HOW TO: Set up a "Rotten Bottom" rig

The Rotten Bottom rig is designed to cast into very weedy swims with the confidence of knowing that if the lead gets trapped in the weed the weak mono link will snap allowing you safely play the carp. The rig is based upon a helicopter rig and uses many of the same components. By simply altering the length of the Rotten Bottom (mono line) you are able to place the baited rig such that it will sit nicely upon the upper layers of the weed and therefore be more visible to passing fish.


What you need

- Leadcore


- Size 8 swivels
- Korda mini beads
- Light swivel lead


- Micro rig rings
- ESP Mk 2 Stiff rigger hooks



- Solar Stiffy stiff link


- 5lb mono




Tools

- Scissors
- Super glue
- Splicing needles
- Rig pullers




Method

Step 1
Cut a 45cm length of leadcore using the scissors.



Step 2
Pull the inner lead wire from the outer braided skin.



Step 3
Now insert the splicing needle about 7cm from the end of the skin to a depth of about 2.5cm.



Step 4
Place the micro rig onto the braid and splice the micro rig ring into the leadcore.



Step 5
Pull the braid tight trimming off all excess braid that might show through the wall of the braid. Superglue the splice to secure.



Step 6
Create a loop in the opposite end of the leadcore braided skin by inserting the fine latch gated needle into the braid about 8cm from the end.
Inset the splicing needle into the braid skin to a depth of 3.5cm.



Step 7
Now pass the end of the braid skin into the gate of the splicing needle and gentle ease the needle back pulling the skin into the braid.



Step 8
Gently pull the splicing needle back through the braid until it is all the way through.




Step 9
Now tease the loop in the braid until you get the correct size you need. When you have the correct size tension the loop with a rig puller until the braided loop is tight.



Step 10
Once you are happy with the loop super glue the braid to lock it in place.



Step 11
Place two Korda beads and a size 8 swivel onto a gated baiting needle and slip onto the leadcore.



Step 12
Tie a knotless knot using the ESP Mk2 stiff rigger hooks and Solar Stiffy stiff link material. The hook length is very stiff so can be difficult to manipulate. Using a three turn blood knot tie a short 6.5cm hooklength to the swivel. Carefully melt the tag end (using a lighter blob) to ensure the knot does not slip.



Step 13
Now cut the required length of low breaking strain mono to act as the rotten bottom and tie this to the micro ring spliced into the end of the leadcore. Now attach a light lead 1.5oz to the other end. Attach your main line to the spliced loop in the leadcore. Now add a couple of PVA nuggets to the hook and cast into your swim.

The finished rig - safe and effective.



Tight lines!