laguna
Well-known member
Bolt rigs have a place in my angling as I'm always looking to improve hook-ups rates and believe a free-running or 'slip-resist' in-line lead system (bar no lead at all), is probably the safest system to use.
I recently came across something that I think epitomises the danger of bolt rigs namely; ledger stops on the mainline above the lead.
One stop on its own is okay as intended but I would call into question the following setup:
As long as the ring can pass over the stop, it remains safe and will not tether the fish should the mainline break. Fair enough but what about putting no less than three (3) ledger stops above the lead instead of below it to prevent any possible movement - with one pushed tightly inside a rubber shock bead?
There's a video of it but it doesn't make it clear which end is which to a beginner unless you have actually used it.
Obviously nothing we do as anglers can be 100% safe, and you will always get someone confused as to which way round they should put things. Those 3 ledger stops + bead are designed to stop the lead sliding back, not prevent it sliding up the main line.
Many rigs call in to question the merits of catching at all costs but its not always the case as the example above demonstrates. Other examples of poor rig design and practice are evident all around us but I do think the more components there are, the more confusion will arise.
I recently came across something that I think epitomises the danger of bolt rigs namely; ledger stops on the mainline above the lead.
One stop on its own is okay as intended but I would call into question the following setup:
As long as the ring can pass over the stop, it remains safe and will not tether the fish should the mainline break. Fair enough but what about putting no less than three (3) ledger stops above the lead instead of below it to prevent any possible movement - with one pushed tightly inside a rubber shock bead?
There's a video of it but it doesn't make it clear which end is which to a beginner unless you have actually used it.
Obviously nothing we do as anglers can be 100% safe, and you will always get someone confused as to which way round they should put things. Those 3 ledger stops + bead are designed to stop the lead sliding back, not prevent it sliding up the main line.
Many rigs call in to question the merits of catching at all costs but its not always the case as the example above demonstrates. Other examples of poor rig design and practice are evident all around us but I do think the more components there are, the more confusion will arise.