I would personally recommend using clear line as the bait appears more natural in the water and is less likely to spook fish, however, some fish such as whiting are supposedly attracted to coloured line.   

If you are unsure about any of the terms or the tackle used on this page then please click here for a full guide and glossary.

The Clipped down paternoster rig (Plus Pennel explanation):

The Pennel method of fishing is associated with how the hooks are presented. As you can see in the picture below, the pennel design is to have 2 hooks on one snood and is a great method for targeting larger specimens with bigger bait ups. This is because larger species have bigger mouths and will sometimes hit the top of yor large bait instead of the bottom and by having 2 hooks you increase your chance of a hook up. There are multiple ways in which you can set a pennel up and it really comes down to personal preference. Click here or visit the video/downloads page to see a video guide to building this rig.

• The first way is to slide one hook up the snood and then tie the the second hook to the snood as you normally would. once you have set the bait up you then wrap the line around the shank of the upper hook 3 times to secure it in place at the top of your bait up. some anglers also hook the upper hook into the top of the bait.
• The second way is to slide sime rig tubing (preferably clear) up the snood, then the upper hook and then tie the bottom hook onto the snood. slide the rig tubing over the upper hooks shank so that it holds it tight to the snood and should restrict it from sliding up and down the snood easily. once you have baited up you slide the upper hook down the snood to the top of your bait up and with the hook point thread it through the very tip.
• Another method is to tie your upper hook to the snood as if using a normal 1 hook rig but then tie another snood off that hook and onto another hook. This method is sometimes popular because when you get a fish on using the above methods if the fish is hooked on the upper hook it can be pulled down the snood and damage your knot on the bottom hook leading to a lost fish. There are a multitude of different ways a pennel can be set up to suit your preference but the principle is the same.

I should clarify that althoug the picture below is used to demonstrate how a pennel set up can be used, the pennel aspect relates soley to how the hooks are presented and that this method can be used with a variety of rigs including the clipped down paternoster (below), Pulley rig (popular over rough ground), running ledger etc.

The running ledger rig:

This is a highly versatile rig that can be used to target a wide range of species and be used with a range of baits such as worm, live bait, mackerel fillet. You can target a range of fish. For example you can use this rig with a size 1/0 or bigger hook with a live bait on such as Joey Mackerel or whiting for Bass or Cod. Instead you could try it with a size 2 hook and lots of beads and sequins for flounders and plaice or 10lb line and size 6 hooks with a bunch of red rag (harbour rag) for mullet from the beach. On thing is important and that is to set your drag or hold on to your rod if your after a big fish otherwise you may lose it. If you use it with a live bait it will allow the fish to move around and giving off vibrations of a distrest fish whereas if you use worm of a static bait it will lay on the bottom and flow in the tide. The picture below demonstrates how it would flow with a live bait on. Hook the live bait through the top lip. Another positive about the rig is that bite indication is very good because the hook length is in direct link with the mainline. The only limitation of it is that generally its use with one hook. Although you can add more hooks along the snood which can be deadly for flatfish.

The design is simple and this is why it is so versatile. once you have threaded your mainline through all your rods eyes make sure you pull an extra few yards off the spool to allow you some movement. Thread a weight cilp up the mainline, this can be a genie clip or an american snap swivel. After this thread a bead up the line and tie the loose end to a swivel. After that tie your desired hook length and line strength to the other end of the swivel and then tie your chosen hook size to the other end of the line. You can add beads, sequins and spoons etc befoe you tie on the hook depending on what fish you are after.

The Bomber Rig:

This rig is an effective long distance rig that is quite underrated. It allows both hooks to be clipped down under the same bait clip/impact shield. This means that the rig will be more aero dynamic and should allow you to get an extra few yards which can be highly important in winter months. Both hooks will come free of the bait clip on impact with the sea. Another benefit is that due to the difference in the hook lengths it allows one to be more static and pinned to the bottom while the other is more flowing in the tide so that a range of tactics are being used.

You will need:

·         4 x Crimps

·         4 x Beads (more if putting them on hook length)

·         2 x Hooks (size is your choice, size 2 is a good all round size)

·         3 x Swivels

·         2 x Pieces of Rig Tubing

·         1 x Bait clip or Impact shield

·         1 x Gemini genie clip

·         Fishing line for rig body 50-80lb

·         Fishing line for snoods 12-35lb

Length guides are approximate but you can make them larger or smaller if you want.

A top tip is when you put the bait clip/impact shield on allow it to be adjusted so that you can move it up or down to suit the hook lengths. Also to try and get the hooks in line with each other once you have tied the first one and it can rest in the clip ok, tie the second one and measure it up against the first hook length and cut the 2nd one about about 2cm above where the first is hanging, this should take into account the knot and the hook itself and give you a good fit between the 2 hooks when you clip them down on the impact shield.  

Pulley Rig:

The pully rig is a great rig for casting along snood far as it is streamline to the mainline. You can also fish it close in for Bass. It allows you to fish a long snood of up to 6ft without the hassle of tangled line. Your choice of hook and technique depend upon the species you are targeting. For instance if your after Plaice you could add lots of beads and a spoon to attract them in the flowing tide or if your after Bass you could use a Pennel rig with your chosen bait attatched.