seaangler pocket

Pocket shore rig guide

SeaAngler

48 pages of everything you need to know,

including 15 top rigs

to try

Pocket shore

guide

SeaAnglerPocket SeaAnglerSeaAnglerPocket

guide 48 pages of everything you need to know,

including 15 top rigs

to try

2

POCKET RIG GUIDE SeaAngler

Welcome to the

rig guideA massive selection of shore options that will catch you more

rig guide

3

DEPENDING on whether you are long-distance casting or dropping short, perfect bait presentation is often regarded as the key factor to success when fishing.

However, it’s the rigs we use to carry our prime baits that leads us to many great catches. But poorly constructed rigs that have incorrect snood lengths and terminal items, or even mono that is too heavy or too light, will all ultimately result in failure.

Of course, the real sense of achievement comes when you land a fish using a rig that you constructed and tied yourself.

Even if you decide to buy your rigs off the shelf from a tackle shop, you can learn a huge amount from them. Ready-tied rigs come in most of the popular patterns and, if used as a template, can be copied to improve rig-tying skills.

Inside this handy rig guide, we’ve used the range of Sonik Super Rigs to help you understand the fundamentals. There are 15 different shore versions in total, and all have been tied to specific dimensions, and using with high-quality components. In addition, they all come with a handy explanation card showing how the rig is put together – it will even advise what species to target.

Once you get to grips with the wide range of rigs used in shore fishing, you will definitely be on the right track to more success.Paul Fenech, Features and Tackle Editor

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Contents6 Rig terminology

8 Ready-tied rigs versus your own

10 What you need

12 Useful knots

16 One-up, one-down

18 Two-up

20 Two-up, one-down

22 Three-up

24 One-hook clipped/rough ground

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26 Clipped pulley

28 Three-hooks clipped

30 Wishbone

32 Bomber

34 Long and low

36 One-hook flapper

38 Pulley dropper

40 Pennell pulley

42 Two-hooks clipped

44 Boom rig

46 Storage ideas

Two-hooks clipped Two-hooks clipped

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Rig jargonThere are many terms used to describe the rigs and components we use, but what do they all mean?

If you’re struggling to get to grips with a flapper, or perhaps you just can’t grasp what a Pennell is, maybe your paternoster just isn’t connecting. Here, we’ll help you understand the terminology that surrounds the rigs we use.

SNOOD: Sometimes referred to by many anglers as a ‘trace’ or ‘hooklength’, the snood is the line to which the hook is attached.

RIG BODY: All of the rigs we use will have a main body of line to which we attach the components. The rig body should always be a continuation in strength of your mainline or shockleader.

WEAK LINK: Used when fishing into particularly rough

or snaggy ground. Used in conjunction with a rotten bottom system, the weak link is a lighter, short piece of mono attached to the lead weight. When it becomes trapped in a snag, it enables us to break it free and successfully retrieve our rig.

PATERNOSTER: This is a term used to describe the majority of rigs we use from the shore. A length of line (rig body) that has shorter pieces of line (snoods) fixed into position with hooks attached.

RUNNING LEGER: Mainly used in boat fishing, but some anglers choose it when targeting tope or bass. The baited snood is allowed to move freely on the mainline. When a fish grabs the bait,

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it is allowed to run until eventually it will be stopped once it reaches the lead weight, and setting the hook.

CLIPPED: On occasions we may need to cast our baited rigs a lot further than normal to reach the fish. By adding clips to our rigs to place our baited hooks behind, we can make them extremely streamlined to help it fly through the air much faster, straighter and with bait intact.

FLAPPER: A rig that has hook snoods hanging loose without being clipped to the rig body. Some anglers use two, or even three snoods of different lengths, so the baited hooks can cover more ground.

PENNELL: When you intend to use a large bait, two hooks are placed on to the snood where each hook is placed in tandem at the top and bottom of a large worm or fish bait. This doubles your chances of a successful hook-up.

PULLEY: Some shore anglers refer to this rig as a ‘self-hooker’ because the fish is allowed to move with

the bait and immediately is trapped when it reaches the lead weight. Mainly used in rough ground, the lead weight rises higher in the water, avoiding snags and obstacles on the seabed.

