In the video “I Have Stopped Fishing With Lead Clips – Here’s WHY” by Matthew Collins, he explains his decision to completely stop using lead clips for fishing. He shares his experience of losing fish when using lead clips and how he now exclusively uses running rigs. Matthew demonstrates his latest running breakaway lead setup, emphasizing its effectiveness and how to set it up properly. He also highlights the importance of using barbless hooks and shares his plans to continue using running rigs while adding additional safety measures when necessary. Matthew’s video provides valuable insights for fellow anglers looking to improve their hook to land ratio and have successful fishing experiences.

During a recent fishing session, Matthew decided to use lead clips due to the location’s hazards, but it turned out to be a disaster. Despite having multiple pickups, the leads were ejected during the take, resulting in lost fish. This experience made Matthew realize that the combination of lead clips and barbless hooks was ineffective. He decided to switch back to a simple running setup with a barbless hook. Matthew demonstrates how to set up the running rig using a plastic run ring and quick link for easy attachment of the lead. He highlights the reliability and breakaway effect of this setup, ensuring he doesn’t leave any gear in the river. Matthew’s experience and insights showcase the effectiveness of running rigs and the importance of choosing the right setup for successful fishing.

Transitioning from Lead Clips to Running Rigs

Fishing with lead clips can be a popular choice, especially when fishing in areas with potential hazards such as rocks or zebra mussels. However, after experiencing multiple instances of losing fish, I have made the decision to stop using lead clips altogether and transition exclusively to running rigs for my fishing adventures. In this article, I will explain the reasons behind this transition and provide an introduction to running rigs as an alternative.

Experiences of Losing Fish with Lead Clips

During a recent fishing session where I decided to use lead clips due to the potential hazards present in the fishing area, I encountered a series of disappointing events. Despite having several takes, the lead was ejected on the initial take, leaving me to reel in nothing but fresh air. Upon inspection, I noticed that the elongated shape of the lead clip indicated that the rigs had indeed experienced a take, but the carp was able to eject the rig. This experience led me to realize the need for a different approach to ensure a higher hook to land ratio.

Introduction to Running Rigs as an Alternative

Running rigs offer a promising alternative to lead clips, providing a more effective method for hooking and landing fish. The basic concept of a running rig involves using a setup that allows the lead to slide along the line freely, giving the fish more freedom to move without feeling the resistance of the lead. This increased freedom of movement significantly reduces the chance of the fish ejecting the rig during a take. Running rigs also offer several variations, each catering to different fishing situations and targeting different species of fish.

Understanding Running Rigs

To fully comprehend the effectiveness of running rigs, it is essential to understand the basic concept behind them. A running rig consists of a main line, a leader line, a run ring, and a lead attachment. The main line is connected to the leader line, which features a run ring that allows the lead to slide freely along the line. By attaching the lead to the run ring, you create a rig that allows the fish to take the bait without feeling the weight of the lead, increasing the chances of a successful hook-up.

Different types of running rigs include inline running rigs, helicopter rigs, and chod rigs. Each type serves a specific purpose, and anglers can choose the rig that best suits their fishing needs and preferences. The effectiveness of running rigs lies in their ability to allow the fish to move freely, reducing the risk of them ejecting the rig and increasing the chances of a successful hooking.

Setting up Running Rigs

Setting up a running rig is a simple process that requires a few essential materials. The materials needed include a main line, a leader line, a run ring, a lead attachment, a quick link, and a puller tool. To set up the running rig, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Slide the run ring onto the leader line.
2. Attach the lead attachment to the run ring.
3. Tie the quick link onto the end of the leader line.
4. Use a puller tool to secure the quick link.
5. Attach the main line to the quick link.
6. Test the setup to ensure it operates correctly.

By utilizing the latest running breakaway lead setup, anglers can enhance the effectiveness of their running rigs and improve their hook to land ratio. This setup includes a plastic run ring that breaks under pressure, preventing any gear from being left behind in the water.

The Use of Barbless Hooks

In conjunction with running rigs, the use of barbless hooks has proven to be essential for successful fishing. Barbless hooks offer several benefits, including easier hook removal and reduced damage to the fish. When a fish takes the bait, barbless hooks allow for a quicker and smoother hook penetration, increasing the chances of a solid hook-up. Additionally, using barbless hooks promotes responsible fishing and minimizes harm to the fish and the environment.

Supplementing Running Rigs with Safety Measures

While running rigs provide an effective and fish-friendly fishing method, it is crucial to consider additional safety measures in certain circumstances. Fishing in areas with heavy snags or tight spaces may require extra precautions to prevent gear loss or fish harm. Some safety measures to consider include using snag leaders, fishing with backleads, or incorporating buffer beads into the rig setup. Ultimately, the best safety measure depends on the specific fishing situation and the angler’s judgment.

Choosing the Right Material for Fishing

When it comes to choosing the right material for fishing, anglers often contemplate between using mono or c-clips. Both options have their merits, but for heavy fishing, it is recommended to use a soft plastic run ring. This type of run ring has been found to break at approximately 10 pounds of force, allowing for a breakaway effect in case the lead gets jammed. Additionally, broken linears can be utilized, with the length reduced to half of the standard linear length, providing added versatility and adaptability for different fishing scenarios.

Choosing the Right Bait

To maximize the effectiveness of running rigs, selecting the right bait is crucial. Medicarp has proven to be a preferred bait option for many anglers due to its attractive scent and taste. This bait is specifically designed to target carp and has been successful in enticing various fish species. The key reasons for choosing Medicarp bait include its high nutritional value, long-lasting scent and flavor, and versatility in different fishing conditions. While Medicarp is a preferred choice, there are other suitable bait options available, depending on personal preference and the target fish species.

Effects on the Fish

When transitioning to running rigs and barbless hooks, considering fish welfare is of utmost importance. Observing the after-effects on the fish’s mouth is crucial to ensure minimal damage and stress. A well-implemented running rig setup, combined with the use of barbless hooks, ensures that the fish’s mouth remains in perfect condition. By prioritizing fish welfare, anglers can enjoy their fishing experience while respecting the well-being of the fish populations.

Learning through Demonstration

To truly grasp the concept and benefits of running rigs, it can be advantageous to learn through video demonstrations. Video demonstrations provide a visual guide that allows anglers to understand the setup process and see the rig in action. In the description of this article, a link to a video demonstrating the creation of a safe breakaway lead system is provided. By watching this video, anglers can gain a deeper understanding of the running rig setup, its functionality, and its effectiveness in real-life fishing scenarios.

Conclusion

Transitioning from lead clips to running rigs has proven to be a game-changer for my fishing experience. The decision to exclusively use running rigs and barbless hooks has significantly improved my hook to land ratio and reduced the instances of losing fish. The versatility and adaptability of running rigs, combined with the use of suitable materials and bait, have allowed for a more successful and responsible fishing method. In the future, I plan to continue using running rigs and explore additional safety measures when necessary. By continuously improving our fishing methods and prioritizing fish welfare, we can enjoy a fulfilling and sustainable fishing experience.