7 Years of Tackling Harder Waters: Here’s How I Succeeded 🎯

[@matthewcollinsangler]

When I started carp fishing, a 3 acre lake seemed large and daunting. When I first fished in France, a 35 acre felt huge and intimidating. So you can imagine how I felt when I began the journey in tackling 500 acre lakes with no boat, no echo sounder and no drone. I mean how can you possibly be successful on a lake that big without modern tech? Well, six years ago I began that journey and it taught me an awful lot about what really matters in this game, and what doesn't. In this video I share everything that I learned along the way that you can apply on any lake.

[@kmb957]

I fish a 1275 acre lake. I try a spot for a few days and take notice of where the carp are jumping. When the jump dies off, I move to a new spot. It's getting late in the season and the carp really are becoming inactive in my area of Pennsylvania.

[@Harisson2lb]

I love the videos. Some info is new, and some I am aware of. After 45 years of fishing, I have seen a lot of new "Commercial Junk," especially over the last 3-5 years. A lot of info and tackle out there is purely created for sale; the emphasis on fishing has been lost somewhat. However, these videos that Matt delivers are precisely what fishing is about sharing good information, keeping it simple and basic, and installing great standards. Hopefully, all newcomers to angling will see these videos, "the wood through the trees" and not get lost in the shelves of tackle you see these days. Excellent content, delivered very well. Keep up the great work Matt. Trout man Dan

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much for the support Dan 👍

[@liamdavies8207]

I just want to say your content is great and you've really helped me simplify my angling and focus more on the little things that make a huge difference. As a relatively new carp angler I was constantly getting runs but lifting into the rod there was nothing on the end which at the time I was using heavy leads with lead clips. Then I came across your video on Lead systems. I changed over to a running lead system with lighter leads and focused on having the sharpest hook possible and well its helped me massively and I'm no longer striking into nothing! Love your content you're a book of knowledge and you've helped me massively. Keep up the good work matt👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Absolutely brilliant mate, love hearing that! I'm delighted my advice is working so well for you 👍

[@HARDYSFISHINGADVENTURES]

Had this on my last trip drove me mad and I was on light leads and had eleven runs one cat I lost and three bream on a tiny ten mm pop up on margin rod

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@HARDYSFISHINGADVENTURES Switch to running rigs. The carp find it very difficult to eject the rig. This is my preferred setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmiWZIWQerdjb5Y

[@ElectricianWizard]

Mr. Collins , I'm stunned that this rig is a bit controversial in UK. In Romania I discovered this rig in 2012 on big lakes in carp fishing competition. This days everybody is using this rig, in competition or in normal fishing,this rig is a must. We are using this rig on a helicopter type system. All romanian team in international competition are using this type of rig. The big pro is the confidence that i have when you cast at distants . Second is the easy way to create the rig and very easy to change the hook , by using a kwik change swivel. Have a good day !

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Good to hear! I think the reason many anglers don't use simple but super effective mono rigs is that many sponsored anglers and all carp fishing brands promote Ronnie rigs or spinner rigs or combi materials to sell more products. But the reality is that you don't need these complicated rigs to catch carp consistently (whatever the size of the lake) as you well know 😊

[@jessicaandtrains7768]

Nice to see someone speaking sense. Also love that the fish you catch don't have big guts like the heavier UK fish. I use very simple rigs myself that I'm sure most UK Carp anglers would laugh at but I often out fish them. So that's all I care about.

[@nicod686]

This helped me dramatically with Turtles (USA). We don’t have Crayfish but we definitely have Red Ear Sliders in CA. They operate the same way and when I was using smaller food items like Korda Fake corn or Small dumbbell Wafters I was getting annihilated. Thank you so much for making this video, much love from across the pond. ❤ 🎣

[@JTvlogs984]

Hi Matthew , At the moment i'm fishing a HUGE Park lake 30-acre (12 ha) lake, 1.3 miles (2.1 km) I've lost two one on a ZIG and one on the bottom ! it's been tough going as i've blanked since spring.. BUT after watching this video i can see my mistakes and i'l change it up SO thanks and i will update soon as i land my first Carp out of that Huge Park lake.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

All the best mate 👍

[@sgtg4600]

I always make it a point to go carp fishing on a large lake (or any other size) with a clean bottom. 👍

[@stevenpain2702]

Used this rig on yateley, perfect, caught 3 using it ,will use this rig everytime .easy , and so basic thankyou saved my blank this year😅

[@matthewcollinsangler]

That's great mate!

[@popescuandrei5513]

Hi! Yet another great video on a very basic carp catching rig!! Congrats!!! I've tested this mono rig and caught lots of fish with it, I generally use either wide gape or chod hooks for it to create the aggressive angle without using the ronnie stopper on the hook. To be honest I prefer the D-rig over this single mono rig. I've tested the mono rig by simply throwing it multiple times in a bucket filled with water. In some cases, I was surprised that the hook can actually landed upwards (with the back of the hook facing the bottom) even though the rig was executed correctly. This happened on the flat bottom of the bucket, where the boilie could have rolled the hook on either sides, but it didn't. I kept thinking that the lake bed is not perfectly flat, so the boilie might land between some debris and not roll properly. The D-rig on the other hand, no matter how many times you throw it and how you throw it, it always ensures that you are fishing :) Tight lines!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Good to hear 😊 They both work equally well in my experience, more down to personal preference really and some anglers find one easier to tie than the other.

