Myles Gibson's Claw Rig
Whilst it can be also used with both bottom baits and pop-ups, the Claw Rig is a tried-and-set-up that becomes even more effective when used with a balanced offering...
This Claw Rig has proved highly effective across a range of venues, and is tied with strong components. The set-up incorporates an angled shrink tube kicker, which I combine with a Beaked Chod hook and a Slip-D Rig-style hookbait attachment. These elements help create a fantastic hooking mechanism, especially when balanced hookbaits are used.
Essentially, the underlying principle is that the hookbait sits tight over the hook, mounted on a ‘D’ formed from the Camstiff hooklink. As a carp browses confidently across my spot, it finds it hard to regulate its suction as the finely balanced hookbait and the rig enter its mouth. With the hook in a very effective orientation, even if the fish comes in at an angle, the Claw Rig will instantly and aggressively rotate as soon as the hookbait is sucked in. With the hook turning and dropping, the razor-sharp Beaked Chod is point down, and spot on. This brings about an extremely firm hook-hold, with the hook securely placed, bang in the middle of the fish’s bottom lip.
Components
35lb Camstiff
Size 4 Beaked Chod Hook
PTFE Hook Ring Swivel
Medium Shrink Tube
Rig Putty
Tungsten Droppers
How you do it
1. Begin by stripping back five or so inches of the outer coating.
2. Create a loop in the end and pass it through your chosen hook’s eye. Pass on a Hook Ring Swivel and then thread the loop over the hook (like you would on a Multi Rig).
3. Secure the hook in place using the Knotless Knot method. Trim the tag end and then blob with a light. Finally, add your shrink tube kicker.
4. To help pin the rig down, Myles adds a Tungsten Dropper halfway along the rig.
5. Attach your chosen hookbait using the floss blobbing method. Finally, hold over a steaming kettle to straighten.
