A retractable leash (Moscow rig) is a type of spaced spinning rig for catching predatory fish species using soft jig baits. It consists of 2 parallel sections of fishing line of different lengths (most often 20 cm and 100 cm), at the ends of which a sinker and an offset hook with bait are placed, respectively.
In this article you will learn how to tie a diverter leash for fishing for pike, perch and pike perch, chub and asp in the classic version and with 6 modifications. Thanks to the diagram in the photo and step-by-step instructions, you will save time on installing this popular equipment for spinning fishing.
Mounting options
Solid installation
This is the simplest installation, when the load is attached to the end of the main line, and above it, at a distance of 20-30 cm, a loop is formed, to which a leash with a hook is attached.
More complex ways
The design of securing the load and leashes can be modified. A double swivel is attached above the secured load. The leash is attached to this swivel.
Alternatively, you can attach a triple swivel so that the main line, leader and sinker are attached to each eye of each swivel. This is not a bad option, especially if you have to fish in the current. The presence of swivels prevents the equipment from twisting, and if it gets caught, you can lose one thing.
Sliding installation
This installation is a mirror image of the previous one, since a leash is attached to the main line, and the weight is located on a separate leash, which slides along the main line. The length of the leash is selected within 20-30 cm. To do this, you need to take the swivel and place it on the main fishing line. A leash is attached to the same swivel, at the end of which another swivel is attached, to which a load is connected. On the main line, below the swivel attachment point, you need to install a stopper.
This installation method allows you to swap the load and the leash. And yet, such equipment has its drawbacks: when casting, the load will always fly first. To limit the sliding of the load along the fishing line, install another stopper above the attachment point.
How to make a diverting leash. Catching equipment
What is a diverter leash tackle?
The equipment represents a knitting design of spaced mounting of the sinker and bait, where these two components are located perpendicular to each other, therefore, one of the elements of the equipment does not lie on a common axis with the main cord, but is attached to the side. As a rule, in the classic version, the sinker is placed at the end of the main cord, and the selected type of bait on the hook is tied at the required distance upward from the weight for the fishing conditions and mounted to the side in relation to the line of the cord. In practice, the installation scheme may change slightly, supplemented with all sorts of fastening elements and devices that prevent twisting and overlapping of the fishing line, but in general without changing the essence of guiding the bait when retrieving.
Elements of the diverter leash equipment
Spinning
Such equipment is characterized by the fact that the bait is always in a suspended state and it is difficult to control its play. In this case, it is necessary to have a very sensitive rod with a fast action. Only with the help of such a rod can you understand how the bait behaves.
If fishing is carried out from a boat, then a rod with a length of 2 to 2.4 meters is sufficient. When fishing from the shore, it is better to take a rod up to 2.7 meters long. The spinning test is selected depending on the fishing conditions, or more precisely on the weight of the load. If there is a current, then you will need a solid load, weighing up to 70 grams, or even more. Accordingly, the rod test is selected.
It is advisable that the weight of the rod be minimal, otherwise you will not get any pleasure from the fishing process. This is due to the fact that fishing with a spinning rod requires constant monitoring of the gear. This means that the rod is constantly in the hands of the spinner. A rod that is too heavy will quickly lead to arm fatigue.
Coil
The reel for the tackle is selected depending on the size and characteristics of the fishing rod. There are no special requirements for it. The main thing is that the reel is reliable and can withstand constant casting.
Main line
It is advisable to use braided fishing line, as it does not stretch and will be able to transmit the slightest bites to the tip of the rod. Its diameter depends on many factors, such as the presence of a current, the weight of the load, and the size of the catch. When fishing in the current, it is better to opt for braided line. It is stronger, which means you can use a fishing line with a smaller diameter to create less resistance to the flow.
Leash
Retractable leash (Moscow equipment)
To make a leash, you can take regular monofilament fishing line. Its breaking load should be less than the breaking load of the main line. This is necessary so that in case of a snag you do not have to lose your equipment.
At the same time, it should be remembered that monofilament fishing line has memory, so it is used for one time only. For your next fishing trip, it is advisable to tie the leashes using fresh fishing line.
