How to Tie a Slip D Rig – Ideal for Wafters & Balanced Baits
The Slip D rig is a very versatile rig, perfect for presenting wafters, balanced baits or even out of the bag bottom baits.
The ‘hair’ in the case of the Slip D, is the doubled over braid that is passed through the eye of the hook and looped over the point, therefore making a ‘D’ – hence the name. This ‘D’ shape gives good separation from the hook.
The hook bait is mounted on either a micro swivel, bait screw or small ring, allowing the bait come away from the shank of the hook and then to slide along the D shaped braid when blown out by the carp while feeding.
To tie the Slip D rig you will need the following:
- Choice of hook – curve Shank hooks work well with the Slip D as im using here. Bank Tackle Curve shanks or Nash Fang X are two of my favourite hooks
- Coated Braid – I generally use ESP Tungsten Loaded, Nash Skinlink or in this case, Kryston Jackal.
- Shrink tube or line aligner
- Micro bait swivel or bait screw dependent on bait choice and firmness
- Anti-tangle sleeve
- Tungsten putty
- Choice of swivel for attaching to your lead set up
Step One
Strip about 4 inches of the coating from the coated braid. This will create a flexible hook section for the rig and the loop that you will use later to mount your bait screw or swivel.
Step Two
Make a loop from the uncoated braid and pass it through and out of the back of the hook eye.
Step Three
You can now thread your bait screw or swivel onto the doubled up section and over the point of the hook.
Exactly where to position the swivel or bait screw is the angler’s choice, but I find that roughly in line with the barb is a good starting point. Another important aspect is ensuring you leave enough the of the uncoated braid above the hook to allow flexibility for the hook to turn. Generally, around an inch is fine.
Step Four
Next, carefully start to whip down the shank of the hook in a traditional knotless knot fashion and pass the braid back through the eye of the hook.
When whipping down the shank, be sure to trap the tag end of the braid and do not allow it to come back through the eye of the hook.
Step Five
Trim the loose end of braid. You can now thread your line aligner or shrink tube onto the line and steam it down.
Step Six
Thread on your anti-tangle sleeve and tie a loop onto the other end of the coated braid, this allows for speedy attachment to your lead arrangement. I find a 6 inch rig is a good starting point.
Step Seven
Now roll some tungsten putty onto the coated braid at the point where it has been stripped. This will help position the hook in the fish’s bottom lip when you get a bite.
You can also add a small amount of putty halfway down the braid to help pin it down to the lakebed.
Step Eight
It’s now a simple case of mounting your hook bait by using floss or a bait screw and attaching to your lead arrangement.
Top tip when using the Slip D rig
If I’m lowering the bait into the margins, then I use a flexible quick release swivel (pictured) to allow for extra movement. If casting is required then I opt for a normal quick release swivel to push the hooklink away from the lead, reducing the risk of a tangle.
Finished!
