'These 3 Carp Rigs Changed Everything for Me' | Max Braby

There are so many rigs in the carp fishing world nowadays that it can create big problems for anglers who are unsure what to use in different scenarios. Over time, OMC's Max Braby has found that the best approach is to select a rig for each type of presentation: one for bottom baits, one for wafters, and one for pop-ups. 

The worst feeling in carp fishing is sitting behind your traps for hours with that nagging thought that your rig could let you down. Consistently using the same rigs every session builds confidence in what you’re casting out—and a confident angler is a dangerous angler. Having a small selection of rigs you have full faith in will undoubtedly put more carp in your landing net. So here are my top three favourite carp fishing rigs and why I use them…

The Flipper Rig (Bottom Bait Rig)

The Flipper Rig is my go-to bottom bait rig because it utilises one of the most reliable rig mechanics around: a long hair. The long hair creates plenty of separation between the hookbait and the hook, allowing the hook to turn and grab hold freely inside the carp’s mouth.

The key difference between The Flipper Rig and a standard hair rig is that the hair is trapped in place by a piece of hook silicone on the bend of the hook. This silicone tubing reduces the chance of tangles in flight and helps the hook catch more aggressively. Trapping the hair on the bend means the hookbait’s weight helps the hook turn quickly, as the point becomes heavier and the eye lighter.

Hook choice is crucial to the mechanics of this rig. In my opinion, a hook needs a pronounced bend where the silicone tubing will sit, a wide gape, and an in-turned eye with a shank that isn’t too long. This is why I favour The Cassien Hook in a Size 4. The pattern suits the rig perfectly, and it’s a style I have a lot of confidence in. I also prefer the straight point, as it catches hold quicker than a beaked point.

The Flipper Rig is strictly a bottom bait rig for me. Using a hookbait with buoyancy takes away the heaviness of the hook point, increasing the chance of the carp ejecting the rig. A wafting hookbait would also sit off the bottom however long the hair is—potentially hovering as high as a pop-up—working against you on cleaner lakebeds.

The Multi-Combi Slip-D Rig (Wafter Rig)

Although the Multi-Combi Slip-D Rig is one of the most talked-about rigs in carp fishing right now, I’ve been using it for around six years. It has accounted for some of my best carp and is a presentation I know won’t let me down.

I originally used a standard combi rig for its stiff hooklink section combined with a supple braided section at the hook end, giving the hook plenty of movement. The anti-tangle properties were great—especially with a 50mm anti-tangle sleeve—and the hook holds were consistently excellent. However, because I place huge emphasis on hook sharpness, I found myself tying lots of rigs per session after miscasts or landed fish. Switching to a braided loop to mount the kicker and hook, rather than using a knotless knot, was a revelation. It saved me money, time, and allowed me to use the sharpest hook possible while getting rods back out quickly.

I’m often asked whether The Multi-Combi Slip-D Rig can be used for bottom baits and pop-ups as well as wafters. While you can catch carp that way, I don’t feel the rig performs at its best with either. With bottom baits, the hook can sit on top of the bait rather than underneath it, and the stiff section may cause the rig to loop up on the lakebed. A slow-sinking hookbait allows the rig to kick away from the lead far more effectively. With pop-ups, the hook lacks the 360-degree movement provided by rigs like the Spinner Rig or Hinge Stiff Rig, which incorporate a swivel at the hook end.

Rig materials are particularly important with this set-up because of the Albright knot joining the braided loop to the fluorocarbon. If you tie fewer than four wraps, the knot will slip. I use seven turns down with the braid and two back up, producing a strong, reliable knot. After extensive testing, I’ve found that 20lb Blend Fluorocarbon Soft paired with the inner core of the 35lb Blend Coated Braid works perfectly.

I previously used 25lb Ammo Braid for the soft section, but it was so supple compared to the stiff fluorocarbon that the hookbait often laid back over the hooklink rather than sitting straight from the knot. These small details make a big difference, which is why I switched to the slightly stiffer inner core of the Blend Coated Braid.

Finally, you can choose either silicone tubing or tungsten putty to cover the Albright knot. Personally, I prefer putty, as it helps the hook grab the bottom lip more effectively. The difference was small but noticeable.

The Spinner Rig (Pop-Up Rig)

Lastly, The Spinner Rig has been a firm favourite of mine for pop-up presentations because it allows me to fish my pop-ups extremely close to the lakebed. It’s also very easy to change the hook without tying a whole new rig. Another advantage over rigs without a swivel at the hook end is that The Spinner Rig allows 360-degree hook rotation, giving you the best chance of a secure hook hold regardless of the carp’s direction of approach.

As a general rule of thumb, I find the rig works best with a small hookbait and a large hook—usually a 12mm pop-up on a Size 4. This combination has given me incredibly secure hookholds and minimal losses, giving me total confidence that every bite will result in a fish on the bank.

I pay close attention to hookbead placement on my Spinner Rigs. The way the rig behaves changes significantly depending on the bead’s position. With curve-style hooks, I position the bead opposite where the barb would sit; with my favourite hook pattern, The Lock Hook, I place it on the first bend. Both hook patterns feature a lovely sweeping shank and an in-turned eye, which I recommend. Hookbead quality is also important—Dazzlers Long Distance Hook Beads are my choice, as they don’t slip on the cast.

The Inturn, Micro Ring Swivel and hookbead can all be reused too by crushing the hook’s barb and sliding them off. Simply transfer them to a new hook and you’re good to go.

This rig works well with multiple lead setups and both stiff and supple materials. I use 35lb Blend Coated Braid over low-lying weed because it settles more naturally, while on cleaner bottoms, the Kickback Fluorocarbon (25lb) is unbeatable for its anti-tangle and resetting properties.

They All Have A Common Theme

All three rigs I’ve mentioned share a couple of key traits. Every one of my rigs is fairly short—no more than 6.5 inches in length. I can fish short rigs confidently because I adapt my lead setup accordingly, ensuring good presentation even over silt or light weed. In my mind, shorter rigs help carp feel the lead’s weight sooner, increasing the likelihood of a secure hookhold. While longer rigs absolutely have their place, my style of fishing suits shorter presentations.

In addition, all three rigs have strong anti-tangle properties. Each features a Blend 50mm Tungsten Anti-Tangle Sleeve, which helps keep the rig separate from the lead in flight and ensures it sits straight on the bottom.

Article author Max Braby is one of the youngest members of the OMC Team, but don't let his age fool you - he's already an expert at catching big carp on a variety of methods. Max enjoys sharing his adventures with articles and high-quality photography.