The ‘slip D’ rig and why I use it…Josh Bennett!

The rig, in my opinion, is a combination of a German rig and a blowback style rig. I am uncertain of the rigs origins, but I know when I first saw it I was both suitably impressed and confident of its range of uses. The incorporation of a hook ring swivel and a doubled length of braid to form a ‘D’, allows the free movement of the bait when taken in and out of the carp’s mouth. This also yields excellent anti-eject properties when the fish attempts to refuse the bait.

I personally use the rig exclusively with a critically balanced bait, but the rig is also suited to both pop-ups and bottom baits. However, as stated I have found the rig to act perfectly with wafters. The hook sits ‘cocked’ in a position where the point is facing down, either towards the lake bed or when sucked in by the carp; towards the fish’s lower lip. This provides excellent hook holds.

A further advantage of the rig, is its ability to reset itself if the rig is ejected by a fish. The swivel is allowed to slide freely along the ‘D’ section and as such will settle in a position closer to the bend of the hook when being inhaled by the carp. The anti-eject properties come into play as the swivel ‘slips’ along the small ‘D’ created on the shank of the hook towards the eye. This allows the point to stay secured in the fish’s mouth for longer and if discharged by the carp, simply reset on the lakebed.

I love the rig and now use it pretty much exclusively for all my fishing. Another advantage is the rigs versatility surrounding which materials to use with it. Supple braid within solid bags or coated braids are my personal favourite but I know some anglers also use it with fluorocarbon. Finally it’s also very easy to tie, as you can see from the pictures.   

Steps to tie:

Step 1 – Take a section of required material. Here I am using my preferred coated braid. If using a coated hook link, strip around 3 inches of coating to expose the inner braid.

Step 2 – Slide a hook down the link. My preferred hook with this rig is a curve shank style in a size 4, however this is personal preference and the rig can be used with most hook patterns.

Step 3 – Create a loop and slide a small hook swivel along it.

Step 4 - Slide the point of the hook through the loop. Then, grasp the loop and swivel against the shank of the hook. Whip the hook link around the shank and the loop as if tying a normal knotless knot around a hair. Always ensure the hook link is exiting the point side of the eye of the hook. You want the loop to be long enough that it stretches to opposite the barb of the hook (see pictures).

Step 5 – Cut the link to the desired length. Slide a small piece of shrink tube along the link and over the eye and knot on the hook. Steam the tubing at desired angle. I steam the tubing to the same angle as the in turned eye if using a curve as shown.  

Step 6 – Slide a sinker along the hook link and create a figure of 8 loop so as to easily connect to a quick change swivel at the lead end.

Step 7 – Use bait floss to attach your desired wafter style hook bait and tie off accordingly.