Safe Barbel Rig

The complete rig. Inset is the Araldite covered loop (click for bigger picture)

This is the rig I’m currently using to fish for barbel. It’s particularly good for little rivers like the Dove and the Dane but can be used on any river where the bottom is not too snaggy and forever robbing you of rigs.

Starting from the bottom is the hook with a knotless knotted hair rig, which has been constructed from 12lb fluorocarbon line (the hooklength). At the other end of this approx 8″ long hooklength is a swivel and this is hooked onto another half swivel with Gemini link.

Preferred main line

The link is tied to a 3ft leader of 25lb fluorocarbon, onto which runs the lead or feeder which has a large eyed swivel as a run-ring. This is buffered from the Gemini link with a Korda Shock Bead.

All links are covered with silicon tubing to help prevent tangles.

The opposite end of the heavy fluoro leader has a loop onto which the 12lb Krystonite main line is tied. This loop has been formed by whipping with 6lb mono, superglued and then covered with Araldite epoxy resin to form a smooth transition between leader and main line.

The idea behind the leader is twofold:

1. Fluorocarbon is dense and lies on the bottom. It is also almost invisible.

2. It gives an extra measure of security if the fish do manage to enter snaggy areas and you’re lucky enough to avoid snagging the hooklink.

The bits needed to make up the rig

The whole thing may look a bit fussy but it isn’t, and over the two seasons I’ve used it I’ve been very pleased with how it’s performed and have great confidence in it. It’s obviously not much cop for snaggy rivers like the Trent and Ribble where you can suffer lots of tackle losses.

NOTE
The large eye of the run-ring and the smooth connection between the 25lb fluoro leader and the mainline ensures the lead or feeder can slide off the leader should you lose the end tackle.