Recently, almost all anglers have been using fluorocarbon as a leash. It is not visible to fish in the water, and it is somewhat stiffer than monofilament, which leads to less overlap during casting.
The size of the leash for the load is 20 or 30 cm, the size of the leash with a hook is from 50 to 150 cm. Its diameter is selected in the range of 0.16-0.2 mm. If there is a high probability of a pike biting, then it is better to put a metal leash.
Silicone baits
Lures can be made from regular or edible silicone, into which attractants are introduced during its production. The choice of such baits is so large that it is difficult to settle on just one choice. The use of edible rubber is especially important when fishing for perch. In general, if there is a choice, it is better to give preference to edible rubber.
Hook
When using equipment with a retractable leader, the same hooks are used as when fishing with a jig. If the bottom is clean, then you can use ordinary hooks that have a long shank. If there is a possibility of snagging, then it is better to take offset hooks and mount non-snagging hooks.
Leash
The installations use a retractable leash made from monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line. Monofilament is suitable for most conditions. This material is flexible, but not so resistant to abrasion. As a rule, the running diameters for outlets are 0.2-0.3 mm, which depends on the weight of the trophy expected in the catches. When fishing water areas with shell rock and pebble bottom, it is more practical to use fluorocarbon outlets with diameters of 0.25-0.40 mm. Excessive thickness of the material does not contribute to the comfort and effectiveness of fishing, but increased rigidity parameters and high transparency of the material compensate for this negative factor.
Types of sinkers
The rig can use various forms of sinkers, depending on the nature of the bottom of the reservoir.
Bullet
This type of sinker is quite similar to a bullet. Under certain conditions, the bullet can withstand most hooks.
Drop shot
This is a special type of sinker designed specifically for drop shot rigs. This is an elongated weight, to the end of which a fishing line is attached. A special type of fastening allows you to very quickly increase or decrease the distance to the hook.
Tyrolean stick
In such a rig, a Tyrolean stick can serve as a load. This is a hollow tube, at one end of which a load is attached, and the other end is hermetically sealed and serves as a fastening for the fishing line. Once in the water, it takes on a vertical position, as a result of which its permeability increases. This factor also helps to reduce the number of hooks and hold the bait at a certain height from the bottom. The technique of fishing with a Tyrolean stick is very unique and requires certain skills. And, nevertheless, the Tyrolean stick is quite catchy.
Long
Here the weight is pear-shaped, which allows you to throw the bait quite far. Carp anglers very often use a load of this shape.
Hook bend shapes
In total, three types of bending are used in practice, and each of them is intended for its own purposes:
- Texas rig - a regular arched bend behind the straight forend, followed by a bend near the lug. The very first offset hooks for silicone were just like this; this form is still popular in drop-shot rigs.
- Wide gap - a wide bend; unlike the Texas one, there is no clearly defined straight section of the forearm. On the contrary, the offset machine turns out to be much wider and has a greater number of bites. The sting from it needs to be brought out when using a silicone bait; it injures the bait itself much less.
- Sickle hook - a crescent-shaped bend with a clearly defined curved area right next to the sting, the sting itself is also wrapped inward. These give more bites when biting passively, in addition, they themselves are small in size, which sometimes affects the number of fish caught.
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Wide gap is by far the most popular and frequently used hook bend shape. This form can be divided into two varieties. The first is when the sting points exactly to the ear. Used for worms, slugs, twisters, and other narrow baits. The second is that the sting is higher than the ear. Used when you need an offset hook for a vibrotail or other wide bait.
The Texas Bend originally came first, but is little used today. The fact is that with such a bend it is necessary to hide the tip a little in the bait, and when the fish bites, it breaks through its top layer and releases the sting, making it possible to hook. Naturally, this does not have the best effect on the lifespan of such bait. Therefore, they are more often used on relatively large and coarse baits, which, being slightly frayed on one side, can be turned over on the other and continue fishing.