[@TheWildSide369]

This video is gold. I am a fly fisherman who did his FlyFishing masters in England ans saw that carp fishing in the docks in London. Never tought it had all that knowledge behind. I am going here to a big reservoir close to Bogota, Colombia. Lots of carp there, almost for free. I am pretty sure carp here behaves different that those on northern or southern countries. Everybody on that lake uses just corn or worms. I am learning a lot here. Will cook some boilies and definitely will use your rig. Cheers!! God Bless you.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thank you and glad you're enjoying the videos 😊

[@paulbridgland3112]

Tried the salting boilies trick today as they fell off regularly but now lasting much longer casting a feeder out every 15 mins

[@1807b52]

A great informative video. As a relative beginner, I have been using the mono rig you recommended in a previous video, and have caught plenty of fish with it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Really great to hear 😊

[@bradbentley8003]

Never knew about the salt trick will definetly try this next time

[@matthewcadle7200]

Little tip for badly infested cray waters. Forget wrapping baits and using plastic, I just flavour some good old wooden balls and drill a 1mm hole through and you will be fishing with bait exactly how you cast out. (just make sure you over weight the balls, because they get lighter in weight over night).

[@JamesWatson-d2g]

Great video as always Matt. Please can you share a video on how you target weedy waters? In particular, PVA bags in silk weed etc. Would be interested to hear your take on it.

[@frank-q4q]

What a great video and i will be trying the salt idea on a heli rig and on a running rig thanks Matthew .

[@connorhird3390]

brb just off to burghfield

[@Daniel-r4l3i]

I'll race ya now. That commons mine!!! 😂

[@doogled6749]

Nice video Matt, basically everything you need to learn to be a successful big carp angler! Thanks.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Great to hear that mate 😊

[@Jerec]

19:32 Never seen a fish so in shock at being caught.

[@daz4643]

Hi Matthew, after watching one of your prevoius videos about mono (the deadly d rig) I can honestly say my confidence has jumped 100% in mono. I used to use mono years ago and we all seem to get lost in the latest braid etc. We often overlook the simple things. Thanks.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Fantastic to hear 👍

[@WHURobKip]

Anothet quality video Matthew 👍🏻👍🏻

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thank you 👍

[@paulburgess1807]

Brilliant informative video. Thank You

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thank you 👍

[@erikkollee9947]

Very interesting video again Mr. Collins. Thx for the pointers in this episode.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@robinhooduk8255]

dude this is exactly how i fish and have been using this same rig for years outfishing people with braids and shrinking on their rigs, only thing different is i use flurocarbon as i think its got benefits over mono and i use hooks with inward eye. i also have totally stopped using fixed lead clips and only using full running leads as the fish cant use the weight of the lead to shake the hook out their mouth, and an added bonus is you always have a screamer takes regardless of direction fish goes in.

[@robinhooduk8255]

haha yes i didnt get to the bit where you were using running lead too, you sir have big brain, great minds think alike.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

💯 running rigs all the time 😊

[@brummyfishing]

That’s good conversation about hooks I used to use the pin point range but stopped due to them burring over when catching a carrier bag in a park lake , I’ve switched to the esp cryogens , but as I’m campaign fishing I should get bag on the pin points , good thought that is , currently sitting behind my rods watching this cheers.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I used to use the Cryogens and they're good strong hooks, I just feel the pinpoint range has the edge. Hope you have a good session!

[@Shadowmane100]

Great videos I'm going to a reservoir I haven't fished before at the weekend and I'm going to give this a go. Because of your vids I'm now almost exclusively using running rigs and if I do use a bolt rig I now know how to use it correctly cheers.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Great to hear mate, have a good session 🎣

[@AaronsAnglingJourney]

Thanks Matt brill tips

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thank you 👍

[@trigger4616]

Personaly i use a combi rig stiff flouro with a albrighted piece of braid doubled over to create a multi rig set up which makes changing the hook over easy peasy ,,,enjoyed watching this cheers Matthew

[@garethedwards1387]

Hi matt gareth hear i sooke to you on the phone when we were going to come to your fishery in france for a trip before wcc 2017 the new zealand team ,i didnt happen ,i never got chance to thank you for your offer so thanks matt cheers gareth

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Cool mate 👍

[@carpykeith]

This has appeared in perfect time! I’m fishing Brasenose I, a big water for me, in a month where long range casting CAN pay off! I was trying to come up with a short, coated braid turbo German rig for anti-tangle at range but your mono rig is inspired AND being a sea angler 0.40 mono and up is sitting there! I would never have the confidence to just fish a bait alone but you’ve convinced me! Thank you!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Ah cool, yes I fished Brasenose, Oxlease, St.Johns and Manor farm many years ago and they seemed very large and intimidating to me when I first took them on! If you’ve got some 0.40 mono then great. Just combine with an outturned eyed hook like the chod Twister and a little blowback tube and you’re all set. Just bear in mind that mono rigs are meant to be disposable and carp hooks blunt really easy. Just tie a load up, wang them out and keep changing them 😁

