All About Helicopter Rigs - Carp Fishing

They don’t tangle, cast well and can be fished over almost any type of lakebed – you need these in your armoury!

The helicopter rig gets its name from the rotational movement of the hooklink around the leader when the rig is cast out. This spinning motion gives the set-up excellent anti-tangle properties because the hooklink is stretched out and cannot wrap itself around the leader. Having the lead weight on the end of the line makes the presentation aerodynamic and is, therefore, a great choice when long casts are required. By adjusting the position of the top bead, you can also ensure that your hooklink is presented effectively over almost any type of lakebed.

HOW TO MAKE A HELICOPTER LEAD ARRANGEMENT

1. Thread on a helicopter sleeve and then splice or tie a quick change clip on to the end of your leader. Attach your chosen lead to the clip

2. Thread a small bead, your hooklink, a small section of 0.75mm silicone tubing and a second small bead on to the leader

3. Wet with saliva and push top bead over the tubing. To ensure the rig is safe, the bead should be lose enough to be pushed off in the event of a crack off

4. If you’re are fishing over thick silt, push the silicone tubing and top bead a few inches up the leader to allow the hooklink to settle on top of the silt.

3 GREAT RIGS TO FISH ON A HELICOPTER PRESENTATION…

The helicopter presentation is incredibly versatile and can be used with a number of different rigs. Although it has been in existence for decades, it really became a common sight on the bank with the rise in popularity of the chod rig. Because the lead enters the water and hits the lakebed first and the hooklink can move up the leader, there is no risk of it getting dragged into the silt like a lead clip or inline lead would.

1. THE CHOD RIG

This is a pop-up rig comprising a short, stiff hooklink. Setting the top bead at the depth of the weed or silt prevents the hookbait from becoming masked.

2. BOTTOM BAIT RIG

There’s often no need to use anything more complicated than a straightforward bottom bait rig. A hooklength length of 8in is recommended.

3. FAKE CORN RIG

This set-up is perfect for fishing over a bed of corn and hemp or on its own with just a PVA bag of small pellets. Hair rig the baits so that are tight to the hook.

If you require any more tips or information on carp fishing, please contact the Angling Active team. We are more than happy to help.