The Rigs Page – Rik’s Helicopter Leadcore Rig

RIK’S HELICOPTER LEADCORE SET-UP

I had some reservations about attaching hooklinks to the end of leadcore, with the implication that even though a fish could shed the weight from a safety clip, or a free running lead would just slip off, in the event of a crack off, it would still be trailing around 3 feet of heavy leadcore that could possibly become entangled in some obstruction.

With this in mind I have been playing around with numerous types of leadcore and various amounts of tubing, beads and clips and come up with something I am reasonably happy with.

Pictured is a helicopter set-up that has a mini genie clip at the end to take the lead.

Next is an 8mm Fox rubber bead, followed by the rig of your choice.

You will notice that the flexi ring swivel is tied the ‘wrong’ way; this allows a better rotation for the rig and aids in tangle prevention.

This is followed by another 8mm rubber bead and finally a 5mm rubber John Roberts bead.

The final bead is slightly tighter than the two 8mm beads which run very easily over the leadcore, this helps to keep the rig in place on the cast although it does slip if you attempt to cast too hard.

Better to have a loose bead, but with safety, than having a bead which is too tight and all the tethering implications that go with it.

This combination of bead sizes is the best I have found, coupled with the 35lb Nash Limpets.

I will stress that these bead sizes work best with this thickness and brand of leadcore.

If you use any other brands, then please test the set-up first.

The beads should slip with the minimum amount of pressure.