Rig making - 3 Hook Flapper - is this the ultimate scratching rig?

Join me in the workshop as I spend time making rigs and getting ready for an upcoming session and the season ahead. With fishing proving a little challenging at this time of year, a good scratching rig is a must.
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‪@Fishingdorsetlive‬

[@Fishingdorsetlive]

My idea of that scratching rig was to congregate the bait in a much smaller area,it has worked all my fishing life. I also put pop ups on the same rig when the crabs hit ,massive thanks mark for shouting me out much appreciated 👊👍

[@seaangling]

All credit to you buddy and even more so as I’ve continued to use the rig. 🎣👍🏻 Won’t be long and we can do some hound fishing. 😉

[@thejinxeffect]

Exactly how I make a 3 hook flapper except not detachable. If fishing 2 rods, I'll always have a big bait on a pulley pennel and a 3 hook flapper with different hook sizes, largest at the bottom and smallest at the top. Works well, blanked once in over 12 months.

[@seaangling]

A very good strategy for covering all bases and maximising your chances. I wish I had the same 12 month performance but sometimes I’m all in chasing a specific species.

[@thejinxeffect]

​@Mark Williams Sea Angling when I'm asked what I'm targeting I just say "Fish".

[@KillerBee.83]

Can I ask whats the thought process to putting the hooks in that order? And what size hooks you generally would go for

[@thejinxeffect]

@dunndunn1 I mix it up depending on where I'm fishing. Sometimes it's a size 3/0 on the bottom then size 2/0 and either 2/0 or 1/0 at the top. Time of year means different fish so if its flounder I'd put a 1/0 Aberdeen on the bottom 2 and a size 2/0 at the top. If I think bass are around it'll be at least size 2/0s on the rig.

[@KillerBee.83]

@thejinxeffect very good thanks. Not fishing long so trying to better understand how people plan their set up.

[@garymerritt9506]

Well done mate , and Shane of course. Me and my mate are going to give this a go very soon, god bless

[@seaangling]

I hope it serves you well Gary, I’d love to hear how you get on with it or if you felt the need to modify it in some way. 🎣👍🏻

[@CODHELPUS]

The reason for putting the swivel on the leader is that the clip is not being pulled in open end first, which will snag on lost line or build up with weed. Always put the clip on the rig for that reason.

[@seaangling]

I understand your reasoning and that is a choice for many. I am using a termalink which is a shielded link and there are sleeves available for open links. I do prefer having a link rather than a swivel on the end of the shock leader.

[@glencronin1592]

Cheers Mark, will give that a go. 👍👍👍🎣🎣🎣

[@seaangling]

It is definitely worth having one in reserve should the fishing prove difficult.

[@jamiestead6946]

Great vid as always Mark, 👍🏻 a good tip I use (said in a comment above) is a clip on both ends of the rig works really well if you want to flip the rig body over and fish a snood below the lead 👍🏻👍🏻 I also use detachable snoods, using some carp fishing products and I just tie a loop in the end of snood and use a anti tangle sleeve to cover it up, stops the snood from detaching and kicks the snood away too 👍🏻 🎣

[@seaangling]

I like the clip at either end for the chance to reverse the rig body. A perfect example of a simple solution, shared by the group to help everyone. 👍🏻 I have used rig tubing on some of the builds before and particularly like it on the up and over to prevent tangles. Sounds like yours is a nice solution. 🎣

[@jayd5075]

Hi Mark a great video. Yes this certainly is a brilliant rig . A massive thanks to Fishing Dorset Live - Shane. I also have had the pleasure of fishing alongside him multiple times. Shane certainly has great knowledge. I like the idea of having interchangeable Hook snoods . These obviously can be used of your choice of hook lengths etc. Mark I myself use the Cox & Rawle - Match & Scratch hooks. Mark a big thank you for dedicating this video to Shane .

[@seaangling]

We all like to help each other out and increase our catch rates where possible. Shane helped me out with targeting flounder earlier in the year and this is where this rig came into its own. I think my largest flounder came on a C&R match hook.

[@gary-dn4uw]

Another nice video & tip mark👏👍🐟

[@seaangling]

If it helps and sharing works for someone then it is worthwhile. 🎣👍🏻

[@George_Salt]

At the risk of stating the obvious, by using a clip at both ends of the rig it becomes reversible, and you can fish the same rig body as either 3 Up or 2 Up 1 Down, if you arrange the swivels the way you have shown in the video. I find 2 Up 1 Down flappers work very well for scratching, with flatties preferring to take the hook below the lead.