BOOM: Sometimes when fishing into deeper water, by using a boom you can ensure that your hook snood stands off and well clear of the rig body. Booms can come in various lengths and in metal or plastic, and work particularly well when targeting small or shy fish.

DROPPER: When we fix the hook snood by a clip, but is released upon impact with the sea after casting. It eventually drops below the weight to nail the hookbait close to the seabed to seek bottom feeding fish.

CASCADE SWIVEL: An ingenious tackle item devised by Breakaway Tackle where a baited hook is held into position close to the rig body before casting. Upon impact with the sea, the snood and baited hook are ‘fired’ away from their clipped position to ensure a hook release every cast.

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Ready-tied vs home-madeCopying rigs off-the-shelf is a great way to start making your own

Take a look in any top shore match angler’s tackle box and it’s a good bet you’ll find a massive array of rigs that will have been meticulously put together at home, in preparation for trips up and down the UK when competing in high-profile events.

To compete at a high level, they know that their rigs must be reliable and, more importantly, they need plenty of them.

Conditions change and different species may suddenly arrive. Adapting and being able to switch tactics and rigs in an instant is the reason these anglers are so successful.

On the flipside, freelance anglers, along with those who can’t fish as often as they would like, may buy their rigs ready-made from their local tackle dealer. It’s an excellent way to utilise their time, especially if it is limited. By buying these ready-tied options, some anglers use it to their advantage and can use them as a template for making their own. It can be a real money-saving option.

Preparing for an upcoming shore trip soon raises the excitement as you sit at your rig-tying station and begin to fill your rig wallet. The feeling you get when you land a fish on a rig you tied yourself, makes the whole purpose utterly fulfilling and worth it.

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Tools of the tradeWhen you kit yourself out with the correct tools and components, it’s time to make your own rigs

Gemini Genie Links Sequins

Breakaway Fast Links

Crimping pliers

Rotten bottom

systems

Power Gum

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OTHER ITEMSBreakaway

Cascade SwivelsMono rig bodyAmnesia line

Scissors

Beads

Swivels

CrimpsSelection of hooks

Knot puller

Fluorocarbon

Nail clippers

ems

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Useful knotsLearn to tie these

popular knots for

rig making

There actually aren’t many knots used to tie a rig, and when you learn to tie these, constructing your own rigs will become so much easier. The more you practise tying them, you will become even more competent, and you will soon be tying many different rigs and in double quick time.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO TYING

THE HALF-BLOOD KNOT

1. Feed the line through the hook eye.

2. Now twist it over and under the snood.

3. Twist five times around itself.

4. Feed back through loop and tighten.

13

HALF-BLOOD KNOT

1

2

3

4

14


GRINNER KNOT

1

2

3

15

1. Thread the end of snood line through eye of the hook.

2. Place component on your finger and form a loop in the line.

3. Start to wrap the line three or four

times around the inside of the loop.

4. Bring tag end out of loop and start to pull the knot tight.

5. Once tight use nail clippers to trim the tag end close to the component.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO TYING A GRINNER KNOT

4

5

TOP TIP If you are using braid instead of mono, go twice through the eye for

step one of the sequence above. This will stop the braid slipping.

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One-up, one-downThe shore angler’s favourite rig can be utilised to suit any situation to present a wide variety of baits

The one-up, one-down rig is probably one of the most popular used throughout the UK. Also known as a two-hook flapper, as the name suggests, a hook sits above and below the sinker.

It’s incredibly easy to construct and accounts for a lot of successful catches from many of Britain’s shore marks. This versatile rig can be constructed with different hook patterns and sizes to target many species.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 2 x snood swivels; 2 x hooks (choice of size); 4 x beads; 4 x crimps; 1 x lead link.

The main rig body should be the same strength as your shockleader, and it’s recommended to use stronger if power casting. Hook snood strengths can vary depending on species and conditions, but generally 20-40lb breaking strains are sufficient.

The top hook snood should not overlap the one at the bottom to avoid unnecessary tangles.

