Nigel Sharp on the 360 rig
There have been many methods and tactics used over the decades, but here’s Nigel Sharp’s top ten which have seemingly dominated the big carp scene for the past 20 years - next up, the 360 rig,
Dominance started: 2001
Influential anglers: Dave Lane and ‘Guy’
PB using rig: Never used the rig
Dave Lane’s derived 360ş Rig is both one of the best hookers and most controversial rigs ever. I’ve not actually used it because I believe mechanically it has pretty much the same properties as a Hinged Stiff Rig, so basically there’s no point in me using it.
As for it causing mouth damage, I have seen this and having worked alongside Dave during our previous association with JRC, he explained how this can be caused and eliminated. Basically a small piece of tubing over the eye of the hook and correct netting saves the carp from being mouth-hung in the mesh of a net.
I did also see versions of this rig back in the early 90’s when a chap called ‘Guy’ fished on The Copse and The Car Park lakes. His rig was very similar to the more recent Dave Lane version but like the Hinge Rig, fine-tuning it into how the rig looks and works today has resulted in waters being taken apart.
Personally I can’t see that I’ll ever use it as I’m a Hinge Rig user and many waters have banned the 360ş Rig – a presentation what I’d call a modern-day version of the bent/cranked hook rig.