Nash Claw and More

It’s fair to say Kevin Nash is one of carp angling’s true innovators. It’s him we can thank for introducing the safety lead clip, and the company that bears his name has gone on to make plenty of unique terminal-tackle products including the classic Twister hooks and criminally underrated Triggalink. Here’s what the brand’s been up to much more recently.

1. Ready-Tied Ronnie Claw Rig
If this is your first exposure to the Ronnie Rig then, firstly, where have you been for the last few years? And secondly, welcome to the rig of the moment. This low-lying pop-up presentation is so effective thanks to the freedom of movement provided by the swivel-mounted hook. Whichever way the carp approaches your hookbait, this rig can quickly rotate and present the hook point in a position to snag the fish’s mouth. It also offers the anti-eject properties of a blow-back rig (another Kevin Nash innovation back in the day) thanks to the way the pop-up can slide up and down the hook shank. Not only that, this type of rig resets itself brilliantly if it is momentarily picked up or wafted around by fish or fowl, meaning it’s always actively working for you throughout your session.

These ready-tied versions from Nash offer a couple of key selling points. The most striking is the use of the Claw hook pattern (more on that shortly), which is an angry, angular design that fish really struggle to shed. Tied with semi-stiff Skinlink, these rigs settle flat on the lakebed and offer plenty of durability. In fact, although these are ready-tied rigs, they’re certainly not one-use wonders. They offer a great template for novice anglers and, if the hook becomes damaged, you can simply clip in a new one to the swivel. The booms will last for session after session, and have been deliberately tied longer than some other versions so they can be shortened when fishing over cleaner bottoms or when presenting a tight patch of bait. Available in 2, 4, 6 and 8 micro-barb sizes, or barbless 4, 6 and 8. £2.45

2. Claw patterns of hooks
Until the Claw’s introduction there was nothing quite like it on the market. The notion that hooks had to follow sweeping curves was dispelled in an instant and the launch raised plenty of eyebrows. A couple of years on, however, Nash’s design team have been vindicated and sales of the Claw and Flota Claw have surpassed expectations.

What makes them so good? It’s that large gape and the bend that looks like it’s been moulded round a 50p piece! Once a fish is hooked beyond that first angle, it’s almost impossible for the hook to wiggle out. 

And, despite uninformed protestations to the contrary from social-media hecklers, it’s a hugely strong pattern suitable for the heaviest of fish in the most demanding of conditions. 

On the flipside, if you need a bit more finesse and don’t want a heavy-wire hook impeding the buoyancy of your hookbait, the Flota Claw option is ideal for surface fishing, zigging and pared-back presentation. It, too, is a hugely strong pattern for its weight and diameter. £4.99

Other key items from the Nash Terminal Tackle collection

The Shrinker 
This neat product allows for using shrink tubing quickly and easily. Wet your rig and slide it into the Shrinker before applying heat from a jet lighter to the underside. Job done! £8.99

Ronnie Swivel
Perfect for Ronnie Rigs, these swivels have a wide ‘crook’ section allowing for use with big-eyed hooks. Tubing and kickers slide over easily so changing a hook takes seconds. £3.75

Maggot Screw 
Simple yet very clever, these screws allow you spice up any hookbait by topping them with maggots. Thread on the wrigglers then secure into your bait with the screw. Deadly in winter! £4.99

Tungsten Hook Beads 
These super-heavy beads add weight to your hook and trap Hairs, bait screws or rig rings on anti-eject rigs. Available in two sizes to match your hook choice—100% recommended. £3.99

Tungsten Hook Kickers
Extra tough kickers with added weight will help your rig settle on the lakebed (meaning less putty) and create an aggressive hooking angle to flip and take hold in the fish’s mouth. £4.99