Most hook snoods are fixed

to the rig body by a swivel that is

trapped between two beads and

crimps

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TOP TIP: Add a sliding

stop knot and sequin to each hook snood to

prevent bait flying up the

snood and away from

the hook

30lb/65cm

30lb/72cm

Size 3/0

Can be used with

plain or grip

lead

Size 3/0

Lead link

10cm

75cm

50cm80lb

Swivel

Swivel

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Two-up rigThis variation of a two-hook flapper rig is perfect for deepwater marks

This is another two-hook flapper rig except that both the snoods sit above the sinker. This variation suits deepwater venues such as piers and jetties, or steep shingle banks, where many species can be feeding high above the seabed.

Again, the rig can be constructed with different hook patterns and sizes for different baits and species that may be present at a certain mark.

Construction and terminal items are the same as for the one-up, one down rig, except that the bottom snood that should sit above the sinker.

A small piece of silicone makes a perfect sliding stop knot when adding a sequin for a bait stop

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TOP TIP: By positioning

two hooks high above the sinker, you can present a bait

for fish that are feeding high in

the water

25lb/44cm

52cm

80lb 17cm

57cm

Swivel

25lb/49cm

Size 1/0 hook

Size 1/0 hook

Lead link

Swivel

Can be used with

plain or grip

lead

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Two-up, one-downWhen there are plenty of fish not far out, this rig will catch you loads

Widely used by competition anglers, this variation of a three-hook flapper rig is just the job when there are plenty of fish around.

With two hooks fishing above the lead weight and one below, it offers the chance to mix baits up to target different species.

Try worm baits on the top two hooks for whiting or flatfish. By presenting a fish bait such as Bluey, mackerel, sandeel, with perhaps a fresh juicy peeler crab, you’ll attract rays, bass and cod.

It’s an ideal rig when you don’t need to cast too far, and widely used from most popular shore marks.The terminal items required to

build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 3 x snood swivels; 3 x hooks (choice of size); 6 x beads; 6 x crimps; 1 x lead link.

It’s an ideal rig when you don’t need

swivel; 3 x snood swivels; 3 x hooks

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17cm

65cm

70cm

9cm

Lead link

Swivel

Size 1/0

Size 1/0

80lb

25lb/59cm

25lb/59cm

25lb/65cm

TOP TIP: Mix up your

baits to target a wider array

of species

Can be used with plain

or grip lead

Size 1/0

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Three-up flapper You can use this rig when the tide is running hard

If you’re fishing from a structure or into relatively deep water where there is a strong tide running, a three-hook-up pattern works a treat, especially when it’s carrying comparatively short snoods.

The benefit of these shorter snoods is that the risk of tangling is reduced in a fast-flowing current.

Additionally, a shorter snood will often result in a higher fish-hooking ratio. Using a shorter rig body means you can cast this version of a three-hook flapper much further.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 3 x snood swivels; 3 x hooks (choice of size); 6 x beads; 6 x crimps; 1 x lead link.

By leaving a longer tag at the knot on your hook, it helps to hold a bait in place and prevents worms creeping back down the shank

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TOP TIP: This is an ideal rig to use

when you’re targeting shoal fish like whiting or coalies, when the tide run is fierce

45cm

45cm

45cm

50cm

80lb

30lb/40cm

Swivel

Swivel

Swivel

30lb/40cm

30lb/45cm

Link clip

Size 1/0

Size 1/0

Size 1/0

Can be used with plain or grip lead

24


One-hook clipped rough ground rigRough ground can be a demanding environment and this simple style helps to avoid the snags

Rough ground is often the place to target the larger species around our shores. Cod, bull huss, conger eels and rays will all venture into the safety of the snags.

The one-hook clipped rough ground rig is incredibly simple, but very effective when targeting the snags. It’s important that there are very few components attached to prevent extra items becoming snagged and resulting in high tackle losses.

