Zyg rigs, One of those things that i'm always having a go with and winter is the time when I'm always thinking a bait in midwater could do the trick.
This winter it's something I really want to try harder with but old habbits die hard and on most occasions a normal rig is chucked out before I retire to the bag.
Has anyone had much sucess with Zyg rigs over the winter and during the hours of darkness ? and if so has the old barometer had any influence on your results ?

Cheers
Saul

I'll be watching this one in interest.........

I'm going to fish one rod out of three this weekend mid water on a zyg as the air pressure is up & clear sky's are forecast........BUT it's gonna be bloody cold

Will they up, will they be down.........Hmmmmmmm

Will they be up or down ? on the back of the wind or on the wind ?
Deeps or Shallows if it's sunny ? open water or snags ?
ahhhhhhh bollocks i'm going to the pub

thinking about it


ME TOO!

dave

Saul..the boozer is obviously the warmest place to be.
Carp will obviously have the same idea by finding the most comfortable areas of the lake to settle if they decide to hold up in a really cold snap of weather. I have simply fished a Zig in the known patrol routes that the fish use in the Summer, though bright sunny days even after a sharp frost seem to be more favorable for a bite. I have had a few in 11- 14 foot of water with a bait popped up only 14" off the lead,that said the water clarity was crystal and baits raised up a couple of feet or more strangely produced no takes. On another water i have caught in the depths of Winter in 4 foot of water with a bait popped up inches below the surface. So many variables in fishing a Zig that the only way to get into contact is to keep on experimenting until a take occurs. Baits fished hard on the bottom or as a 'Wafter' have fared better for me over the last few years, but considering that the water in question is hard to get a take off the top in Summer it sums up the lack of interest in a suspended bait. I have found that waters that the fish readily take floaters during the warmer months are the best chance of a take in Winter on a Zig, and water clarity definitly helps.

Hi Tudge

Will be experimenting the next chance I get using an adjustable zyg with sub-float etc and I'm sure it's worth a go on that water as the fish are up for a mixer or two in summer and with much of the water being quite deep I'm sure the fish will be hanging around mid water some of the time, especially around the snags which overhang deep water.
The water is normally crystal clear also during the winter so most baits will be visible, quite like the idea of using a medusa but I think the perch might be a problem.

Cheers
Saul

You guys that fish the zig, what size leads do you use....and do you set it up so the lead can be discharged on the take....or is it something you dont worry about

I use a 4oz lead most of the time attached with a Korda clip & tail rubber all set to release easily as playing a fish with a 12ft hooklink & 4oz lead can be difficult.
I like to use a heavy lead as I feel it gives more control when casting.
I also like to have a hat pulled over my ears as I get nervous casting such long rigs and having quite big ears

Cheers
Saul

Hi Lads,

In my absence the "Zig Rig" has appeared, what is it and what are the principles?

Cheers

Youve missed nowt mate,just some dude called zyg,decided he was gonna dedicate a form of fishing up in the water to himself,basically its just a big old long hooklink,with a floater on,end of,zyg rig my arse.

Very true Dave.. I am sure John has fished suspended baits many times in the past.
Somebody decided to put a name to a method that my Dad mastered many many years ago.
Saul it is very simple to to do away with the need to be casting out a long hooklink for distance, and to be able to simply pay out line to adjust the depth of the bait with the aid of an homemade streamlined balsa float set the distance you require below the bait( balsa waggler bodies with a tube inserted through them are ideal). After the cast simply pay out line allowing the bait and float to settle at the depth you want to be fishing at by having a power gum stop knot set at the required distance behind the lead and a large bore bead that will slip over the knot if need be. You can put the Bob hat away Saul, and the fear of taking off a few branches..
The very smallest egg shaped bubble floats work just as well for medium range, but a really streamlined homemade balsa job is the one for range work.

Use a drennan sub-float these days Tudge but if for any reason I don't have one I get the parras casting a long link after seeing a fluff chucker get a rather large lure stuck in his lug hole while casting a long line
very messy

Thanks Lads,

You know I am coming to the conclusion like most of you said Nothing has Really Changed

I am starting to wish that I was back in the old days.