[@seaangling]

It is a very good point and may escape some who haven’t considered it. I don’t do it personally but I understand what you are explaining. It would make a good talking point on a variation video. A low rod tip on a shallow beach can help to present the snoods in the target zone for flatties. Thank you for your comment, very helpful. 🎣👍🏻

[@markdannatt9680]

Great video mark it’s good to see you back at it hope there is more to from the beach

[@seaangling]

I have some very special targets from the shore this year so plenty of interesting adventures in planning.

[@markdannatt9680]

@@seaangling will look forward to seeing them

[@trevralph6956]

Great content once again Mark.

[@seaangling]

Thank you Trev, i have some interesting projects coming up and hopefully some interesting viewing. 🎣👍🏻

[@Brian-mb9ez]

Another good video with interesting;g content cheers Mark thanks for sharing

[@seaangling]

Thank you Brian, anything you do differently with this rig?

[@carloadorno495]

Hi Mark, great video, vary nice rig building , Gemini made good fishing equipment as well

[@seaangling]

It is certainly reliable and easy to use.

[@garethrodd5351]

Love this rig

[@seaangling]

It is a cracker. Dimensions and layout are from Shane of Dorset fishing live. I added the detachable snoods as I like to fish that way.

[@brianmiles5191]

Mark, great video as always! Will try this in exactly the same way as it is a proven rig and have the capability to change hook sizes dependant upon targeted species. Many thanks to you and Shane for sharing.

[@seaangling]

Thank you Brian, let us know how you get on. 🎣👍🏻

[@andycollings4302]

Hi Mark, great to see you again in the workshop. I've used figs like that for more years than i care to mention. They've always been good. I'm gonna try the Cox and Rawle scratching hooks a go. I know the weather hasn't been conducive to getting out on our boats, but have you any videos planned.

[@seaangling]

I have loads planned for this year and some exciting species to target. The BIG rods are going to be dusted off once the water temperature rises and I have some marks to try out for species not seen on the channel yet. Not enough days in the week. 😉

[@barrygrant581]

Super Video Mark, definitely going to give this rig ago, think it will work really well at some marks here on the Isle of Wight!

[@seaangling]

I am confident it will, let us know how you get on. 🎣👍🏻

[@ClickBaitGem]

Great video Mark. Everyone has their own preferences. Mine is to avoid crimps and use rig gum stop knots instead. It takes longer to make the rig body but I can adjust the swivel positions on the beach. This would afford the ability to change snood length when out fishing, supported by using the snood clips, giving (almost) total versatility. Thanks for the video, Gem

[@seaangling]

I agree your version of the rig using stop knots would be the pinnacle of this design and increase the flexibility. Crimps by their design will reduce line diameter/strength.

[@trampster7306]

Nice one Mark! Great rig, and always great to see the gems you create in the workshop. I did make up a couple of your clipped 3 hook rigs and the house Poltergeist went off with them I think - can't find them anywhere! Re the clip & swivel debate attached to the mainline, my Conti rods have got very small tip eyes, so I can't leave anything on the leader. I tend to tie a figure of 8 loop knot on the end of the leader, and thread the loop through the swivel/clip/snap swivel and back over the top. I quite like the American style snap swivels, (some folk don't!) and sometimes tie a similar loop in the top of the rig body to just clip onto the snap swivel clip. Never believe in using more components than essential. Not been out for a dangle yet this year, not been too well, and I have to confess I've generally lost interest in KZbin a bit - I think I overdosed on it a bit last year! Tight lines, and stay safe & well. Dave. 🎣🎣👍👍

[@seaangling]

I hope you are feeling better soon and once the clocks change and the days are longer you can get out for some shore time. Maybe target a new species. 🎣👍🏻

[@lifetimeangler]

And he’s back woohooooooo 😂

[@seaangling]

I have had a short break whilst studying for my boat tickets but I’m back in the game. 😉😂

[@lifetimeangler]

@@seaangling I think a lot of us have had a break and have avoided the winter tings.

[@stevenewell6898]

Interesting vid again Mark.... Like you, I also put the gemini clip on my shock leader and the swivel at the top of my rig body, however on occasion I do find that part of the rig ends up caught inside the gemini clip.... This doesn't happen during the cast but once the rig has been in the water a while.... Its not a massive or regular problem but it has made me think about swapping the components round the other way to see if that stops it

[@seaangling]

I can see how the swivel on the shock-leader is worthwhile but I have been doing it this way for a long time.

[@nickmann2916]

Hi mate nice to see you back great video I have used Gemini for years never had a problem great kit although I use a termalink on my leader will have to try detachable traces I always use a swivel ta the top and a lead link at the bottom and never had a tangle up with the lead clip when you concentrate on certain species you tend to forget the basics from when you first start out brilliant rig mate tight lines

[@seaangling]

Hi Nick, we must be due a beach or boat session sometime soon. How is your local beach fishing atm?

