Fish-finder rig
IntermediateAlso called Clip-on running lead, Tope clip
A running lead on a zip-slider so a big bait sits away from the weight. The usual tope and big-ray running rig.
Let a shark or a big ray take line without feeling a 6 oz lead.
A zip-slider, a shock bead, a heavy hook length and often a wire biting trace. More kit than a running ledger, and you must set a drag a fish can actually take. Not a first whiting night.
Diagram
When to use
A whole-fish bait for tope, a big hound or a big ray, when the fish should run without feeling the lead.
Tope, big hounds, big rays.
Ground and marks
Beach, Estuary, River mouth. Ground: sand, mud.
A whole-fish bait for tope, a big hound or a big ray, when the fish should run without feeling the lead.
A beginner whiting session. Bulk, wire and a tight drag are the wrong tools for a 30 cm fish. Do not skip the biting trace on tope.
Open sand and estuary mouths on a moving tide. Slack is usually dead for tope. A tramp of tide over sand is the usual plan.
Marks: Beach, Estuary, River mouth. Ground: sand, mud.
Lead on a zip-slider above a swivel. Long, strong hook length. For tope, add a wire or heavy mono biting trace. Cast, set the drag so a fish can take line, and stay with the rod.
Hooks 4/0–10/0. Lead: 5–8 oz on a zip slider.
Heavy mainline or braid with a proper shock leader. Zip-slider. Shock bead above the swivel. Hook length 50–80 lb, plus wire for tope. 5–8 oz on the slider.
How to tie it
- 01Lead on a zip-slider above a swivel.
- 02A long, strong hook length. For tope, add a biting trace.