Ask Bailiff

What rig for surface fishing with floaters?

Bailiff's answer, from the Carp Army rig library and what members have caught on.

Bailiff says: Surface controller rig

This is the dedicated surface rig for fish taking floaters up top, using a controller float to cast and present a buoyant hookbait. It's the natural choice when carp are cruising or slurping on the surface in warm weather.

Tweaks

  • Use a 6-8ft fluorocarbon or mono hooklink to keep it hidden
  • Match hookbait to your freebies (mixer or floating pellet)
  • Size 8-10 wide gape hook for a clean hookhold on the take

Surface controller rig

A controller float, a long mono hooklink and a floating hookbait. For fish on top in summer.

SurfaceController floatFloating mono or fluoroSize 8 to 10 hookFloating pellet or mixer

Parts

Controller float
Floating mono or fluoro, 8 to 12lb, 4 to 6ft
Size 8 to 10 hook
Floating pellet or mixer, bait band
Beads and swivel

How to tie it

  1. Slide the controller onto the mainline with a bead either side and tie to a swivel.
  2. Tie the hooklink, at least 4ft, to the swivel.
  3. Band on a floating pellet or mixer; hair-rig a bigger bait.
  4. Feed a few freebies, wait for confident takes, then cast beyond and draw back.

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