[@nickmann2916]

@@seaangling hi mate I haven't been out for a long time work and weather it's been a while would love to do some beach work your way I may be down your way end of April hopefully 🤞 would be great to catch up mate

[@joannecheesman7255]

Shane pullen said to me swivel on shock leader loose less rigs, also demonstrated this on a cd he made one of his Dungeness cod ones sorry can't remember which, I couldn't believe how much better this worked i, use Gemini swivel and clip top of trace which helps letting body twist , great trace nice you back.

[@seaangling]

It does make sense for the swivel to attach to the shock leader, that way the clip is upside down and less prone to snagging. The tiny little 140lb stainless swivels from Gemini should fit through most rod rings.

[@ianturner3033]

Hi Mark. Glad to see you are ok.😃 Been a while.🤔 Like the detachable snoods, only downside I can see is weed and May rot. Sorry.🥺 I too put the clip on my shockleader, even after once losing an eye insert.🫣 I once tried a one up one down with clips on both ends of the rig body, and a long drop to the up snood so I could turn the rig upside down to make it a two up to get both baits higher and try to avoid the crabs.😲 Just me being tight and lazy.😂😂 Certainly looks like a rig worth trying.👍 Thanks for sharing.👏 Take care and stay safe mate.😷🙊

[@seaangling]

I had almost forgot about the May rot 🤨 For that specific period of time when weed is a problem I would most likely tie the snood direct to the swivel and minimise snagging points.

[@carldawson832]

Hi mark you ok mate, every session a learning one isn't it. All the best from GRIMSBY.

[@seaangling]

I’m all good this end Carl, I’m always ready to learn. 🎣👍🏻

[@fishingmediterraneo1417]

Un ottimo trave da provare , più ami più possibilità di pescare 👏👏👏👏

[@seaangling]

E un ottimo rig per piu specie.

[@flamintasty]

Flapping or clipped, I love 3 hooks. Ian Golds’ 3 hook Portsmouth/loop/dropper rig is another favourite of mine when conditions allow.

[@seaangling]

I totally agree and at times the loop rig is amazing.

[@williamcrook235]

Well done.i like to use two and three hook flappers with 3,os with big baits.keeps it all interesting as anything can happen.

[@seaangling]

Do you upscale the line strength on rig body and snoods for this?

[@williamcrook235]

@@seaangling I use 25lb fluro on snoods to help pull out of snags and 30/40lb braid to break off the snoods if it's too much snagged.but usually pull clear.as you done,replacement snoods.handy.

[@seaangling]

Sounds like an interesting rig.

[@stephenbryant1903]

By using a clip on the shock leader increases the risk of snagging. Weed accumulates on a clip when reeling in, but cannot accumulate as much if you attach a swivel to your shock leader. The clip is, in effect, ‘upside down’ if you attach a clip to the top of your rig body. You are correct in saying aero beads should be used the right way around, being teardrop shaped, but I have used them in the opposite configuration to you. My theory being the two narrow ends meeting to ‘trap’ the swivel allows greater freedom of movement of the swivel. I’m quite prepared to be told I’m using them the wrong way around!

[@seaangling]

I’m loving the thought process and this goes to show we all “have our own way” and if it works then it isn’t wrong. I get the swivel on the shock-leader but some rod eyes are small although the stainless Gemini 140’s are very compact. For some they will do away with the clip altogether and tie direct to the swivel removing a “complication”. I hope to show options and people can adapt to suit their fishing. Likewise I am always curious to other peoples set up and rigs because every day is a school day.

[@keithwheeler1958]

great rig Mark thank you and you can put one rig down by your lead

[@seaangling]

Absolutely but that may be another video. 😉

[@thehumantrawler5162]

Make me some 😊

[@seaangling]

I’ve got something extra special for you. 🎣👍🏻

[@micheal3586]

3 hook flappers is one if not the best rig going .. it will catch pretty much every think and you can make it as short or as long as you like.. some of the england team use them and them only .. its the same thing as a 3 hook clip down just don't clip down same rig and principle both fish the same in the water .. if your new to fishing just use this rig or 2 hook flapper if your fishing clean to mixed its not a rough ground rig .. nice video mate

[@micheal3586]

ps aero beads are great on flappers and clip downs

[@seaangling]

I particularly like the aero beads, very neat.

