Gardner Hinged Stiff Rig

The Hinged Stiff Rig is one of the most effective pop-up rigs there is, effectively offering the most consistent bait presentation of ‘pop-up’ and buoyant hookbaits possible! This rig is legendary simply because it has accounted for so many big fish over the years. It’s not an easy rig to tie right though…

These ready tied Hinged Stiff Rigs are tied and supplied in the most versatile format, using the tried and tested 15lb Trip Wire hook section from our ready tied Chod Rigs that has been curved for optimum effectiveness and this is combined with a ‘skinned’ boom section. This style of boom section works well with both helicopter and lead clip style lead arrangements. The boom section is stiff enough to kick the hook bait away from the lead or leader, but supple enough to lay over if held up by a stone or twig on the lake bed.

The Hinged Stiff Rigs phenomenal effectiveness is down to a number of key mechanical characteristics:

It will reset even after being mouthed by a carp.

The super stiff ‘Trip Wire’ hook section and ‘D’ style loop and rig ring used to mount the hook bait means the hook goes in the right way (bend first) is free to twist and take hold as soon as the hook link tightens. *This configuration also offers exceptional ‘ant-eject’ properties.

By counterbalancing the buoyant hook bait so the rig settles gently to the lake bed, with the boom section laying the rig out away from the lead, you enhance the rigs effectiveness by ensuring the rig reacts immediately when mouthed by a browsing/feeding fish.

Just like Chod Rigs, it’s really important that you use a highly buoyant hookbait, one that holds the hook section upright. If the pop up doesn’t need to be counterbalanced (with additional Critical Mass Tungsten putty moulded around the top eye of the swivel) then they are not buoyant enough. Mould just enough tungsten putty around the top of the swivel so the hook bait sinks slowly.

If the 25lb Chod Skin boom section becomes kinked it can be straightened by gently ‘steaming it’. If you note the shape of the curve in the hook section you will be able to reset it after each fish. Also check the hook point. These checks and adjustments are important to maintain the rig’s performance.