The Solid Bag Ronnie Rig - Two of the Best Carp Tactics Combined | Ian Russell

The Solid Bag and the Ronnie Rig are arguably two of the most popular tactics in modern carp angling. So what happens when you combine the two? Pure magic, as Ian Russell explains.

"A Ronnie Rig inside a Solid Bag just makes so much sense!"

Like many anglers, I like to keep my fishing as simple as possible. I don’t want to overcomplicate things. So, a couple of years ago, when I noticed some mates absolutely emptying lakes using simple Solid Bag tactics, I knew I had to get involved.

The thing was, my confidence rig for a very long time had been the Ronnie Rig. So when I started tying up Solid Bags, my first instinct was to use a short braided hooklink with a Ronnie on the end.

I’ve been using the combination ever since.

I caught well with the tactic right from the off and never really looked back. Put them on fish and they catch — it really is that simple. It gives me the confidence and simplicity I want in my carp fishing.

I do tie them in a particular way though, and there are a few extra tweaks that work really well for me, which I’ll share below.

SOLID BAG RONNIE HOOKBAITS

I’ve experimented quite a bit with hookbaits for the Solid Bag Ronnie Rig, but I always come back to the same reliable option — a small pop-up of preferably 10-12mm and usually more these days an iScream Fluoro. But any small pop-up will do.

The thing with Solid Bags is that if a fish moves near the bag and disturbs it, you effectively end up fishing a single hookbait. In that situation, I’d much rather have a small pop-up Ronnie sat proud above the lakebed than a wafter lying flat on the bottom.

Most of my carp fishing throughout the years has revolved around pop-ups, so it’s something I’ve always had complete confidence in.

Don’t get me wrong, if a greedy carp comes in feeding hard, it’ll probably take the whole lot anyway and it won’t matter whether you’re using a pop-up or a wafter.

But if the bag gets picked apart by tench or smaller fish before the carp arrive, I’d still much rather have that pop-up sitting there waiting for them.

SOLID BAG BAIT MIX

The ingredients inside my Solid Bags don’t really change too much either.

The mix is usually a combination of:

• 2mm pellets
• 3mm pellets
• crushed hemp

But I have to say the OMC iScream Stick & Bag Mix also looks a good alternative, or simply straight boilie crumb from the B8M8. The thing to remember with these is you won't get as tight of a clump on the bottom around the hookbait and they will puff up more when fish enter the swim. 

Before casting out, I’ll also add a PVA-friendly liquid into the bag like hemp or tiger nut oil, or even the iScream Nutty Sauce. I just think it gives everything an extra boost and helps increase attraction around the rig.

HOW TO TIE THE SOLID BAG RONNIE RIG

Components Needed

• Colne-V Needle Point or Lock Hooks
• Vitabitz Simply Shrink Tubing
• 25lb Ammo Braid
• Vitabitz Spinner Swivel
• Long Distance Hookbeads
• Vitabitz Micro Ring Swivels
• META Solid Bag Stems (optional)
• Tungsten Beads or Domed Sinkers 
• Get Flossed Bait Floss
• Inline Flat Pear Lead
• Fade Solid PVA Bags

 

Step 1

Slide some Shrink Tubing onto a Colne-V Hook before mounting it onto a Spinner Swivel.

Step 2

Using a lighter, carefully heat the Shrink Tube so it tightens neatly around the swivel. Manipulate the hook and swivel so the Ronnie sits at an aggressive angle. I like this rig to react quickly and catch hold efficiently.

Step 3

Slide on the Micro Ring Swivel and secure it in place with the Long Distance Hookbead. I like positioning this opposite the barb of the hook.

Step 4

Connect the Spinner Swivel to a short 4-inch length of Ammo Braid using an Overhand Loop Knot. This gives the Ronnie section movement and allows it to spin freely.

Step 5

Add a Tungsten Bead or Domed Sinker to help counterbalance the pop-up and neaten the knot. Then tie another Overhand Loop Knot in the opposite end of the hooklink.

Step 6

If using a Stem, slide on a small sleeve or section of Shrink Tube before clipping the rig onto the QC Swivel on the Bag Stem. If not using a Stem, loop to loop the rig on to the mainline or leader swivel, or clip to QC Swivel. 

Step 7

Add your lead to the Stem if using one, then floss on your hookbait as normal. The rig section is now complete.

Step 8

Start filling your Solid Bag. Personally, I like to position the hookbait first and the lead second.

Step 9

Make sure you compress the bag properly before licking and sealing the top.

Step 10

Don’t forget to fold the corners in neatly. This helps improve casting distance and keeps the bag aerodynamic.

Step 11

Make a small hole in the bag using scissors or a baiting needle. This prevents the bag exploding on impact with the lakebed and scattering bait everywhere.

Step 12

At this stage, I’ll usually inject some additional booster liquid into the bag for extra attraction.

Step 13

Job done. I’ll often experiment with different hookbait colours, but the overall setup rarely changes because it simply works.

SOMETHING NEW TO ADD TO IT...

Now, like many of you, I haven't had it long, but my early impressions of the Magic Wand Inline are very good. The Stems are included so there's a saving there, it fits neatly in the specially designed lead, and it simply can't have any negative impact on your catches when you consider how it works. I like to use it as a bungee system, and all fish I've landed with it so far have been well and truly nailed. 

"The Magic Wand Inline brings another dimension to this rig"

FINAL THOUGHTS

So there you have it — a simple but incredibly effective carp fishing presentation that has worked for me everywhere I’ve taken it.

I’m sure you’ve seen Ronnie Rigs before and you’ve definitely seen Solid Bags tied up before, but combining the two really is a deadly tactic.

Give it a go this season and hopefully it’ll help you put a few more carp on the bank.

WANT MORE?

Check out the video this article is based on below.

Article author Ian Russell, or as we like to call him, “The Carp Catching Machine”, is one of the latest additions to the OMC Family. An experienced angler who has done it all in the sport, Ian offers tutorials and specialises in bait making. He’s just as comfortable fishing tricky syndicate venues as he is targeting carp on some of the country’s best day-ticket waters.