[@garylowe8601]

I'm really struggling at the moment. I've been carp fishing about 2 years and only ever used a braided blowback rig. Worked fine as nothing was long range just short flicks really. Now I've started to cast out further I'm coming back tangled sometimes So have no confidence leaving anything out for more than half a day incase it is tangled.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@garylowe8601 Here's what you need to use mate, tangle proof and super effective: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zni1l2BohstnZpY

[@robertreading4574]

That hook looks savage and leaves a pretty big hole in the Carps mouth .any snap off means the hook could remain in its mouth for sometime despite some uneducated people believing otherwise the hooks do not rust away in a few weeks ! It seems normal practice these days to use forged heavy duty hooks , why I have no idea .I have caught hundreds of carp and from rivers to 28Lb on 5 to 8lb mono and size 10 hooks and a all through action rod. Having the skill , technique with the clutch set perfectly is all you need .

[@pauledmonds3249]

Superb film Matt. Be nice to meet you sometime and show you my lake . It's not a commercial fishery. Secret place near Mayenne.Thanks for the videos, so informative and professionally done.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Ah cool 👍 and thanks for the feedback.

[@bizbizley]

This approach works on the Severn too for Barbel. Bar the long distance the song remains the same. A single bottom rig will works wonders.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

💯😊

[@mattiparker14]

Mr Collins stop giving the top tip away😁🎣👍

[@Petar132xyz]

Good day Matthew, What do you think about a 0.25mm carp mono hooklink?Ive been using this hooklink to tie my rigs because its practically invisible, and ive also been using the 0.40mm bullet mono. Which do you think is better and should I change and stop using the 0.25mm?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, 0.25 is very thin, it’s easily damaged by a branch or rock. I don’t care about invisibility😊 I choose mono diameter based on range primarily and abrasion resistance. I use 0.35 to 0.60 and that covers all my needs.

[@Petar132xyz]

​@@matthewcollinsangler Yeah, but in a lake with less snags would it work? Is there something about the stiffness with the 0.25 mono that will make it harder to hook itself? The reason why im not comfortable with using 0.40 bullet mono because its pretty visible and I dont know if the fish see it or care about it.

[@seanfarrell7911]

I have been watching your videos for a while. I am about to return to carp angling . The last time I targeted them was in 1978 so a few things have changed! I have a few questions. Firstly I intend to use your mono hair rig with the hook bead. The water I am targeting is 40 acres with a great differential in depths from 5 feet to 40 feet. Some areas are heavily weeded. I want to use a running lead and not too heavy. Say 1 to 2 oz. The fish show at anything from 20 to 50 m out so no difficulty getting to them. How do I avoid getting stuck in the weed? Second I have an aversion to boilies. I believe that they spook the more astute fish. I have seen barbel scraper from a swim never to be seen again when a lump of luncheon meat is introduced despite being there for hours over a bed of hemp. I think carp are the same. The concept of blown baits seems never to be discussed now but in the early days baits were closely guarded and we would change the bait when we saw diminishing returns. Your thoughts please. Thank you Sean

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Sean, wow, that’s a long time away from the sport! The 40 acre venue that you’ve described sounds like a serious challenge so I’m not sure it’s where I would want to start if I was getting back into the sport although the buzz you’ll get from catching will be massive. You need some good strong mono like the 20lbs (0.40) Armourline. I hate to say this but it sounds like you’ll need to drop the lead on the take due to the weed. In this case I’d use the Nash run clip (video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXTTfWl3mciYhdk). This gives you all of the benefits of a running ledger plus the ability to drop the lead. Tie each hooklink directly to a regular size 8 swivel and use an anti tangle sleeve over the knot to help to kick the hooklink away from the lead. Do not use the run clip if rules state rig tubing only. It should only be used naked or with a lead free leader material like the 40 lb Nash Cling-on. Don’t forget to change your hook links and hooks very regularly as hook sharpness is everything. Regarding your question on boilies, I can’t help you. Boilies work everywhere, I catch on boilies whether the lake is pressured or unpressured, rivers, big reservoirs. I have a lake that sees angling pressure every day for 7 months and anglers catch on the same boilies week in week out. You can catch carp on all sorts of baits but a good boilie will always catch carp (as long as you do everything else right), flavour etc makes no difference, that’s the angler’s preference.

[@Pete.108]

Great video Matthew, loved all the tips and advise Pal. Could you please tell me how long you would keep your hook baits covered in salt to make them really hard. ? Tight lines and all the best Peter.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

At the moment, I'm using one year old salt cured baits and I have to drill a hole in them to get the bait screw in lol. You'll see a difference after a week and then, leave them for as long as you want 👍

[@Pete.108]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thank you so much Pal. Cheers Peter.

[@bulletjunky3039]

My lake is bottom is mostly silt everywhere.Is this rig worth ago in silt -helicopter style?? And tnx for the video

[@MyDaz1979]

I'm interested in this as well thanks 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

On most of the big lakes I fish I’m casting into silt and I do not use the helicopter rig to do this… ever. I know it flies in the face of the accepted theory but you just don’t need anything more complicated than a running rig and a tangle free mono rig. I don’t use helicopter rigs at all because I don't need them. I don’t think anyone does TBH.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

On most of the big lakes I fish I’m casting into silt and I do not use the helicopter rig to do this… ever! I know it flies in the face of the accepted theory but you just don’t need anything more complicated than a running rig and a tangle free mono rig. I don’t use helicopter rigs at all because I don't need them. I don’t think anyone does TBH.

