The Shrink Tube Rig

Using Shrink Tubing to Enhance Your Rigs

Using shrink tubing is a great way to make all kinds of rigs more effective. The tubing can be used to alter the presentation of different rigs often allowing more efficient hooking. Not all carp rigs can be enhanced in this way but try it on various rigs and you will certainly see the benefits.

Start with tying yourself a knotless knot. In our example we are using a Korda Wide Gape hook. The in-turned eye allows even better presentation.

Once you have tied your knotless knot cut a short length of shrink tubing and slide it down your hooklink and over the eye. Ideally, you want the eye to be in the middle of the tubing.

Shrink tubing can be ’shrunk’ by either holding it in the steam over a boiling kettle or immersing it in boiling water. If you are going to be doing this on the bank then make sure you’ve got the bits and pieces ready. To make the task that little bit easier (and less painful) use some forceps to hold the hook.

Whilst holding the hook in the steam or water, gently pull the hooklink into place to set the tubing at the correct angle. Ideally you should follow the angle of the i- turned eye for optimum carp hooking performance.

When you’re happy with the angle, remove the hook from the steam or water and continue to hold it in place for a few seconds. It will quickly cool down and turn hard.

There you have it! All that’s left is to finish your rig with whatever’s required and you’re ready to catch some carp.