Confused about line clips? Here's HOW to get the best out of them

Here’s how to use your rod clip, your reel clip and how to clip up. ✅ Watch next: How to cast accurately and feel the donk 👉 • How to CAST a carp rod...
In the first part of the video, I show you how to make the most of your rod clip. Putting your line in your rod line clips gives you better sensitivity and better bite indication. The rod line clip also helps you to better hook the fish. It’s also very useful at night, if you’re fishing at range or in flowing water. The second part of the video is all about the line clip on your reel and how to clip up. I show you the different steps on how to cast a line to a clip and make sure your setup is spot on.
⏰ In this video:
00:00 Introduction
00:22 Your rod line clip
01:03 What happens when you don’t use a rod line clip
02:00 Benefits of using a line clip
03:53 Using your line clip when fishing at range
05:27 How to use your reel clip and how to clip up
🎣 My current setup:
Dwarf 9ft 3.25lb rods: amzn.to/3Ri3uw1
Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 14,000 XTC: amzn.to/3AQF1bK
R3 alarms: amzn.to/3KlXu30
Dwarf landing net: amzn.to/3RhoeUm
Mainline: Bullet amzn.to/3PWzkgK
Braid: Armourlink amzn.to/3AsEjzQ
Cling-On leader: amzn.to/3RbwJ3j
Nash Titan T1: amzn.to/3QUL58I
Subterfuge work box: amzn.to/3ASyn4J
Magnetic bivvy tray: amzn.to/3pNUqDe
Scope Ops Ruckall: amzn.to/3AU45i4
Scopex Squid 18mm boilies 5kg: amzn.to/3CCMnRf
☎️ Connect with me:
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#matthewcollins #carpsetup #carpfishingexplained

[@saturn16]

Hi Matt, just getting back into fishing after a few years out. I've viewed many channels recently and yours is top notch. You cover everything any carp angler could possibly need to know. Your explanation on equipment needed and how to use it is spot on and very clear to understand. Well done on a great channel, keep up the good work and cheers!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Paris, thanks very much for the feedback! I love to hear that the videos are helping anglers. My background is in engineering so it's in my nature to understand how things work and now I enjoy sharing that with others 😊 You're always welcome to ask questions if you need. Cheers, Matt.

[@darrylclarkson1799]

Love your videos Matt, your attention to detail and information you give is second to none.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks Darryl, much appreciated 👍

[@haba_15]

Thanks Matt. For angle to bobbin control, i simply place the rod on the alarm about 4-5 inches in front of the butt ring, roughly near the spigot. So the butt ring acts like the line clip in determining the angle to the bobbin. I get roughly 45 degrees to and from the bobbin this way. Just have to move my rear bank stick a bit further in distance from the front one than a totally "carpy" look.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I used to do exactly the same before I had these rods built with the line clip positioned here! It definitely works and does improve your bite so crack on I say :)

[@arsenalfootballuk]

These videos are brilliant and perfect for someone like me who is new to carp fishing, thank you 🙏

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Glad you're getting so much from the videos!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

If you've enjoyed this video, here's another one you might want to watch next: How to cast accurately and feel the donk kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYvdfIJmiK2cnNE

[@eliset7512]

Rod/reel combo with fishing kit as an emergency setup kzbin.infoUgkxntWMOZsO1Zfv-pdn_XuffEtNkTYAYu4Z recommend but started to use this every day. The rod is thick and seems durable. I keep it neatly tucked into a regular backpack all the time with my fishing gear, and can grab it anytime, put it on my back and go anywhere. I just read in another review that the rod length below the reel is adjustable as well, so I will try that too for even more portability. Probably the best setup I've ever owned. I lost the cap for the eyelets, but no big deal since I still have the black cloth sheath that came for the pole and I use that. Very portable and high quality.

[@RADDY1993]

Just getting back into fishing as kids are getting older now :), great videos on this channel really to the point and helpful. Subbed

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much mate, much appreciated 👍 If you have any questions, feel free to leave it in the comments. Cheers, Matt.

[@chrissmith692]

Well explained Matt I find the rod line clip a advantage in windy conditions keeping the line at the angle I like, thanks again

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks Chris, yes, definitely mate, an absolute must on big waters 👍

[@BastHoen]

Another helpful video! Thank you!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Happy to help 😊 Any questions, let me know!

[@davidhill9375]

Once again… invaluable information 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi David, thanks very much! Glad you found this video useful.

