HOW TO: Setup a side-clip system using a leader

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

What you need
- Safe zone leaders
- Size 8 ring swivels
- Lead clips
- Tail rubbers
- Silicon tube
- Swivel lead
- Heavy latch needle




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
Thread the side clip onto the heavy latch needle



Step 2
With the side clip on the heavy latch needle insert the loop of the leader into the latch and slide the side clip onto the leader.



Step 3
Thread the tail rubbers onto the heavy latch needle. Now with the tail rubber on the heavy latch needle insert the loop of the leader into the latch and slide the tail rubber onto the leader

and slide the clip and tail up the leader.



Step 4
Now 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 5
Select the swivel lead you require and place a small amount of silicone sleeve over the bottom of the swivel to help minimize tangles.



Step 6
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 if the lead becomes tethered. Only push the tail on 3 or 4 ridges at most the tail rubber is shown about four ridges in.

Your rig is now complete!



All that's left is to tie the leader to your mainline (a grinner knot is good for this) then add a quick link to the ring swivel, attach your hook length and bait and you are ready to cast out and start fishing.

Tight lines!