Best Rigs for Carp Fishing in 2023

Carp fishing is an exhilarating pastime that both beginners and seasoned anglers alike can enjoy. But to truly make the most of your fishing experience, it's essential to have a solid grasp of the different carp rigs available and know when and how to use them. Each rig offers its own set of advantages depending on the situation and being able to choose the right one for your needs can mean the difference between a successful fishing trip and a frustrating one.

Hair Rig

Invented in the early 1980’s by Kevin Maddocks and Lenny Middleton, the Hair Rig is often referred to as the single greatest invention in carp fishing. The simple change from hook-mounted baits to mounting the baits on a hair coming off the hook dramatically increased catch rates amongst anglers and is still a solid rig choice today. It's also one of the simplest rigs to set up, consisting of a hook tied to any hooklink material, with a length of line exiting from the back of the hook (known as the hair). The bait is then attached to the hair, away from the hook, which allows the carp to take the bait without feeling any resistance. The carp hair rig is ideal for anglers of all skill levels and is well suited to gravel, clay and even silty lake beds depending on the chosen hooklink material.

Chod Rig

As the name suggests, the Chod Rig is specifically designed for fishing in areas with weed and debris and is constructed by attaching a stiff monofilament line to a wide-gape hook with an out-turned eye and forming a small D loop on the back of the hook, with a hook ring attached. The hooklink is then gently curved down to a ring swivel on the other end. The chod rig is fished rotary style, either ‘naked’ (directly on a fluorocarbon mainline) or on a leadcore leader. This setup allows you to present your bait in an area where it will not be hindered by submerged obstructions, making it the perfect tool for anglers who want to target fish in those hard-to-reach spots and increase their chances of landing a catch.

Multi Rig

Used with a pop-up boilie, the Multi-Rig is an efficient fishing setup ideal for both casting to showing fish and fishing in low-lying weeds. Its key feature is its simplicity and ease of tying, making it an accessible option for anglers of all skill levels. If you can tie a loop in a length of braid or coated hooklink, then you’re halfway to tying a multi-rig - it really is that simple. 

One of the standout benefits of the multi-rig is its adaptability. Changing the hook size or pattern is quick and effortless, allowing anglers to experiment with different approaches and find what works best for them. Utilising an in-turned-eye hook can also add extra aggression, increasing the chances of a successful catch.

Zig Rig

The Zig Rig is a highly successful and widely used setup among experienced carp anglers. It involves suspending a hookbait between the lakebed and the surface, typically between one foot off the bottom and one foot beneath the surface. This method was developed as a result of anglers recognising that carp have a tendency to feed in the upper layers of the water column, particularly when the water is warmer and there is a lot of natural food available. The zig rig allows the angler to present their bait in this prime feeding zone, increasing the chances of a bite.

The zig rig is an incredibly effective method for catching carp, but it requires patience and a good understanding of the fish's behaviour to succeed.

Ronnie Rig

The Ronnie rig is essentially a low-lying pop up rig which has become a favourite for carp anglers in recent years. This setup allows the hookbait to stand out from the bottom, presenting an enticing target for curious carp. One of the main advantages of this rig is its ability to spin 360 degrees, making the hook turn quickly and gain a hook hold regardless of which way the car approaches the bait.

D Rig

The D rig is a popular choice with seasoned carp anglers due to its blowback properties, making it an ideal option for bottom baits and wafters. The rig is tied using a stiff material such as fluorocarbon or monofilament, which creates a D-shaped loop on which the bait sits. This design allows the hookbait to be kept close to the hook and for the bait to move freely.

One of the main advantages of the D rig is that it allows for unhindered hook penetration. Due to its blowback design, the line is not pulled tight against the hook, so the carp are less likely to detect it.

PVA Bag Rig

The PVA bag rig is excellent for anglers who are looking for a reliable and easy to use method of presenting their baits. This setup involves attaching a small PVA bag filled with bait to the hook, which is then cast out to the lakebed. The bag dissolves in the water, releasing a tight patch of bait around the hookbait, which attracts the carp and lures them to the hook. This rig is well-suited for snaggy areas, as it is less likely to get caught up in weeds or debris.

Hinged Stiff Rig

The Hinged Stiff Rig is a popular fishing setup that is known for its ability to present a pop up to big fish effectively. The name of this carp rig stems from the stiffness of the hooklength, which helps to raise the hookbait off the lakebed.

This rig is exactly the same as a chod rig with the addition of a boom section. One of the key benefits of this rig is its ability to reset into position even if the fish tries to eject it. Additionally, the hinged design minimises tangles, which helps to ensure a more efficient fishing experience.

Blowback Rig

The Blowback Rig, is a versatile carp fishing rig that is an evolution of the standard hair rig. The rig can be successfully used in a variety of fishing conditions and can accommodate different types of bait, including plastic corn, boilies, and critically balanced pop-ups.

What sets the Blowback Rig apart is its innovative design that utilises the blowback principle to achieve greater hooking potential whilst also having the advantage of resetting after an aborted take. This design allows for a natural presentation of the bait, making it more attractive to fish and increasing the chances of a successful catch.

Moreover, the rig's construction is robust and reliable, ensuring it can withstand rigorous fishing demands and deliver consistent results. With its adaptability, capability, and reliability, the Blowback Rig is an excellent choice for anglers of all levels, from novice to expert.

Ready rigs

These are a brilliant option for anglers who want a quick and easy setup without compromising on flexibility in bait presentation. These pre-made rigs can be purchased ready-to-fish and the benefit of using a ready rig is that it's hassle-free, saves on the cost of buying all the individual components, and requires minimal time and effort to set up. 

Conclusion

Carp fishing rigs are an indispensable component of any angler's gear and play a vital role in ensuring a successful fishing experience. With a wide variety of rigs on the market, each designed to cater to specific fishing situations and styles, anglers have the flexibility to choose the one that best suits their needs.

As an angler, it's crucial to thoroughly research and understand the strengths and limitations of each rig, taking into consideration the fishing conditions and target species. By doing so, you can select the setup that will enhance your chances of hooking and landing a carp, making your time on the water both productive and enjoyable.

Discover our comprehensive range of rig components and pre-made rigs to find the ideal setup for your next carp fishing adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our selection has everything you need to catch carp with confidence.