Carp Rigs

Carp fishing methods have changed dramatically over the last ten years. Carp rigs have become more sophisticated with new developments in hook bait presentation and the invention of numerous types of specialized hook lines made from materials with a whole host of properties. Today there are so many rig systems to choose from that for the beginner it can become frustrating to know which would be the best carp rig to use. 


Try out our NEW Carp Rigs:



Do we really need to worry about the type of rig used?

Using a rig that is appropriate for the fishing venue would definitely help with catch rate. It could mean the difference between catching something and blanking, or even provide better success when chasing the bigger, wiser carp. For example, it may not pay to use clear rig tubing when fishing over a dark coloured lake bed, the tubing could be holding air causing it to show up clearly on the bottom. Any carp rig would work better if concealed effectively. There’s a much better chance a carp will take the hook bait if it can’t see a rig. In another situation you may be using the perfect rig for the chosen lake but a bigger hook size could render it useless. As like most tips for carp fishing a small change here or there could make a big difference in what the fish see, feel or smell.

You should understand that just because a certain rig helped catch a few carp on one lake doesn’t mean it will work on another similar lake. The way the fish feed or the type of rigs the fish have been exposed to on a regular basis may reduce a rig’s effectiveness. The rig used should be adapted to the fishing venue as well as adapting to changes in ways fish feed. This may mean changing the rig during a fishing session as and when you learn about the carp’s movements and habits.


I believe the most important points to remember when fishing on the bottom is:

  • Keep them simple!
  • Match the rig components with the colour of the lake bed
  • Make sure all the rig is pinned down hard on the bottom


Here are links to some of my favourite carp fishing rigs:

A Critically Balanced Fake Pellet Rig   &   How Pellet Rig Looks in Water

Pellet Carp Rigs for PVA Bags

Carp Fishing Rigs Using Small Pellets

Fake Weed Trick Carp Rig

Critically Balanced Maggot Rig  &  Fake Maggots Rigs

A Fishing Rig to Fool Big Wary carp

Buoyant Fake Hemp Carp Fishing Rig

The Secret Carp Rig

Successful Pop-Up Scorpion Rig

Surface Fishing for Carp

Advanced B-Baited Rig

Over-Weighted Pop-Up Rig

Long-Hair Buoyancy Rig

New rotation pop Up Rig

Pop-up Carp Rig

360 Degree Carp Rig

The Secret Carp Rig

Successful Pop-Up Scorpion Rig

Surface Fishing for Carp

Bradley's Lake Gloucestershire: Sept 2008

Photo Galleries

More Carp Fishing Articles Here!

Techniques to Stop Ledgers Sinking into Silt Beds

How to Catch Fish at Linear Complex on Oxlease Lake

Using Method Feeder to Catch More Large Carp

What is Best Length for Hook Links on Carp Rigs?

How Often Should We Use Pop-Ups on Fishing Rigs?

Fishing Report for Linear Complex Brasenose One

Fishing for Large Carp Using High Visibility hook Bait

What Fishing Situation Best to Use Pop up Hook Baits?

Do We Always Need to Use Best Quality Carp Fishing Bait?

Carp Angling & Rig Presentation in Weedy Waters

Presenting a Fishing Rig on Silt Bed or Soft Bottom

What Rig Systems for Which Fishing Situation?

How much Gap from Hook Bait to the Hook Bend?

How to Catch Carp in Snags & Under Tree lined Areas

Using Single Bait Methods to Catch Out Large Carp

How to Tackle Crayfish Problem Fishing For Carp

What Area to Choose When Fishing a New Lake

How to Catch the Carp from Margins of Pools

Pre-Bait Fishing Tactics to Trick Huge Carp

Fishing for Carp in Mid-depth Water Using Zig Rigs

How to locate Shoals of Carp in the Springtime

How to Locate Big Fish in Local Lakes During Summer

What are the Best Baits for Catching Big Carp?

What is the Ideal Length for Hair Rigs Making Carp Rigs

How Does Raining Affect Carp Feeding Patterns?

Fishing Reports on Linears Lakes - Hardwick & Smiths

How to Stalk for Large Carp in the Margins

Can We catch Big Carp On Cheap Bait?

River Fishing for Large Carp in Rivers

Links to All Our Carp Fishing Advice & Information