Gaz Fareham explains why the Soft Boom Hinge aka 'The Cobra' is his go to rig - sharing his vast knowledge on the most effective set up to catch bites.
When it comes to fishing clean spots, without any weed or debris present, the Think Link D-rig is the number one choice for me. It is particularly effective when used in conjunction with boilies, as getting the fish moving between baits is a great advantage to this rig. Think link is a fairly stiff material, which prevents the rig from tangling on flight. It also allows the rig to re-set should it be brushed around, spat out and so on. The main advantage though is that it does have enough suppleness to be nice and flexible when the fish sucks in the bait. Having a material that is too stiff can have the opposite effect, almost pushing the bait away from the fish’s mouth. Having a degree of flexibility is therefore a huge edge.
When it comes to fishing clean spots, without any weed or debris present, the Think Link D-rig is the number one choice for me. It is particularly effective when used in conjunction with boilies, as getting the fish moving between baits is a great advantage to this rig. Think link is a fairly stiff material, which prevents the rig from tangling on flight. It also allows the rig to re-set should it be brushed around, spat out and so on. The main advantage though is that it does have enough suppleness to be nice and flexible when the fish sucks in the bait. Having a material that is too stiff can have the opposite effect, almost pushing the bait away from the fish’s mouth. Having a degree of flexibility is therefore a huge edge.
Having a balanced bait on aids the rig mechanics massively, a simple off the shelf wafter hookbait is perfect for this rig, as is a snowman hookbait. Having a slow sinking bait allows the hook to lie flat on the bottom and the bait hovering just above it. Plus, when the rig is sucked in, the shape and size of the D section, combined with the bait’s buoyancy ensure the hook drops down and angles towards the bottom lip, meaning you get a secure hook hold.
Having a balanced bait on aids the rig mechanics massively, a simple off the shelf wafter hookbait is perfect for this rig, as is a snowman hookbait. Having a slow sinking bait allows the hook to lie flat on the bottom and the bait hovering just above it. Plus, when the rig is sucked in, the shape and size of the D section, combined with the bait’s buoyancy ensure the hook drops down and angles towards the bottom lip, meaning you get a secure hook hold.
I find the rig is best used
with a helicopter system
This ensures you get the optimum amount of movement with the least number of tangles. The extra travel in the helicopter system enables the rig to sit flush with the lakebed and be as inconspicuous as possible. In my mind there is no better rig to present a bait on the bottom on a clean area.
step-by-step
oz's think link d-rig