[@MyDaz1979]

@@matthewcollinsangler do you alter the rig length longer if deep silt thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@MyDaz1979 No mate, I don’t. Here's my 'deadly' d rig video if you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKOXoZSLaqeSqJY

[@safugim5526]

All you need is Daiwa j-braid x8 0.16mm and 0.20mm for pop-ups and wafters or fluorocarbon ~0.35 (I use p-line shinsei fluorocarbon). Last weekend i've cought about 243kg of carp.

[@fabiocarp78]

Hey Matt! Thanks for the content. Since i started following you i changed completely, in positive, my fishing style..honestly, i find this rig even better and more suitable than your drig version. What do u think, when and why you would choose this instead the mono d? Tia, Fabio

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Ciao Fabio 😊 The mono hair and the mono D are both highly effective rigs that work in a wide range of situations. Some anglers will find it easier to tie the mono hair as installing that blowback tube on the mono D can be a little fiddly. I use a lot of rock hard salt cured baits and they can be tough to hair rig using 0.50 - 0.60 mono because the overhand knot is larger. I find it more convenient to use the mono D because it works with baits screws and baits screws can be screwed into anything no matter how hard it is. I also fish a wide variety of waters from big barrages through to rivers so I need something very robust. If I fished with a lot of small soft baits like sweetcorn, I could use finer mono and then I’d use the mono hair rig more as it’s more suitable for these types of bait. At the end of the day, it depends on where you’re fishing, what you’re fishing with and which one you find easier to tie.

[@fabiocarp78]

@@matthewcollinsangler grazie :) always perfect

[@amirhameed9714]

Hello Matthew very informative video, can i use fake corn floating/ bottom or real sweet corn on this rig, and will this rig works on huge rivers, ❤ from Pakistan

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi there, yes you can, what I’d probably do is to use maize as it’s harder and more robust than corn and mount it onto using some bait floss (or dental floss) and tie it onto the D or a rig ring as a string or even a loop. The trouble with corn is, all fish like maize so it’s not very selective. It’s also not easy to bait up with maize on a large river due to the flow rate. Most of it will get washed downstream. My preference would always be to use boilies if possible. Yes, you can use this rig on the river, that’s what I do on my local river. I don’t use plastic baits/corn and don’t recommend them. The reason is that because plastic baits don’t break down, if you get snapped up or you crack off on a cast, it leaves a live rig with a bait attached for a very long time in the water. The carp can mistake that for food and attempt to eat them. This is a safety risk to the fish that I’m not prepared to take.

[@danielmorris3446]

What the feck a shod claw, it's chod for the love of God 😂.. gave me the right shits everytime you said it haha. Other than that, mega bid again 👍.. and a very simple but massively effective rig

[@jaywhite6922]

Chod-Claw Van Damme

[@matthewcollinsangler]

😀👍

[@zyxwfish]

There’s a stretch of river near me where my friend has a lot more experience in the swim than me. He says bottom baits will not work. For whatever reason neither of us have caught on bottom baits there. I still don’t believe bottom baits won’t work so I’m going to have a mono D rig out tonight with a large 24mm bait.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Bottom baits work everywhere 👍 There could be other factors affecting your chances. If you don't know it, here's my 'deadly' d rig: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKOXoZSLaqeSqJY

[@zyxwfish]

@@matthewcollinsangler I proved the idea popups and wafters needed to be used on this river was incorrect tonight. I was very inspired by your mono D rig and bought the proper rig components. The bait screws I got were 21mm so I decided to buy a 24mm rolling table. Tonight on this river I had such an enjoyable session, 4 carp in the upper 20’s and a koi carp hybrid at 23lbs. Very enjoyable catching on single large homemade boilies. I’ll be giving these mono hair rigs a go soon.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@zyxwfish 😀👍