The lead link incorporates a handy clip to attach a baited hook to enable longer casts and perfect bait presentation.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 1 x snood swivel; 1 x lead link with bait clip; 2 x beads; 2 x crimps; 1 x hook (choice of sizes).

target the larger species around our

The one-hook clipped rough ground

It’s important that there are very few

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Swivel

Lead link clip

Swivel

2 x beads and crimps

Sequin

Size 3/0

A lead link with clip

eliminates the need to add bulky

gadgets like bait clips

TOP TIP: By adding your own

rotten-bottom system, you can

avoid further tackle losses

17cm

88cm

80lb

Can be used with

plain or grip

lead

26


One-hook clipped pulleyThis clever rig is regarded as one of the best for casting and avoiding troublesome snags

Look in any shore angler’s rig wallet and it’s a good bet there will be a few pulley rigs. Incredibly easy to construct, they are regarded as one of the best for casting and presenting a bait at long range, especially over mixed ground.

Acting rather like a bolt rig, when a fish takes the bait and runs, it’s stopped when it reaches the breakout sinker, and ultimately the hook is set. The pulley system also enables the sinker to rise in the water when a fish is hooked, helping to avoid snags.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 1 x snood swivel; 1 x lead link with bait clip; 2 x beads; 2 x crimps; 1 x hook (choice of sizes).

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Swivel

Swivel

80lb

2 x 4mm beads

2 x crimps

100cm

TOP TIP: Having several pulley rigs with a variety of sizes of

hooks attached means you can target more different species

Lead link clip

Sequin

Can be used with plain or grip lead

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Three-hook clipped rigWhen you need long distance, go for this streamlined option

Shallow beaches generally require long-distance casting to reach where the fish are feeding.

A streamlined rig that enables three hooks to be pinned tightly against the rig body is the perfect example of sending three baits and presenting them properly an extremely long way.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 1 x snood swivel; 2 x Cascade swivels; 1 x lead link; 6 x beads; 6 x crimps; 3 x hooks (choice of sizes); 1 x impact lead.

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TOP TIP: Using an impact

lead on this rig makes it even more

streamlined for a smoother cast

36.5cm

31cm

33.5cm

35cm

80lb

Swivel

25lb/27cm

The Cascade swivel releases the hook on impact with the sea

25lb/28.5cm

25lb/32.5cm

Lead link clip

Sequin

Sequin

Sequin

Cascade swivel

Cascade swivel

Size 2/0

Size 2/0

Size 2/0

30


WishbonePresent your baits side by side with some added attraction

When targeting flatfish, you can increase your chances of success by simply adding some colourful beads just above the hooks. The wishbone rig is perfect for presenting two baits in tandem, for double attraction and scent.

Fish such as flounders, dabs and especially plaice, home in on the dazzling colours and then discover your baited hooks there too.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 2 x snood swivels; 1 x lead link with bait clip; 2 x beads; 2 x crimps; 2 x hooks (choice of sizes); 8 x coloured beads.

Two hooks sit side by side to form the popular wishbone rig

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88cm

6cm

80lb

Swivel

Swivel

2 x beads and crimp

4 x mixed colour beads

on each snood

2 x size 1/0 Aberdeen

Size 1

2 x rubber

stop knots

25lb/45cm

50lb/62cm

Lead link clip

TOP TIP: Try adding

a lug tipped with squid bait on one

hook, and rag tipped with sandeel on the other

32


Two-hook bomber rigConstructed purely for targeting fish at extreme distance

Streamlined and equipped with two hooks, far away fish will never be safe from anglers sending this out fully loaded.

Featuring a long and short snood, it works particularly well at many venues, especially those that could be shallow with plenty of tide run.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 2 x snood swivels; 1 x lead link with bait clip; 4 x beads; 4 x crimps; 2 x hooks (choice of sizes); 2 x bait stops; 2 x sequins.

33

TOP TIP: If whiting

and codling are around in numbers, this

rig doubles your chances of

success

98cm

50lb

Rubber bait stop

Swivel

Swivel

Size 2/0 Viking hooksLead link clip

2 x crimps

2 x beads

Size 1/0

52cm

48cm

6cm

50lb

45cm

2 x crimps

2 x beads

34


Long and low rigA longer snood that presents a bait naturally

When there is very little tide run, this rig enables you to present a more natural bait by using an extra-long snood. Because it’s streamlined it means that you can cast it further, especially from shallow venues where the fish may be lying further out.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x snood swivel; 2 x lead link with bait clip; 2 x beads; 2 x crimps; 1 x hook (choice of sizes); 1 x bait stop; 1 x sequin.

