk spooking the fish by thrashing a lead around in order to find an ideal spot? Or do you risk poor rig presentation? After all, a poorly presented rig that’s embedded within a tonne of weed isn’t going to do you any favours either.

Personally, I prefer to make a mental note of the spot using a visual marker on the horizon and wait for fish activity to cease before exploring the area with a marker rod.

Whether it’s silt, gravel or even short weed, providing that I can drag the lead back unimpeded I’m confident that my rig

will be presented effectively, ready for when fish return to the area.

32 Zig Rig

Zig rigs have dominated waters in recent years and can add bonus fish to the bank when action slows down on the deck.

Zigs allow us to target the various water columns by suspending a hookbait in mid-water, imitating the water’s natural critters such as flies and beetles.

ZIGS

DEPTH: It is important to understand the depth of water you’re targeting in order for you the adjust the length of your Zig accordingly. This is done using a marker float setup by casting to an area and paying off line one foot at a time until the float reaches the surface from the lead.

INDICATION: Due to the extreme lengths of hooklink used for Zigs, bite registration is often very subtle. Therefore it’s imperative to fish ‘bow-string’ tight lines with alarms set to maximum sensitivity to help emphasise bite indication. Heavy bobbins will also help to register drop-backs should the fish move towards you.

PRESENTATION: Zigs are notorious for tangling on the cast. Casts should be made slightly higher than normal and stopped immediately before the lead enters the water in order to keep the long hooklink separate from other components on the descend.

Like insects, Zigs are often ‘snatched’ at in mid-water by carp. Therefore hookbaits should be kept tight to the shank of the hook to maximise hooking potential.

For weedier waters, don’t be afraid to use a section of standard mainline and a large hook for extra strength. Hooking a large carp is pointless if you’re unable to control the fight and dropping the lead is paramount to ensure direct contact with the fish.

Any buoyant hookbait can be used for zigs although I personally use unflavoured black foam. The Foam Twin Colour Balls offer the best of both worlds when targeting mid to lower layers of the water in that the black section will silhouette against the skyline whilst the bright coloured tip will provide a fleck of visibility to any carp passing above.

ZIG RIG

Thread a small piece of Silicone Tubing and an XC5 Hook, trapping the mono to the hook.

Set hair tight to the hook using the Silicone Tubing and tie a knotless knot.

Using Spectrum Zig & Floater Special, tie a small hair loop before cutting hooklink to desired length.

Tie a Figure of Eight Loop at the opposite end and thread a Tungsten Anti-Tangle Sleeve.

Thread a Foam Twin Colour Ball onto the hair loop and insert boilie stop

Attach to a Lead Clip Leader

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Test buoyancy in the margin before casting.

33 Zig Rig


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34 River Fishing Europe

Targeting river carp presents a whole new array of factors to take into consideration such as strong currents, fluctuating water levels and large snags that have been carried downstream during floods.

As always, fish location is the single most vital part of the process, but with rivers spanning from tens to even hundreds of miles in length, this can amount to some serious legwork before finding them. Prologic Brand and Product Manager, Enrico Parmeggiani is no stranger to river carping and has claimed his fair share of river secrets from all over Europe.

RIVER CARPING

WHY TARGET RIVER CARP: Rivers are packed full of surprises which can often include huge, hard-fighting monster carp. Due to the sheer distances that rivers can span, it’s inevitable that the majority of scaly river residents may never have been caught before and their existence is therefore unknown.

For the angler who is willing to put in the extra effort, legwork and attention to detail, the rewards are endless. That next bite could result in a fish of a lifetime; what could be more exciting than that?


WITH ENRICO PARMEGGIANI

CHALLENGES: There are many aspects to bear in mind when taking on rivers. Flow and current can vary in different stretches so it’s important to ensure that you adjust your setup accordingly.

Heavier, ‘gripper’ style leads will help anchor your rig and prevent it from being carried downstream. If the flow wasn’t enough to take into consideration, couple this with a large powerful carp and you could be in for an arm-wrenching ride as the fish surges downstream. Snags such as fallen trees and various other debris can litter the riverbed, especially after heavy flooding and therefore a strong, reliable mainline is paramount to stay in control of the fight.

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ENRICO’S RIVER RIG

PRESENTATION In my years of targeting rivers, I’ve found that my larger captures have come from fast flowing water. As already mentioned, in order to present a rig effectively in strong currents everything must be scaled up in strength and anchored with a heavy lead (as heavy as needed). My rigs are kept long (up to 50cm) in order for the hookbait to act natural in the flow.

Tie an 8-turn knotless knot.

Once joined, cut Mimicry 3D Mono at a length of around 40cm.

Thread a Downforce Anti Tangle Rig Sleeve onto mono tag end followed by a figure-of-eight loop.

Thread on a Micro Rig Sleeve and slide over the hook eye.

Thread on a Downforce Mega Drop Sinker and position over knot between the two materials.

Attach hookbait to the last rig ring using bait floss. Carefully blob tag ends with a lighter to secure.

Take 6” of Super Snake FS. Tie a medium rig ring to the end and another 25mm behind it.

Form a loop in the end of Mimicry 3D Mono hooklink and pass braided tag end through the loop, trapping end of loop in line with the end of the Micro Rig Sleeve.

Pass the opposite end through the back of an XC2 hook, passing the hookpoint through the first rig ring.

Join materials using an Albright Knot.

