HOW TO: Setup a side-clip system using rig tubing

The lead clip system is possibly one of the most popular lead systems and is used by the vast majority of carp anglers today. They are designed to eject the lead should it become tethered whilst playing the fish so using a side-clip in your rig is critical to fish welfare.

It's easy to put this system together incorrectly so the leads will not eject and the fish will become permanently connected to the snag. In this article I will show you how to correctly assemble a side-clip system to ensure complete fish safety.

Side clips can be put together using rig tubing or by using a leader. In this article I will show you how to use rig tubing, but see my other article "How to set up a side-clip system using a leader" for an alternative method.


What you need

- Rig tube
- Size 8 ring swivels
- Lead clips
- Tail rubbers

- Safe zone leaders
- Swivel lead
- Sharp scissors



IMPORTANT NOTE:
It is vital that you use a single manufacturer's products to build your side-clip system. Different manufactures components are not always compatible with one another.


Method

Step 1
Cut the required length of rig tubing. At one end, cut the rig tubing at a 45 degree angle. This will help when inserting the rig tubing into the lead clip tail rubber.



Step 2
Push your main line through the rig tubing until it appears at the far end.



Step 3
Now thread the tail rubber...

...and the side clip onto the main line.



Step 4
Tie the size 8 ring swivel onto the main line with a Palomar knot.



Step 5
Pull the swivel into the lead clip. The swivel should be a tight fit and you should hear and feel the swivel pass over a ridge in the lead clip housing.

It is very important that the swivel is a tight fit in the lead clip. If yours is not tight then you can use a small piece of fishing line slipped down along the side if the swivel as it is drawn in to tighten the fit.



Step 6
Select the swivel lead you require and place a small amount of silicone sleeve over the bottom of the swivel to help minimize tangles. Then place the lead into the lead clip.



Step 7
Wet the tail rubber prior to pushing it into place.



Step 8
With the lead in place wet the ridged section of the clip and slide the tail rubber over the ridges. It is very important that you do not force the tail rubber completely over the ridges as this will stop the lead from ejecting. Only push the tail on 3 or 4 ridges at most as shown. Finally, push the rig tubing into the back of the tail rubber.

Your rig is now complete! A safe and effective side-clip system.

Simply add a quick link to the ring swivel, attach your hooklength and bait to the quick link and you ready to cast out and start fishing.



Tight lines!