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A Mustad Viking hook is

strong enough to hold on to

bigger species

TOP TIP: When there

is a chance of large rays, cod

or bass, this rig will present a

perfect bait

76cm

8cm

Link clip

Genie clip

80lb

Swivel

Total snood length 161cm

80lb

2 x crimps

2 x beads

Rubber bait stop

Size 1/0 Viking hook

50lb

36


One-hook flapper rigLobbing big baits into deep water or rough ground is easy with this rig

On occasions, a simple rig is the solution to presenting an extra-large bait such as a cocktail, or a huge fish bait. Designed for casting short to medium range and possibly into rough ground or deep water, use a heavy-duty hook such as a Mustad Viking pattern for more hooking power.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 1 x snood swivels; 1 x lead link; 2 x beads; 2 x crimps; 1 x hooks (choice of sizes).

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75cm

30lb/110cm

Swivel

Swivel

Link clip

50cm

80lb

Size 2/0

Can be used with plain or

grip lead

TOP TIP: Try a whole

mackerel head on this

rig when targeting

larger species

38


Dropper pulleyThis unique construction is streamlined for casting and positions a bait hard on the seabed

This rig can also be utilised to include a Pennell system too, and many anglers have their own theory on its construction and mechanics. The hook snood is clipped behind the sinker for long-range casting, and upon impact with the water, it is released and slides down the rig body to fish on the seabed, below the lead weight.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 2 x connecting swivels; 1 x snood swivel; 1 x lead link with bait clip; 1 x pulley clip; 1 x bead; 1 x hooks (choice of sizes or Pennell).

TOP TIP: By adding a snood with

a swivel, you can save time by quickly changing pre-baited snoods rather

than the whole rig

39

82cm

50lb

Pulley clip

Lead clip

Rubber bait stop

Size 3/0 Viking

Size 1/0

Swivel

Swivel

109cm

40


PulleyPennellTwo hooks with a large bait increases your chances of success

Regarded by many shore anglers as the ultimate cod rig, it features two hooks on the snood that sit neatly at each end of a large bait.

This means when a fish comes along and takes the bait, there will be a hook waiting to trap it.

The bait is also clipped for better, streamlined casting, while the pulley system helps to lift the sinker high in the water, avoiding sticky snags.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 1 x snood swivel; 1 x lead link with bait clip; 2 x beads; 2 x crimps; 2 x hooks (choice of sizes).

41

TOP TIP: By using a smaller hook at the top of the Pennell, there’s a chance of

hooking a smaller fish, which will act as a livebait.

4mm bead

4mm bead

Lead link

Can be used with

plain or grip lead

Size 3/0

Size 1/0

112

cm

/8

0lb

90

cm

/6

0lb

Swivel

Swivel connects to shockleader

Use a hook with a turned over eye for a Pennell set-up

42


Two-hook clippedWhen conditions are more challenging, this neat rig helps you to cast baits further

Another regular style that features heavily in a match angler’s rig wallet. Two baited hooks will certainly cast further, especially if there is a gusting wind blowing into your face. Best used with an Impact Lead to keep everything totally streamlined.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivel; 1 x snood swivel; 1 x lead link with or without bait clip; 1 x Cascade swivel; 4 x beads; 4 x crimps; 2 x hooks (choice of sizes).

43

TOP TIP: By shortening

the rig body and hook

snoods, the aerodynamics

of the outfit will allow

you to cast it further.

25lb/35cm

25lb/29cm

80lb13cm

33cm

Bead

Crimp

Crimp

Crimp

Crimp

Bead

Bead

Bead

37cm

Lead link

Swivel

Swivel

Swivel

By adding an Impact Lead, you

create a much more streamlined outfit for casting.

Size 2/0

Size 2/0

44


Two-hook boom rigIdeal for fishing deep water, wire or plastic booms help a hook snood stand off from the main rig body

When fishing into deep water from a structure such as a pier or breakwater, a two-hook boom rig stands your baited hooks away from the main rig body. This often works well when targeting small, shy species, especially bream or flatfish.