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Hi Matt, have watched a few of your vids so far 😊, subscribed 😀 yeah, and I've probably got a lot to catch up on 😮. Absolutely full of awesome information, leads, hook length material, setting up running leads and so on, some interesting snippets regarding little bips & drop backs, as you say, I think I have been had !! 1 blip on the alarm then nothing ?? Reel in no bait either ?? ( Robin red pellets 15/16 mm. Think I now know why, wrong rig, lead clip style. Running rigs coming up I think. What are the rubbers you use in the inline lead please in place of the tube they come fitted with. Also noticed that, you do not use bait runner reels ? But instead you just adjust the clutch tension, is this superior and more advantageous than bait runner set up ?? I had a session last week, first time since about 2013/ 2014 few small ones, a 12 1/2 Lb, & the biggest of the afternoon was 17 1/2 Lb. Reason for such a long gap, briefly, Dad passed away, I was 50, now 71, after he passed my heart just wasn't in it, he was not only my Dad but my life long fishing companion too. Now getting it back hopefully 🙏. Should I ditch bait runner style 🤔 and just move forward with in line rigs and clutch only. O' I started fishing at about 5 / 6 of age, but still love it really. Having watched some of your excellent videos,you certainly have inspired me to embrace the challenges ,keep at it and strive for better results. Any advice will be appreciated greatly. Cheers Les.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Les, thanks for your lovely message and questions. It’s brave of you to get back into carp fishing, it’s a real minefield out there with everyone telling you different things. I also had a ten year break from fishing and everything changed while I was gone and I found it very confusing. This is why we do what we do so I’m glad that you like it. Regarding inline leads, in that video I used the Nash inline lead insert. You just have to match them with the right make of leads. The holes in the Fox leads are too large but the Nash and the Korda leads work fine. Regarding bait runners, I made a video on that very subject, here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqXgpminb2Vd9k Bait runner reels were designed to allow the fish to run with the bait. This is something that’s relevant to predator fishing, not carp fishing. In carp fishing we want the rig, rod, reel setup to hook the carp automatically. If you have bait runner reels just stop using the facility. Be warned though, takes on running rigs can be savage so you need a very secure bank stick setup to do this. Watch these video for more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJCxhKB3Z6inh7M, kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3THZ4CAnbqKa5o I hope that answers your questions. All the best with your journey. Cheers, Matt.

[@makebelievetv548]

Were you using leader weights? I couldn't tell from your set up? Going to use this set up for my next carp session.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

In this video, I was using a 3oz running lead, full details in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmiWZIWQerdjb5Y

[@Kb11466]

Hi Matthew, little off topic but wondered how you weigh up hook sharpness vs point durability. So as an example a Hook that turns over once you hook a carp, surely that could happen early on in the penetration process? So to really drive it home it’ll be working already turned over, if that makes sense. I have some hooks that stay sharp (although not the sharpest hooks by todays standards) even after most fish I bring in, so it’s staying sharp right through the whole process. Any thoughts on this, maybe I made this confusing. Also what do you think about hook flex, Nash hooks have very little and are so tough, I can’t help think this is a good thing? I imagine hooks flexing in and out could bore out and make it easier for a hook pull Thanks mate awesome content

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I totally see what you’re getting at. For the carp I fish for, a hook like the Kamakura is way too thin and delicate. The balance between hook sharpness and point strength doesn’t suit my needs because the fish I target have hard mouths. For me the Nash hooks strike the perfect balance and I have very few hook pulls in a year. Any hook that’s strong enough to survive multiple captures is not sharp enough for a hard mouthed carp, but it’s OK for soft mouthed carp. So it very much depends where you’re fishing.

[@Kb11466]

@ thanks mate, yeh it’s also a confidence thing for me. I worry enough about rigs location etc, last thing I need is wondering if my hook is still sharp. Keep up the great work

[@tayfurgungor3954]

Thank you for the Turkish translation. I'm glad to have you.

[@paulmorley3267]

Brilliant. But I still convince myself that the lead and the bait would separate in flight, in theory rather than practice 😊.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Paul, that’s a very good point. With a running lead, the separation between the lead and bait can happen if you get the balance of the setup wrong and you don't cast it correctly. If you use a large PVA stick and a light lead, then yes the lead can slide away from the rig which can cause problems. I use 3oz leads as a minimum and a relatively small PVA stick (unless I’m fishing close in in which case it doesn't matter). Always stop the lead in flight just above the surface to land the rig, that way if there is any separation the lead slides back to the buffer bead and swings down onto the spot on a tight line. It also depends on what you use for the buffer bead. I find the Nash heli sleeve helps to prevent separation.

[@paulmorley3267]

@@matthewcollinsangler aha been using the heli sleeve but with the bead behind the lead so it's almost free running. This was to solve that potential separation. I'm gonna have to be brave and practise without...

[@Jason-dy7bx]

Without a doubt the sharpest hooks out of the box are korda kamakura

[@matthewcollinsangler]

They're super sharp for sure, but they’re not for me as the point is too weak.

[@DALJITSINGHGABRI]

v.nice

[@Charlie.r.mtb.]

At a weedy venue what rig would you use and would finding a clear spot be your top priority

[@simonmoorcroft1417]

I see from your rig board that you had the 'deadly D' rig with you and the simple mono hair rig. What factors and situations make you pick the 'd' or the 'hair'? Any insight would be great.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Simon, The mono hair and the mono D are both highly effective rigs that work in a wide range of situations. Some anglers will find it easier to tie the mono hair as installing that blowback tube on the mono D can be a little fiddly. I use a lot of rock hard salt cured baits and they can be tough to hair rig using 0.50 - 0.60 mono because the overhand knot is larger. I find it more convenient to use the mono D because it works with baits screws and baits screws can be screwed into anything no matter how hard it is. I also fish a wide variety of waters from big barrages through to rivers so I need something very robust. If I fished with a lot of small soft baits like sweetcorn, I could use finer mono and then I’d use the mono hair rig more as it’s more suitable for these types of bait. At the end of the day it’s horses for courses. It’s a balance between where you’re fishing, what you’re fishing with and which one you find easier to tie. Hope that helps 😊

[@simonmoorcroft1417]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thanks for the reply. I've been going through your videoes and rewatching them. You have some interesting ideas that I'm thinking about adding to my fishing.

