Nigel Sharp on the Stiff Bottom Bait 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 Stiff Bottom Bait Rig.
Dominance started: 1996
Influential anglers: Alan Appleyard
PB using rig: 42lb 14oz
The first time I saw this set-up used was again at Yateley and the angler using it was good ol’ Alan Appleyard. If I remember rightly, Alan had just caught a fish known as Henry from The Pads Lake so I instantly took note of what he’d used. At the time Al’s rig was pretty much a Hinged Rig with a bottom bait on it and was probably tossed out like that as he didn’t have any pop-ups! Good ol’ Al, he was a bit like that back then and that’s why we liked him so much. After that, I saw the rig lose its hinge and anglers like Alan Cooper were using it to great effect over mass baiting.
I can’t actually remember when I first gave it a go, but like the Hinge Rig, since I have started using it, I found it hard to use any other type of bottom bait presentation. Its the anti-tangle properties of it that I liked most, as it surely isn’t a pretty looking rig with whistles and bells on it.
Another thing I liked about it is the fact that you can use any type of bait with it. What I have found is that it’s deadly on deep, weedy waters and not that great in the margins.