The Bottom Bait Carp Fishing Multi Rig – Step-by-Step Guide | David Rosemeier
The Multi Rig is becoming increasingly popular in the carp fishing scene. Most anglers use it with pop-ups, but in this guide, David Rosemeier shows you a slight variation that also works brilliantly with bottom baits.
Many anglers know and use the Multi Rig when fishing with pop-up boilies. After some experimentation, I developed a version that works perfectly for me with sinking boilies and balanced baits. Essentially, it’s a combination of the Sliding D-Rig and the Multi Rig.
This variation can be tied quickly, still allows fast hook changes, and achieves a reliable hook hold in the carp’s mouth. Just as with the pop-up Multi Rig, the details of your hooklink are crucial when fishing bottom baits. Your hooklink material and hook shape should be carefully matched. For this bottom bait variation I use a straight pointed hook with an inturned eye and a stiffish hooklink.
Advantages of the Multi Bottom Bait Rig
Whether you’re casting long distances or dealing with nuisance fish, the Multi Bottom Bait Rig ensures your presentation sits effectively on the lakebed. Just as importantly, this rig hooks carp securely, with the hook almost always finding solid purchase in the bottom lip. So far, I haven’t lost a single fish during the fight when using this rig.
For this setup, you’ll need:
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A kicker or line aligner sleeve to make the rig even more aggressive and effective with bottom baits, I use the Dazzler Magoliner Inturns.
How to Tie the Multi Rig for Bottom Baits
I generally use semi-stiff coated hooklink material. The coating can either be stripped back or left on, depending on casting distance and rig behaviour.
Step 1: Form a small loop at the end of the hooklink and tie a figure-of-eight loop knot (around 2.5–3 cm long).
Step 2: Thread the Dazzler Inturn, the hook, and a Micro Ring Swivel onto this loop.
Step 3: Slide the hook into position so the loop ends roughly at the barb. Trim the tag end short.
NOTE: For added efficiency with heavy bottom baits, I slide a Dazzler Inturn onto the hook eye. The L-shape (effectively shrink tube) helps the hook flip quickly, ensuring the point drops down and catches securely in the carp’s bottom lip.
Step 4: You can finish the rig with either a loop or a swivel at the end, depending on preference. A hooklink length of around 20cm has proven to work well for me. Don't forget the Anti-Tangle Sleeve to ensure everything can be cast safely.
Mounting the Hookbait
Your chosen hookbait is attached to the Micro Ring Swivel using thin Bait Floss. The advantage of this system is that it works with all boilie sizes and combinations, as bait size isn’t restricted by hair length.
Unlike many conventional rigs, the Multi Rig allows you to change hooks easily – which is a big advantage. That’s why I prefer to tie it in this style, whether I’m using bottom baits, wafters, or balanced hookbaits.
Final Thoughts on the Multi Rig
The Multi Rig is versatile, reliable, and effective for both pop-ups and bottom baits. This bottom bait variation has just a few tweaks and is quick to tie, is secure in the carp’s mouth, and allows easy hook changes – giving you confidence in your presentation every time you cast out.
If you want a rig that combines the best of the D-Rig and Multi Rig while working perfectly with heavy sinking boilies, this is one to add to your carp fishing arsenal.
Despite his young age, author David Rosemeier is already an integral part of the German fishing scene and has turned his hobby into his profession. David is passionate about the adventures he experiences on the bank and can always be found on the big waters in Germany and abroad.
