The Comprehensive Guide to Tying a Combi Rig for Carp Fishing

Introduction

Carp fishing is a popular and rewarding pursuit for anglers worldwide. One of the most effective setups for targeting carp is the combi rig. This rig combines the benefits of both stiff and supple materials, providing excellent presentation and hooking potential. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of tying a combi rig, focusing on products from Fox International for terminal tackle and CC Moore for bait.

Why Use a Combi Rig?

The combi rig is favored for its versatility and effectiveness. It combines a stiff section, often made from a fluorocarbon or stiff coated braid, with a supple section, usually from a softer braid. This combination allows for excellent presentation of the bait, reducing tangles during casting and increasing the rig's effectiveness in hooking carp.

Materials Needed

To tie a combi rig, you'll need the following materials, with specific recommendations from Fox International and CC Moore:

Terminal Tackle from Fox International

1. Hook: Fox Edges Armapoint SSC, size 4 or 6.
2. Stiff Braid or Fluorocarbon: Fox Camotex Stiff or Fox Illusion Trans Khaki Fluorocarbon (20-30lb test).
3. Supple Braid: Fox Edges Reflex Camo Braid (15-25lb test).
4. Anti Tangle Sleeves: Fox Edges Anti Tangle Sleeves.
5. Rig Rings: Fox Edges Rig Rings.
6. Bait Screw or Hair Rig: Fox Edges Bait Screws or Fox Edges Micro Hair Stops.
7. Shrink Tubing: Fox Edges Shrink Tube.
8. Swivels: Fox Edges Kwik Change Swivels.
9. Hook Beads: Fox Edges Hook Beads.

Bait from CC Moore

1. Hookbaits: CC Moore's range includes Pacific Tuna Pop-Ups, Live System Hookbaits, and Northern Special Wafters.
2. Pellets and Groundbait: CC Moore Pellets (such as Odyssey XXX Pellets) and groundbait mixes.
3. Liquid Attractants: CC Moore Liquid Additives like Amino Blend 365 or Feedstim XP.

Tools

1. Scissors: Sharp scissors for cutting the braid and fluorocarbon.
2. Baiting Needle: For threading the bait onto the hair.
3. Knot Puller: To tighten knots securely.
4. Lighter: To shrink the tubing and seal knots.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tying the Combi Rig

1. Preparing the Hook Section

1. Select the Hook: Choose a hook size that matches the bait size and the size of the fish you are targeting. Size 4 or 6 Fox Edges Armapoint SSC hooks are ideal for most carp fishing situations.
2. Attach the Braid: Cut a length of Fox Edges Reflex Camo Braid, around 12 inches long. This will form the supple part of the rig. Tie a small loop at one end using a simple overhand knot, ensuring the loop is large enough to accommodate your chosen bait.
3. Thread the Hook: Pass the braid through the eye of the hook, starting from the point side. This ensures that the hook will turn effectively when a fish takes the bait. Position the hook about 1.5 inches from the loop knot.
4. Create the Hair: Tie a knotless knot to secure the braid to the hook shank. Wrap the braid around the shank 5-7 times, then pass it back through the eye of the hook, again from the point side. The hair length should allow the bait to sit just off the hook's bend.
5. Add a Bait Screw or Hair Stop: If using a bait screw, thread it onto the loop. If using a hair stop, thread the bait onto the hair using a baiting needle, and secure it with a micro hair stop.

2. Creating the Stiff Section

1. Cut the Fluorocarbon: Cut a length of Fox Illusion Trans Khaki Fluorocarbon or Fox Camotex Stiff, typically around 8-12 inches, depending on the desired length of the rig.
2. Attach to the Hook Section: Using a simple overhand knot, tie the fluorocarbon to the other end of the braid, ensuring the knot is secure and trimmed neatly. Use a lighter to blob the tag end of the braid to prevent it from slipping.
3. Align the Sections: The stiff section should be in line with the supple section, creating a seamless transition from the flexible part near the hook to the rigid part that aids in casting and reduces tangles.

3. Finishing the Rig

1. Attach a Swivel: Tie the other end of the fluorocarbon to a Fox Edges Kwik Change Swivel using a Palomar or grinner knot. This swivel will connect your rig to the mainline or leader.
2. Add Anti Tangle Sleeves: Slide a Fox Edges Anti Tangle Sleeve over the knot at the swivel end to cover the knot and reduce the risk of tangles during casting.
3. Hook Bead and Shrink Tubing: Place a hook bead on the hook shank and cut a small piece of Fox Edges Shrink Tube. Slide the tubing over the eye of the hook and the knot, then shrink it using steam or a lighter to create a streamlined finish. This helps the hook to turn effectively when a carp picks up the bait.
4. Baiting Up: Choose your bait from CC Moore’s range, such as a Pacific Tuna Pop-Up or Live System Hookbait. Thread the bait onto the hair rig or bait screw, ensuring it sits attractively off the bend of the hook.

Tips and Considerations

1. Hook Selection

Choosing the right hook is crucial. The Fox Edges Armapoint SSC is a strong and reliable choice, but consider the size and sharpness depending on the fishing conditions and the size of the carp.

2. Balancing the Rig

The balance of the rig can be fine-tuned using different types of bait or by adding weight, such as putty, to the hook shank or the swivel. This helps ensure the hook point turns downwards when a carp picks up the bait.

3. Bait Selection

CC Moore offers a wide range of baits, each with specific attractions and buoyancy. Match your hookbait to the feeding habits of the carp in your target waters. For instance, pop-ups can lift the bait off the bottom, making it more visible and attractive, especially in weedy or silty conditions.

4. Testing and Adjusting

Always test your rig in water before casting out. This allows you to check how it sits and adjust if necessary. Ensure that the bait is presented correctly and that the hook is positioned to maximize the chances of a secure hook hold.

5. Using Attractants

Enhance your bait's appeal with CC Moore liquid attractants like Amino Blend 365 or Feedstim XP. These can be added directly to the hookbait or to your groundbait and pellets, creating a scent trail that draws carp to your rig.

Conclusion

The combi rig is a versatile and highly effective setup for carp fishing, especially when paired with high-quality products from Fox International and CC Moore. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a rig that offers excellent presentation, reduced tangling, and improved hooking potential. Experiment with different baits and hook sizes, and always adapt to the conditions and behavior of the carp in your chosen waters.

This guide should give you a comprehensive overview of how to tie a combi rig using Fox International products and CC Moore baits, covering each step in detail along with tips and considerations for optimizing your setup.