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Attach to a standard lead clip leader with a heavy ‘gripper’ style lead.


LOCATION: Be prepared to cover miles of ground on foot before finding the right spot to target. A comfortable pair of walking boots and polarising sunglasses are simply must have items!

River carp are very nomadic and can up sticks and move in the blink of an eye. Adopting a stealthy but mobile approach will certainly put you in good stead and allow you to cover greater distances easily. As with still water venues, fish sightings are the best indication. Features such as weed beds and overhanging trees are always worth investigating. Many river systems incorporate weirs and weir pools that produce masses of oxygenated water. Areas below a weir are usually slow flowing and allow for easy rig presentation. On larger, deeper sections of river where I can take to the boat I’ll use my echo-sounder.


River Fishing Europe

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38 Boating Fishing Europe

For lakes that resemble inland oceans, taking to the boat (where permitted) helps level out the playing field and allows you to explore unfished areas of a lake that are out of casting range. Prologic’s Brand and Product Manager, Enrico Parmeggiani talks us through his approach to boat fishing and why this style of fishing presents a huge edge when taking on large waters. BOAT

CARPINGBENEFITS OF BOAT FISHING: Taking to the boat gives access to the entire lake and allows you to cover great distances quickly and effortlessly. Weather conditions often dictate where the fish will be and when conditions change during the session, it’s important to stay mobile and react to these changes in order to maximise your chances of catching.

Rather than having to pack everything down, barrow to the opposite end of the lake and set up again, it’s simply a case of reeling in and boating to a new area.

Instead of leading around for features, you’re able to view them in complete detail and place rigs onto even the most intricate of spots accurately and ensure perfect presentation every time.

CHALLENGES AND RISKS OF BOAT FISHING: Space and comfort is definitely the first challenge, especially if you’re sharing a boat. Weather can also cause problems and when conditions become extreme I’ll to return to land until conditions settle.

NEVER take to the boat without an adequate life jacket, no matter how confident you may be as a swimmer.

39 Boat Fishing Europe

WITH ENRICO PARMEGGIANI

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LOCATION AND RIG PLACEMENT: As with all waters, the criteria is exactly the same in terms of finding the fish and finding a presentable spot to place a rig.

Depending on the water clarity and depth of the lake, fish and features may be locatable by sight. However, in deeper or cloudy water I will use the echo-sounder, but mainly for locating suitable areas to place a rig and highlighting any large weed beds or hazardous snags.

In flowing water I always anchor the boat close enough to the area for casting. Feeling the lead down under tension prevents any excess line from being carried downstream by the strong current and allows direct line lay to the rig for maximum bite detection.

On still water, I’m able to lower rigs directly onto spots and back away from the area slightly. This ensures perfect rig presentation and complete accuracy. For flowing water I will use my river rig in the previous section, but for still waters I tend to keep it simple with a standard supple braid rig and snowman style hookbait whilst the bright coloured tip will provide a fleck of visibility to any carp passing above.

BOAT RIG

Tie a KD style knotless knot, whipping above the hair 3 times and twice below.

The hair should exit from the top of the hook shank allowing the hook to hang aggressively.

Attach to a Ready Made Running Rig leader

Take around 10” of Vipe 3S hooklink and tie a loop large enough for your chosen hookbaits.

Thread on a Downforce Mega Drop Sinker and place around 3” from the hook.

Attach your hookbaits and set the hair length around 20mm from the bottom of the hook.

Thread a Downforce Anti Tangle Sleeve and tie a figure-of-eight loop knot at the end.

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The finished rig should look like this. Test the buoyancy of your hookbait before placing the rig.

41 Boat Fishing Europe


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42 A Guide to Fish Care

A high standard of fish care is everyone’s responsibility and should take absolute priority at all times.

Adequately sized unhooking mats, slings, landing nets and antiseptic are the basic tools for practicing good fish care, but using this equipment both safely and correctly is vital for ensuring that our sought after quarry remain fit and healthy for future captors to enjoy.

FISH CARE

Collapse landing net and transfer fish to your protective sling or mat. Before lifting from the water, ensure all fins are tucked flat to the body. Lifting the sling whilst fins are protruding away from the body can cause serious damage to the fish.

The fight is yours and the fish is finally in the net! Secure your landing net in the margin and allow the fish to rest. Ensure the fish cannot escape but has enough depth to recover. Use this time to prepare the unhooking mat and zero the scales.

Remove rig and apply STERI-7 XTRA Fish Care Spray to the point of hooking. Be sure to check for any other abrasions across the fish’s body and apply spray where needed.

When lifting for photography, remain as low as possible,

ensuring the unhooking mat is directly beneath the fish at all

times. If the fish kicks, lower onto the unhooking mat until calm.

Ensure that the fish is kept hydrated at all times by regularly applying lake water to the fish.

NEVER carry fish back to the water by hand. Always use your protective sling/mat, ensuring both ends are zipped and fins are tucked flat against the fish’s body.

Lower sling/mat into the water and unzip the head end. Support the fish by gently holding the wrist of its tail, moving the fish back and forth to allow water to circulate through its gills. The fish will kick free when it’s ready.

43 A Guide to Fish Care

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Documents

PENNING’s - Prologic Fishing - Carp · PDF file8 XXXXXXX XXXXXXXDownforce 9 Chod Drop Beads A two part buffer bead designed for all helicopter style setups such as chod rigs. Suitable