[@mankimank1983]

Hi Matt This rig must be loaded in the middle because it often happens that the hook is point up and the line is up. I have tested this situation at home many times. Of course, it is not known whether this prevents carp from taking the bait 🙂

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I understand your concerns but I catch lots of carp without a sinker or putty on these mono rigs, it’s not an issue.

[@UKBadFella]

H,i I'm really enjoying the videos .can you explain why you want to cast as far as you can?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I do that when I'm fishing a very big lake and there's no fish signs to go on.

[@Badmanfishingtv]

🎣💚

[@amazingtoptenz6846]

Hey Matthew, i was wondering what you think of your “mono rig” when you use a bait boat and fish on long distance, and also with lot of other species? Would you make it like a combi rig “braid and mono” or just complete braided or just complete mono? Looking forward for your reply! Have a great weekend Cheers

[@matthewcollinsangler]

My heavy duty mono rigs work great from a bait boat and are the only options to use if there are other species present because they cannot be interfered with. I know most anglers are obsessed with combi rigs but for me they add a level of risk and complexity that simply is not required. In fact it’s counter productive. I need to have absolute confidence my rigs are fishing and I can’t be confident with a combi rig. To catch big carp from big lakes you need big baits and combi rigs sit really badly with a large heavy bottom bait. They are also prone to being interfered with by other fish. Combi rigs play no role in my angling. I love supple rigs but I wouldn't use them in this situation. Mono rigs work. You don’t need anything else most of the time 👍

[@amazingtoptenz6846]

@@matthewcollinsangler aweasome! Thanks for your reply!

[@fishingwarthog607]

good stuff mate, really good stuff..

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thank you 😊

[@eftheusempire]

Try tying your hair rigs with the line coming out on the inside of the hook rather than the outside

[@matthewcollinsangler]

🤔 that’s what I do here and in all my videos (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zni1l2BohstnZpY)

[@michaelhedges41070]

Hi mate what is your favourite mono rig your go to the hair or the d rig only problem i have with a mono hair rig is it splits the boilies thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

The mono hair and the mono D are both highly effective rigs that work in a wide range of situations. Some anglers will find it easier to tie the mono hair as installing that blowback tube on the mono D can be a little fiddly. I use a lot of rock hard salt cured baits and they can be tough to hair rig using 0.50 - 0.60 mono because the overhand knot is larger. I find it more convenient to use the mono D because it works with baits screws and baits screws can be screwed into anything no matter how hard it is. I also fish a wide variety of waters from big barrages through to rivers so I need something very robust. If I fished with a lot of small soft baits like sweetcorn, I could use finer mono and then I’d use the mono hair rig more as it’s more suitable for these types of bait. At the end of the day it’s horses for courses. It’s a balance between where you’re fishing, what you’re fishing with and which one you find easier to tie.

[@Uk_carp_diaries]

When i think back to when i started fishing for carp i remember tying all my rigs with mono. I would use my mainline @ 15lb and yes would change the rig after every fish as it would get battered during the fight. One question about your 0.40-0.50 mono rig, how long would you say it should be over all? Thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

6 inches with a running swivel lead works for me wherever I go 👍

[@martinwiffen6544]

Hi there do you only use a chodhook with this rig or would other work in same way thanks Martin

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Martin, a chod hook is essential for a mono rig, any other hook pattern will close down the effective gape and make the rig far less effective.

[@jensmatthaei3293]

In our pond of 0.4 hectars we've got good carp, but hoplessly soaked with rudd. Carp's biting best on corn or potatoes. No chance with boilies. What else could I try? If you cook little 24 mm potatoes, how hard to keep them? Why would you like your boilies hard?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I use boilies and they work everywhere for me. I make them extra hard so that the silver fish can’t attack them. As an alternative for you, you could try tiger nuts, carp love tiger nuts. Don’t try and cook your own, buy them pre prepared in a jar. I talk about fishing with tiger nuts in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6W1hXxugNWXiqM

[@malthewislerjohansen669]

Why would you cast as far as possible if you are fishing at the end of a wind? Why not close to shore as the wind would have pushed around more bait for the carp here?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Large reservoirs (250+ acres) like this one have long sloping margins and the fish stay at range where they feel safer. I often wade out 20 or 30m to reduce the distance I have to cast.

[@pallotaikurit]

Hi Matt, isnt problem to use just FC in dia. 0,5 mm? I mean if carps have problem with the stiffness of FC? The bait isnt "free" under the hook with FC. Sorry for english. Hi from czech repablic. V.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hello 🇨🇿 😀 I am not using fluoro, I never use fluoro in my fishing (there’s a video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3jdhGN3mpKni6M). I use mono snag leader as hooklink. One of the reasons why I use 0.50 mono snag leader is that it’s semi stiff, not very stiff. Stiff enough to make it tangle proof but supple enough to react naturally when it’s sucked in 😊

[@daysofnick]

Hi Mathew very informative I really like the running ledger if it can catch a 5lb tench down my local canal Regents Park it will do for Carp and is does I caught a 30Ib carp down the canal when I was15 obviouslyI have never forgotten that fish and how simple I tried to make, I had a washing up liquid top as a bobbin with a stone in it. Thankyou keep it up

[@Lakenbeer]

So i have .4 diameter on my new reels ive loads of mono left after spooling them, i can use that for rigs? Game changed.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Absolutely! Use your mainline for hook links, no need for dedicated hooklink materials in most cases.