[@julianspiteri9649]

Brilliant again Matt very detailed keep it up regards Julian

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much Julian 😊

[@mcarpcarpfishing]

Great video. 👏

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks mate 😊

[@gazwoods7026]

Like how sensitive the delkim is while explaining this tactic, top notch tackle, wish they was mine, instead of my £12 ones, awesome tackle buddy 👍🏼

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Gaz, hey we all started somewhere lol. Think my first set cost about £20 each. I've had the Delks for years now. They’ve been good but they do suffer from the weather. I’ve had mine resealed and replaced the sensors twice which isn't cheap. I do stay out in all weathers mind!

[@gazwoods7026]

I still can't work out the difference between my rod clip at the end of my blank and my reel clip? I just don't get it buddy?

[@stephencohen111]

Very informative 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much for the feedback Stephen, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@popestar100]

Some good info thks 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much mate. Hope you enjoy the rest of the channel 😊

[@filipstrojek6485]

Very usefull video thank you for that I am a beginer carp Angeles and it helpdesk me a lot

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Filip, thanks very much for commenting. I’m glad that you found it useful and hope you enjoy the rest of the channel. If you’re just started out then do watch this video, this simple rig is all you need to catch carp (most of the time) so do try it for yourself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqupmqGXbpeVqK8. Cheers, Matt.

[@ravilnsadekov8020]

Great!!! Thanks!!!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

You're welcome!

[@redvalley9]

Hi Matt I'm finding your videos very informative. My Nash Dwarf rods (9ft) have the clip just above the handle so does it change the way you use them? Many thanks Bob

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Bob, I also have a set of the 9ft Dwarfs which I’m using for most of my fishing. I have the Dwarf shrinks which have a decent sized butt ridge. This means I can afford to place the butt ring in front of the alarms and so bring my bank sticks closer together. This moves the bobbin position closer to the line clip position on the Dwarfs and so achieves a decent angle that enhances the bobbin indication. Whether you have the Dwarf shrinks or not as long as you use gripping rod rests (which ideally, you should be using anyway) then you’ll be able to achieve this compact setup and use the line clip effectively. Hope that makes sense! Cheers, Matt.

[@mitchwitt9944]

Hello Matt, another great video thank you. What are the bobbins you are using!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

In this video I was using the Matrix Innovations headlight bobbins. They are available in solid stainless and plastic. At the minute I’m using the Nash 40g Slap heads on the Strong Arm swingers. Good choice for fishing through winter storms as the bobbins don't get swung about like chain bobbins. Good for the river too with an adjustable weight. Cheers, Matt.

[@mitchwitt9944]

Many thanks for the reply Matt & useful info, I thought they were the Matrix, keep up the good work 👍🎣💪

[@ianfoley41]

Great video Matt very informative. One question. When you catch a fish I guess you have to ho through the whole process again because you will have lost your distance as the line isn't clipped anymore.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Ian, glad that you liked it. Yes, that’s correct but it only takes 1 minute to wrap a rod to 15 wraps so for me it’s not an issue. I used to use marker elastic but I prefer this method now. Cheers, Matt.

[@jameshalford4699]

How come you cant keep it clipped ?

[@chrisjpainter]

@@jameshalford4699 What would happen if you got a screaming take? The line's going to jam against the line clip and you won't be able to give line. You're going to struggle to unclip it with a grumpy carp on the end, so the likelihood is you'll either a) rip the hook out (damaging the fish in the process), b) break the line clip as the carp pulls it out or c) snap the line at the clip, which leaves the carp trailing a load of line in the water.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Thanks Matt aged 70 I am new to fishing so this video and I am sure your others will be too. Am I correct in thinking you do not open the bale arm to clip the line. Sorry if that is a stupid question but as I say I am still learning. Ted

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hello sir, wow, learning to carp fish at 70 years old, that’s fantastic! I’m currently hosting an 80 year old carp angler who loves his river carp fishing. If I still have the passion and energy for carp fishing at that age then I would consider that I’ve done well! With regards to placing the line in the line clip, this is something that I do with the bail arm open as it provides more room for the fingers. I guess that you can do it with the bail arm closed but it doesn't actually make any difference. I hope that you continue to benefit from the work we do here, all questions are welcome 😊 All the best with your journey. Cheers, Matt.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thanks Matt for your advice & best wishes.

[@Real_raging_Rhino]

Hi Matthew something that has always puzzled me so you find a spot and clip rod recast hit clip and take line out of clip. Set alarms then 4 hrs goes by i want to change rig or bait etc do you then pick up and put line back in clip ready to get back on spot ?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, yeah I used to struggle with wrapping my head around that. The short answer is yes. The long answer is that unless I’m fishing a river or a lake that has a big crayfish or poisson chat problem, I would not re-cast until I had to leave the lake or until the next day. Even when I do wind in and re-cast I wouldn't change the bait or the rig because I’d have absolute faith in both. IMO swapping rigs and baits without a very good reason serves no purpose other than to undermine your confidence. Maybe food for thought? Cheers, Matt.