The terminal items required to build this rig are: 1 x connecting swivels; 2 x plastic booms; 1 x lead link; 4 x beads; 4 x crimps; 2 x hooks (choice of sizes).

Plastic booms work well in deep water from

a pier or breakwater

45

TOP TIP: Don’t trap the booms too tightly

between the beads and

crimps so they can spin freely.

Swivel

Bead

Bead

Crimp

Crimp

Total rig length = 112cm

Upper rig body (swivel to crimp)

= 12cm

Middle rig body(srimp to crimp)

= 86cm

Lower rig body(crimp to clip)

= 10cm

Crimp

Crimp

Lead link

Bait stop

Bait stop

Size 1/0Aberdeen hook

Size 1/0

60cm snood length

60cm

25lb line

25lb

Bead

Bead

46


Rig storageKeeping your rigs stored and labelled correctly makes for hassle-free fishing

There are plenty of storage options

47

IT’S ALWAYS a good idea to have a healthy stash of rigs with you during a shore session. Being able to cope and adjust to any eventuality, such as crack-offs when casting, or losing a rig to a snag, means you can carry on fishing.

Tying a replacement rig on the beach is time consuming. And, watching anglers around you catching while you hurriedly attempt to construct a rig together is certainly not fun. It’s so much better to make enough in the comfort and warmth at home.

There are various methods of storing your rigs. One method is to keep them in a rig wallet. It’s a large packet that contains several other zipped wallets inside to place your rigs.

More recently, anglers have ignored wallets and instead turned to using foam winders. These come in different colours and sizes where the rig is simply wrapped around it. These foam rig winders can then be labelled for identification and then stored in a large plastic container for protection.

Other ingenious methods of storing rigs often involve wrapping them around cardboard or foam pipe lagging.

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SPRING FISHINGCatch pollack and more – essential advice from top charter skippers

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SHORE ANGLERWords and photography by MIKE THRUSSELL Other pictures: Sea Angler

Man-made magic

As structures where many anglers begin their fishing, breakwaters, jetties and piers all offer superb opportunities

One of the first man-made structures I fished, when I was about eight, was the quay wall in Whitby. I remember catching small coalies, dabs, tiny whiting and codling in between the boats. I soon learned that

most of the fish were either under the shadow of a boat or tight into the wall.

When we moved to Wales, my chances to fish man-made structures were suddenly limited due to lack of transport. My nearest ‘proper’ pier was more than 40 miles away, while the harbours locally mostly dried up either side of low water.

As a result, I came to fish breakwaters,

piers and jetties quite a bit later in life. In some ways, that was a good thing because I already had a basic grounding in what to look for and try. I still made the same mistake most do, in that I headed for the farthest seaward point of any structure and put my full weight behind the cast for maximum range. This inconsistent-at-best tactic cost me a lot of fish until the penny dropped and I realised I needed a far more logical approach.

It raises the question, though – if you’re new to fishing man-made structures, how do you read the ground features when they are hidden underwater, what fish are where, and how best can you fish them for immediate success?

Breakwater piers, like South Shields (above) are features of estuaries and harbours

18 19

BASS ANGLER Words and photography by JAMES ‘LEAKYBOOTS’ BATTY

Two days out westWhen your approach is not working, do something different – sage advice indeed from ‘Leakyboots’

Main image by HENRY GILBEY

SEA ANGLER ISSUE 580SEA ANGLER ISSUE 58054 55

Words and photography by DAVE ROBERTS

BOAT ANGLER18 pages of advice, tips and tactics for fishing afloat What will you

catch in spring?Sample the variety of fish on offer in the Bristol Channnel

To some, the image of the

Bristol Channel is nothing more than a troublesome length of fast-flowing mud, and in some areas they would be correct.

Having spent the past 30 or more years chartering here,

I consider myself qualified to make an attempt to dispel this theory.

By carefully selecting your tides, target species and skippers, you could be pleasantly surprised by what the seasons have to offer.

I know it is still early in the year, and

we should still be pulling out all the stops in an effort to bag that elusive 30lb cod before she disappears over the horizon for another season. Indeed, many of us are, but it will do no harm for us to take stock of what we have to look forward to in the Bristol Channel.

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