[@Lakenbeer]

@matthewcollinsangler great, I'm fishing a place soon that has a ban on all braid so this will work perfect, I wonder if I can use in a pva bag also.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@Lakenbeer It won't sit well in a PVA bag, just use a PVA stick, works a treat 👍 Here's a short video where I show how I use a mono rig with PVA sticks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYqseXWrf9qoq7c

[@Riverangler78]

Hello matthew. Would you approach a fast flowing river te same as in your youtube clip?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi there, that’s the rig I use on the river: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKOXoZSLaqeSqJY No video on my river lead setup yet but quick overview on instagram: instagram.com/p/CsoJFuBMfH7/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== and full video on my river tactics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmi3e6h3qZqboc0

[@arachnoskull6311]

I'm in the usa and have to deal with many catfish species, what do you think about seaguar red label on this rig? it's fluorocarbon or something like hard alloy monofilament leader?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Sure, you can use that if you want but you don’t need to use fluoro. If you’re in the USA, my first pick would be standard Big Game Trilene leader, not expensive, strong, makes great hooklink. I’ve used loads of it over the years (carp and catfish).

[@arachnoskull6311]

@@matthewcollinsangler I use berkley trilene big game on my pellet waggler rod i'll give it a try befor i try fluorocarbon.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@arachnoskull6311 it's great stuff 👍

[@starboi3510]

I fish a low stock water not been fished for decades. Now it’s a club water . I know it’s been stocked with Gardner strain carp 70 of them plus whatever original carp are in there . How do I find these carp ? They don’t show as the cormorants are in abundance there. I’ve been getting a lot of tench so I know Iam on some sort of clean spot .and it’s very silty the worse I’ve seen ever lol the lead plugs in whenever you go so hellie rig is being used ?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

If the lake is silty, I’d look for signs of fizzing. I don’t worry about the lead plugging when casting my 0.50 mono rig into silt with a standard running rig, just use a decent size PVA stick and feel the lead down. I don’t even worry if I don’t get a drop. The carp will find it.

[@starboi3510]

@@matthewcollinsangler thanks mate 👍, long hook length? Or short?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@starboi3510 My rigs are 22 to 25cm long and that works everywhere I go.

[@starboi3510]

@@matthewcollinsangler thanks . Much appreciated. I will keep you updated 😂

[@tijhuisjoeri]

How did you Come to the conclusion that " a coated braid is not gonna do any thing for ya". My expierence is it helps me alot with my presantation and does not make tangles like regular braid does.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I get what you’re saying when comparing coated braid with supple braid. But if there is a risk of a tangle on the cast, I’d rather use mono, it’s cheaper, super strong, abrasion resistant and doesn’t tangle. For me, coated braid doesn’t offer benefits over mono.

[@bobnudd6879]

I thought you never use a chod hook for a bottom bair?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Not sure where you got that from, it's a myth really. Out turned eye hooks, bottom baits and thick mono work extremely well.

[@bobnudd6879]

@matthewcollinsangler I thought it was the done deal they were for pop ups only lol I MUST TRY THEN, from my many packs 😅 😂

[@garymorley3476]

How long do cure your hook baits for

[@matthewcollinsangler]

You'll see a difference after a week and then, leave them for as long as you want. At the moment, I'm using one year old salt cured baits and I have to drill a hole in them to get the bait screw in lol.

[@jensmatthaei3293]

I applied your rig form, however bent little new rose potatoes of 1.5cm*2.0cm on the hair (10 min boiled) which worked immediately. No bites on boilies here. Little jacket potatoes do a best job here.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Brilliant!

[@Martyn-NFFC]

How dare you simplify carp rigs !!! Only joking, great video, a bit Fast Show ('Brilliant') in the presentation.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

😊👍

[@antoniomical7101]

do you fish the same rig with big baits in silt with a helicopter or something else?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

On most of the big lakes I fish I’m casting into silt and I never use a helicopter rig. I know it goes against what most people say but you just don’t need anything more complicated than a running lead and a tangle free mono rig even in silt. I don’t use helicopter rigs at all because I don't need them. I don’t think anyone does TBH.

[@TheRolf88]

Hi Matthew could i add an 1,5 grams sinker 6 cm away from the kicker to increase the turning of the hook?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

You can if you want to but it's not necessary.

[@TheRolf88]

Thank you Matthew. I do have the feeling the carp will feel the sinker but guess that’s a mindfuck right? You’re videos are really refreshing 😊

[@TheRolf88]

I tried to tie the rig and used a hookbead. The mono hair did not stay well on its place. It slided a bit to the right or left. I could use some glue or a piece of silicon tubing for fixating the hair. On the other hand I tested if the fish would suck the bait from the back and in my case the hook also tilted to one side instead of hanging down. So i will stay with my coated hooklink.