[@michaelmcquiggan1252]

Why has the diawa big pit reels got two line clips on . I got a set of Ebay and there was only one but it was obvious that they should have had two .

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Michael, thanks for commenting. Yes, many of the Diawa big pits have twin line clips on the spools. I’m not sure quite why to be honest, it’s not as though you can have two different spots clipped up at the same time. Also the difference in distance terms between clipping up on one side of the spool or the other is negligible so it seems a bit pointless to me. Maybe someone has worked out why this is useful, I’m always open to input 😊

[@richardsnape1025]

Matt, how far back from the first ring is your line clip. I’m thinking of having some whipped into my rods by an expert?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

My Dwarfs and Scopes are made with a carbon line clip mounted just above the reel seat as standard but on my Harrisons my rod builder suggested 50cm up from the reel seat. I’m not sure that it makes that much difference but then again I’m not a rod builder so I’d be guided by them as to what will suit your needs best.

[@shaun1961hodge]

Once you have unclimbed you’re line after casting, how do you get back to that spot next cast?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

What you need to do is re-wrap the rod to the distance you want to fish to, put it in the clip and cast again. If you don’t have wrap sticks, you can walk out the line to a fixed distance on the bank. You can also use marker elastic to mark the line in a more permanent way. If you haven't seen them, I've got these videos as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYvdfIJmiK2cnNE kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6bQf2SkfMZ1a6c

[@shaun1961hodge]

@@matthewcollinsangler thanks again

[@geoffsaunderson5766]

Tie a bit of pole elastic to where you clipped up, or you have to go through the same crap every time you want to put your rig on the chosen spot!

[@thecarpfather5757]

Elastic band 😉

[@danirvine8009]

What happens when u catch a fish and then have to cast again but its out of your clip, how do u find the same spot again? Thanks.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

You can mark the line with marker elastic or use distance sticks or just walk the rod out along a straight bank. I've done a video on distance sticks if you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6bQf2SkfMZ1a6c

[@bertharding1987]

We’re can I buy the clip that I can put on to the rod plZ where can I buy them

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Bert, so I had that rod custom built with a carbon line clip. It’s not an off the shelf item. There are aftermarket rod line clips available but they tend to be plastic and not very good. At the moment I’m using the Nash X-series and the Nash Dwarf range. Both series come with a carbon line clip at the top of the rod handle and they do a really nice job. Cheers, Matt.

[@bertharding1987]

@@matthewcollinsangler where can I get the pastic one that I can try plz

[@bertharding1987]

@@matthewcollinsangler I know most come with line clip

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@bertharding1987 I've never bought one but try an online tackle shop, I don't know what country you're in, so maybe angling direct or pecheur.com.

[@bertharding1987]

@@matthewcollinsangler Yh I’m in England mate angling direct I will try see if they have got them

[@tobytaylor2154]

I've never had confidence in the rod line clip, I feel it's too tight and might damage my line.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, I’ve been using them for years, not something I worry about.

[@Jdowgg92]

Can’t you just put it on the alarms after you hit the clip if you’ve got a bit of slack as everytime you reel in you would have to keep cast to get the right spot again

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Well you can if the carp don’t pull back very hard but when fishing for larger carp that are likely to pull line off the clutch on the take, then if you leave the line in the clip the spool will spin until it reaches the clip and then you are in trouble. This method of marking distances and using the line clip on the reel might not be suitable for waters where the action is too hectic. If that’s the case then I’d use marker elastic. Hope that helps. Cheers, Matt.

[@dafarsher9738]

It is not often I can add to your advice as it is regularly complete however I have one extra tip for those with aggressive reel line clips. I make short powergum lengths with loops on each end (about 3cm long including the loop sections) hook one loop on your reel lineclip and loop over the reel line before hooking the other loop also on the lineclip. The powergum acts as a good buffer reducing bounce back, removes any danger of damage to reel line and of course clips your line for casting.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks ever so much for commenting and for your kind words of support. I really like the idea you’ve outlined and I understand exactly how this would work. Great for anyone with slightly aggressive line clips or for anyone of a slightly paranoid disposition. All the best with your fishing and I hope that you continue to enjoy our work! Cheers, Matt.

