How To Prevent Rig Tangles

How can I ensure my rig is 100% tangle free when fishing at distance? We ask Matthew Lockett

The majority of my angling over the past year has been at range; the venue I have been targeting requires good, accurate long range angling in order to succeed. This comes with practice over time and understanding a few key points in order to keep your hook length fishing effectively is key.

My first tip would be to use a lead- clip arrangement where possible, especially if using a bottom bait or balanced bottom bait. The lead clip flies much more streamlined through the air, allowing the bait and rig to kick away from the leader or mainline when hitting the clip. I will use a heli- copter set- up if the lakebed is slightly choddy, but contrary to popular belief, a rotary or heli- set up is actually more prone to tangles when fishing at range.

My second tip would be to use a stiffer hook length material, such as a stiff coated braid or fluorocarbon, which provides a natural separation from the lead due to the stiffer properties. If balanced with a slow sinking bait, this type of hook length will fish effectively tangle free when fishing at distance. It is also important to minimise the amount of points on a hook length where there is a pivot and the rig could potentially become tanged, such as rings on the rig, which could allow for the link to come frapped up.

My final point is in regard to the flight of the rig, this is key to ensuring the rig doesn’t tangle on impact with the water. I try my very best to watch the rig in fight, ensuring that I can spot the rig isn’t tangled and the hooklength is separated from the leader. It is often hard to watch the rig in flight, but if you can try your best to get a view during the first stages of the cast, the likelihood is it will stay the same throughout the duration. It is also imperative that you hit the clip on the cast, just above the water to allow the hooklength to effectively straighten out before it glides down through the water and onto the spot.