[@derekjefferson1324]

Nice knowledgeable video, I personally only use a 2 hook flapper, don’t personally like 3 hook - personal opinion I tie swivel to top of snood, clip to shockleader, also tend to use longer bottom snood with a larger hook then top,plus occasionally use an urfe rig, which proves to be effective Go Steady

[@seaangling]

The URFE rig is something I will be using more this year on a couple of marks I have planned. I would also like to try one for trigger fish which is still a species I haven’t caught yet. 👍🏻🎣

[@chrisbedborough9646]

Hi mark another great rig video from the workshop. Been watching your video’s for awhile now reliving my youth after a nearly fifty year pause. If I may, I have one comment concerning the rig body and the use of crimps. I’m not a great fan of using crimps as it fixes the points of where the swivel hook snoods are located and the eventual hook snood length. I prefer to use PowerGum 1.4mm, this gives me the flexibility of moving the swivel link up and down the body of the rig and using a varied hook snood length. Regards Chris (Englishman living in Holland for many years)

[@seaangling]

Hi Chris, you are one step ahead because guess what the development of this rig will be? I will do another one with moveable swivels for varying the snood length. 😉

[@worseyfishingadventures]

I caught my pb thornback about 11lb

[@seaangling]

That is a cracking size Thornback 👏👏👏

[@worseyfishingadventures]

@@seaangling thanks

[@raymuldoon5958]

Fantastic content for a fairly new rig maker like me. Like the idea of the detachable snoods. Would using different hook sizes and baits unbalance the rig too much?

[@seaangling]

This type of rigs lends itself to smaller baits with a hook size up to about 1/O or 2/O and maybe a bait no bigger than your thumb. The 3 baits in close proximity are a real benefit.

[@Johntyler3140]

Hi Mark, Love your rig making video's as I'm new to this game. When using crimps on main body line, if you get a nice size fish on will the crimps slide down, if so will they damage your body line?

[@seaangling]

Correctly sized crimps put on with the right tool shouldn’t slide down. Breakaway do an adjustable crimp/tool setup that could. Be careful in your crimp choice as I’ve found some that are dubious at best but it’s worth checking out the Sakuma crimps which are higher quality than most. If you are unsure with what you have do a couple of test crimps and pull the line to check for strength. Always worth checking your rig bodies anyway. 👍🏻

[@agapelove916]

Fab...but do you cast that out with a lead like a pully rog?

[@seaangling]

Yes. You can use a gripper to fish a fixed distance/location or a plain lead and let it move to find a low point or gulley. 🎣👍🏻

[@christimms102]

Brilliant video Mark. Definitely be building a few of these. Question: in you opinion does the colour of the hook snood really matter ? I never know . Kind Regards Chris

[@seaangling]

Honestly, I don’t know for sure but I have used this red line on a few sessions and caught. That doesn’t mean it is a certainty. Fluorocarbon line is meant to be invisible in the water and used when the fish are spooked in daylight. Other than that I personally think the conditions (tide run), water quality (clarity) and light are important.

[@christimms102]

@@seaangling thanks Mark. Much appreciated

[@paulkimber1304]

Great content as always. Food for thought. Loving the idea of detatchable hook snoods. I will be in Pongos tomorrow looking for the snood clips. I have only ever made this rig with cascade swivels so i can clip it up for casting. Might need some more rig body. Seen several people using clear line, i am currently finishing off a spool of orange 60lb greased weasel.

[@seaangling]

Cascade swivels are perfect for clip down rigs due to the shape of the top eye which all helps to make it aerodynamic. For a flapper rig I use straight forward swivels. I like the detachable snoods on this rig which makes baiting up with worm and a needle a lot simpler.

[@gmy7813]

What size swivel are you using for the top of the rig Mark?

[@seaangling]

The Gemini stainless 140lb are small but strong and are my choice for this position.

[@gmy7813]

Thanks Mark.

[@stuartcoleman7421]

I use this rig but with 2 hooks. Try not to use to many clips as the more you use the bigger the cost to the overall rig cost should you lose it. Work fantastically well. Used since I was a kid.

[@seaangling]

With a 2 hook version do you keep the snoods short or go slightly longer?

[@stuartcoleman7421]

@@seaangling top slightly longer rather than the bottom

[@seaangling]

I can see how that would work.

[@Squidfishinguk]

Hi Mark, like that rig! And.. random question, but watching that video and seeing some bits, are you a fellow locksmith?

[@seaangling]

I was. I did have my own business and I was the resident safe engineer/locksmith in the dockyard. I really enjoyed it as a skill/trade but the business side was ruthless.

[@Squidfishinguk]

Ah, makes sense. Seen the sizes of euros etc on the tubs, 23 years now for me and still love it. But you're right in the ruthless sense, especially in your area, you have a heck of a lot of locksmiths in your area! Youre not too far from me. Great channel by the way. 👍

[@seaangling]

@@Squidfishinguk I went down the route of non destructive entry and safe work. Warrants and safes were the more interesting aspect for me.

[@stuartcross749]

Hi good idea what size beads please

[@seaangling]

Good question, I’ll have to check later. They are tapered though.