[@stephencohen111]

I also use a large baitband loop it over the reel line then loop over the line clip.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@stephencohen111 Yes right! That's another good idea. It's many many years since I've used a bait band but I can see they work great for that job. Another great tip mate, thanks for sharing!

[@dafarsher9738]

@@stephencohen111 Good thinking, I love how inventive anglers are! The baitband idea was my first go to idea too because they don’t need to be tied like the powergum and can be changed often and easily. I found the bait band being made of a softer rubber got a bit compressed by the line going over the band (on my SS3000’s at least) so clung a little to the line during the cast more than the smoother textured and more hardy powergum. Probably not a big issue other than for the more extreme casts though and to some extent slowing the line a little before hitting the (baitband / powergum) clip is a plus in my eyes. Tight lines!👍

[@dafarsher9738]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thanks Matt, you explain method and theory extremely well then illustrate them perfectly in these videos! (Being an old hand I have used run clips since fishing open bale Mitchell 300’s and 400’s (with foam) way back, I have continued to use them out of habit but thanks to your video I now realise I am getting far better indication that way)! Best of luck in your fishing too!

[@JTvlogs984]

Hi Matthew.. am becoming your online carp stalker lol... what goal posts you using for your bite alarms please :) Thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi James, haha, no worries mate, keep watching! So I have a mix of bankware from Matrix Innovations, Nash and Fox.

[@paulfreer1302]

Hi Matt how does a rod line clip effect runs from Catfish. Does it cause dropping runs

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Paul, I understand your concerns and I know where they come from. The books will tell you that you need to use pure running rigs for cats or you’ll get dropped runs but I don’t have this problem and neither do our guests because we use scaled up carp rigs with razor sharp hooks for the cats. They hook themselves just like carp do. They don’t tend to bolt off as they have no idea they’ve been hooked until it’s way too late. The line clip helps with hooking just like it does with the carp. I tell our visiting anglers to forget everything they know about catfishing and just pretend they are very large carp lol. On the bait front, fishmeal boilies over big beds of pellets and you can’t miss. Hope that works for you. Cheers, Matt.

[@phillipronaldi]

👍👌👌💯

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks mate 👍

[@timglivefree]

💯 not what it's for either 😅

[@toont6749]

I can never do this without snapping my line

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, if your line is snapping on the cast when hitting the clip then I think either it’s not fit for purpose or your line clip is damaged. For general short/medium range carp fishing I wouldn't use anything thinner than 0.40 mono.

[@toont6749]

@@matthewcollinsangler ok mate thank you for the reply

[@matthewjackson2853]

if you're not fashion conscious and you don't want to buy an aftermarket rod line clip.. zip tie a popsicle stick or a tooth pick to your rod

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Great idea mate, it'll work 👍

[@joemc7585]

Were would the zip tie and the stick go?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@joemc7585 Any line clip should be fitted on the right hand side of the rod somewhere between the top of the reel seat and the butt ring (but no closer than 20cm of the butt ring). If you were to put it on the left side of the rod there is a chance it could interfere with the cast.

[@raw0302]

Line clip is BS

[@user-id7fk5pj3b]

Hi Matthew, just watched this for the second time still getting lot's of great tips from you, i probably look at your videos a few times as my old memory doesn't take things in as quickly as it used to 😂. Hope you don't mind but I've a query, watching videos on various ground bait, seen quite a few now that people are making a glug using evaporated milk mixed with other things including Bailey's Irish cream, but I've been told this is a bad thing because milk is a oxygen killer in lake's and pools and bad for the fish and environment which is something i would never want to do, could you explain this to me thank you, Gwen 🧓

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Gwen, that’s a great question. I know some fisheries have banned the practice and the use of groundbait so it’s worth discussing. Firstly I would say that oxygen levels in the winter are always very high so using this tactic in the winter is not an issue. Watch this video to understand why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZeVqniPrZV2rZIsi=p7YaIK3JW0ATXywk Secondly, all bait requires oxygen to break it down be it uneaten bait or digested bait in the form of fish poo. The amount of condensed milk in one small PVA stick is absolute miniscule, relative to the volume of the water and the dietary requirement of the carp. I know that using condensed milk in spod mixes in the summer is a popular thing to do and it’s certainly something I’ve done myself. Now that I understand the carp science a bit better, this is something that I wouldn’t do as, like you, I don’t want what I’m doing to negatively affect the oxygen levels for the fish. But unless things are really dicey, it’s debatable as to whether it would actually make a difference. I hope that helps answer your question. Cheers, Matt.

[@user-id7fk5pj3b]

Thank you for your reply Matthew, as always very helpful, i will take a look at the video as you advised Gwen 🧓