[@tommos16]

Don't the. 5/.60 mono's sit very similar to the Coated Braids? In my mind they'd sit quite awkward because the material is quite stiff?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Not at all mate. In all the tank testing I’ve done (I’ve done plenty), mono rigs pancake flat because there is no supple section. Coated braids would work better if anglers didn't strip the coating off to create a supple section or a hinge but once you do this, they sit really badly. So if they work better without striping the coating then just use thick mono. I’ve literally never wound one in tangled so they are always fishing. I know they look crude and simple but I’ve caught tons of carp from some massive waters using nothing more than what I’ve shown. I don’t subscribe to the theory that coated braids catch more carp.

[@tommos16]

@@matthewcollinsangler great answer, thanks Matthew! I was in no way questioning your video - I assure you I'll be using it haha. Just was a thought in my mind. Very much appreciated!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@tommos16 😀👍

[@garyhorton704]

What reels do you use?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

My favourite reels are the Shimano Ultegra XTCs.

[@Sosul_20]

Hey would you use this rig on a silty bottom?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Yes, no problem. Here's my 'deadly' d rig video if you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKOXoZSLaqeSqJY

[@spike2111982]

so do you not use baitrunners?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

No I don't. I use quick drag reels only (last 20 years) and always with a semi tight clutch. I've done a video on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqXgpminb2Vd9k

[@spike2111982]

@@matthewcollinsangler great thank you ill check it out

[@tomlemaire572]

why can you only use it for 1 fish ?

[@MountainMissions]

Would 0.50 Fluoro (Berkely Trilene 100% fluorocarbon) work equally as well as the 0.50 mono?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Yes but in my opinion the extra stiffness of the fluoro doesn't add anything 😊

[@MountainMissions]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thanks Matt....great informative video again - Im new to carp fishing, so I watched this video then went and solo fished a huge reservoir id never been to before overnight - followed your tactics in this vid - mono hair, bottom bait. Bagged a 12lb common - well buzzing!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@MountainMissions Great to hear, awesome and congrats!

[@josefmatus9410]

How much will cost learning sessions between 2of us?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi there, I can only offer tuition sessions to anglers who book my lake in France for a week or as part of a river guiding trip. If that's something that could be of interest, then you can check out my website on www.frenchcarpandcats.com or send me an email at [e-mail]. Regards, Matt

[@josefmatus9410]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thanks a lot

[@aarondavies8486]

Not really to stiff thats more for ronnie rigs to make a boom

[@christianlugerbauer4181]

As somebody who caught big catfish on lures, big pike, big laketrout and other very hard to catch species I always laugh about carps. They are one of the dumbest species I fished for so dont make it to complicated. I fished for them only in lakes which are bigger than 300 hektar, thats not big thats a normal lake. Also you can catch multiple carps on thick mono hooklinks. I have done so with many 20 kg plus carps in snaggy and weedy lakes, no problem

[@tysonbradbury3320]

The wild carp your fishing for on a 300 hekter lake will be dumb but come to England and fish for carp that are being fished for 365 days a year and see how dumb you are when you try to catch them 😂

[@DjDolHaus86]

All rigs should be a one fish rig if your hooks are sharp

[@paranormalrespectingspirit5190]

I give up watching this bloke he is so off topic. Most lake fisheries are silt bottom so black or even green coated sinking braid is better why because it is so much stronger for one and two it is heavy so will hug the bottom especially tungsten braids and not also to mention but the bloke always fails to mention if cats are present in lakes. You don't want to be using this rig on a lake with cats. I pulled out so many mono and fluorocarbon rigs from there mouths it's stupid.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Absolutely, and I mention that in all my videos, most of my guests go through 5 or 6 packs of hooks in a week if they can't sharpen them.

[@DjDolHaus86]

@@paranormalrespectingspirit5190 silt is rarely brown or green, it's more of a sandy colour

[@paranormalrespectingspirit5190]

@@DjDolHaus86 black coated everytime on every silt lakebed lakes I have fished have done for years had many many great amazing sessions. Just add a small mesh pva bag to help kick the rig away but i also feather the cast.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Good point, I didn’t mention cat lakes. I’m not surprised you’ve pulled out a lot of rigs. For context, I’ve run a carp and cat lake for 13 years with cats to 130lbs and I’ve seen my share of mainline failures. The main issues are: wrong mono, wrong knot and/or re-using rigs. Since I’ve changed the mainline spec and implemented a severe knot test, we’ve massively reduced the number of catfish that are left towing gear (and with barbless hooks, they can get rid of the rig easily). So with the right line (0.50 mono) and knot combo, anglers have no issues with mono rigs here. For anglers specifically targeting the cats I do steer them towards 35lbs Armourlink because it works very well for the catfish here.

[@michaelhedges41070]

The problem im having is the hair loop keeps coming undone

[@matthewcollinsangler]

The bait loop for the mono hair rig is made by tying an overhand loop knot with the material doubled over. If you're struggling to tie this loop, then the tag end can pop out when you're tying the loop and it won't hold the bait. I suggest allowing a longer length of material and pulling the knot securely tight with a rig puller.

[@Harry-mt9tx]

And now you have to learn how to hold a carp. Dont put de backfin between your fingers. It can do damage to the carps backfin.

[@Carp482]

Are you just avoiding weed by feeling for a drop when you turn up to these places.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I feel for the drop so that I know what I’m landing on, weed, silt or gravel.