Does it really make sense to mount a lead weight on the leader with normal rigs that are used with boilies? Does this have a positive effect on the bite yield or can you safely do without it?

The fact that a lead weight in the form of lead shot or putty (tungsten putty) is essential for pop-up rigs always raises the question for many carp anglers as to whether it also makes sense for normal "bottom bait rigs" (leaders presented with bottom baits). and can be effective to mount one on the rig.

1.COVERAGE!

Even with normal rigs, which are used with boilies or snowmen, it makes sense to mount a small lead weight on the leader line. This ensures that the leader is optimally laid down on the bottom, resulting in better camouflage, as the carp cannot easily come into contact with it and are therefore hardly suspicious.

This can make a lot of sense when stiffer leader materials are used, such as our N-Case (coated leader) or our extremely stiff Cho-Fi (extremely stiff monofilament).

2.HOOK EFFECT!

Another point where the use of a weight proves to be extremely useful is that the hook effect can be significantly improved and increased, especially with long leaders (20cm and longer).

When using long rigs, it can often happen that carp suck the bait in, but the hook does not find its optimal hold in the mouth and it can be blown out again.

By simply attaching a lead shot or plasticine, this effect can be increased and the hook finds a better and faster hold in the fish's mouth, which can significantly increase the bite yield.

IMPORTANT! The small lead weight does not ensure that the carp gets stuck. Of course, this continues to be done with the lead itself. Much more is meant by the fact that the tip simply hangs a little before the actual lead weight is used and the carp hooks itself!

3.SPIN EFFECT!

The last point why plasticine or lead straw makes sense is that the turning effect of the hook can be significantly improved, which can make the actual rig even more effective.

The turning effect means the effect of how well or aggressively the hook turns when sucked in by the carp in its lower lip and hooks it there safely, reliably and gently.

Our tip: With leaders from 20cm you should fix some putty (tungsten putty) in the middle of your rig!

We hope that we were able to help you a little further with this and would be very happy if you would let us know your experiences or opinions in the comments below!

See you soon and always big fish,

Your PCT fishing team!