The German Rig

After getting into the mind of Claudia Darga and understanding why she loves fishing and what floats her boat, we turn attentions to her rig box!

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I am regularly asked if I have a favourite rig, and there is one that I use for 80 per cent of my fishing because it’s so effective in numerous situations – the German.

This is not because I am from Germany but because it is very easy to tie, versatile (bottom baits, pop-ups, snowman) and boasts extremely good hooking potential, which has certainly minimised fish losses. I have tried plenty of standard rigs but I have used the German almost exclusively for two years.

I have fine-tuned it since first using it and have finally settled with my favourite version. So many good fish have been caught on this rig over the last two years, giving me full confidence that this is currently the best rig I can use.

The mechanics are quite simple and there are many ways of tying it. However, one factor is always the same – there is no hair! Instead, there is a size 10 micro swivel, or smaller, which has to be attached to the hook, then a gum or hook bead is slid on the shank to keep the swivel in position. This is the main difference from many of my more traditional rigs and what the German is known for.

I have seen numerous versions of this brilliant rig over the years, with variation in the components and the type of braid used. Due to the many styles of tying the German rig, I will now demonstrate how I tie my favourite version.