In addition, this type works worse with hard silicone - only high-quality soft silicone is needed here. And the shape does not have the best effect on the implementation of bites - the fish needs to actively grab the silicone in order to be hooked, this does not always happen. However, in drop-shot type rigs, this option is used quite often, when you need to directly tie the hook to the leash from the fishing line, and then the loading comes. A bait with such a hook looks most natural in the current, constantly oriented in the right direction, while at the same time, as on another hook, it can turn over and take strange positions, only scaring off the fish.
The crescent hook was originally used in jig heads. This shape allows you to effectively hook fish and, according to many fishermen, is self-hooking. The author, however, is sure that this form still requires control and cutting. The main thing that distinguishes this form from others is that with its use you can use a much smaller hook size, this will not affect the implementation of bites.
The sickle-shaped one may also have, in addition to the “claw” on the sting, an additional transverse bend of the sting to the side - the so-called 3d bend. This will increase the chance of catching a fish that has bitten, since in this case the hook is likely to dig into the corner of the mouth, where the tissues are softer and easier to cut through. At the same time, this may not be very practical for cutting through the hard palate; more force will be required when cutting.
Basically, when fishing, the first two variants of the form are used, so further we will only talk about them.
We recommend reading
What types of fishing hooks are there and their purpose ? We described the most popular types of hooks and how they work, as well as where they are used.
Lures
The main type of bait that is ideal for fishing with a retractable leash is considered to be silicone. There is a huge selection, depending on color, size and purpose. The most suitable are twisters, vibrotails, worms and fish. Although it is possible to use other baits that imitate various crustaceans, bugs, etc. Recently, silicone baits have been used so widely that it seems as if other baits do not exist.
Sometimes, but very rarely, light, rotating or oscillating spoons are used. Equipment with a retractable leash involves the use of very light baits, so spoons and spinners are practically not practiced. It is practiced to use artificial baits such as flies, which have minimal weight, which allows them to be suspended in the water column. Moreover, you can catch any fish with flies, not just predatory ones.
Nuances of equipment depending on the type of fish
When the fish is active, there is no particular need for spaced equipment: you can limit yourself to a classic jig. The Moscow spread is usually used in summer and autumn, when the predator is not eager to attack any prey that comes into its field of vision.
When fishing with a retractable leash, you need to be prepared for a bite from any predator that lives in our reservoirs. However, it is advisable to vary the equipment depending on the type of fish being targeted:
We hope that our publication will help you master this most interesting and productive technique of spinning fishing, at least in theory. And practical experience will certainly come right on the pond!
Methods for attaching a leash
There are several options for attaching the leash to the equipment. For example:
- Using the “loop-to-loop” method. A loop is formed at the end of the leash, which is threaded through the loop on the main fishing line, after which a hook is threaded into the same loop. Finally, the connection is tightened. The disadvantage of this option is the fact that it is impossible to quickly change the leash. Despite this, there are no problems with removing the leash.
- Attaching the leash using a swivel. This method allows you to minimize overlaps.
- Fastening the leash using a clasp (carabiner). This is the most progressive option, allowing you to easily change the leash to a new one, since very often you have to experiment.
Silicone baits
Classic lures for this type of spinning fishing are silicone twisters and vibrotails. In some cases, anglers have successfully used slugs like worms, creatures, octopuses and rippers. Recently, manufacturers of silicone baits have begun to actively experiment, producing hybrid baits, which also deserves the attention of the spinner when catching a cautious and not so numerous predator. Lures come in various sizes and colors, which are selected based on the preferences of the fish in a particular body of water.
Important! The number of bites increases the use of edible rubber and silicones with attractants included in the composition of the material.
One of the features of silicone baits for this type of fishing is their softness, which affects the inertia of the game. The bait, under the influence of the current and the forces from the wiring, should depict the simulated living organism as realistically as possible.
What kind of fish can be caught on a retractable leash?
It is believed that a rig with a retractable leader is the most effective for catching perch. Despite this, other fish, not only predatory ones, are caught on the diverting leash. Here everything depends on the nature of the bait, since you can put both artificial and natural baits on the hook.
Perch fishing
Most spinning anglers use a retractable leash to catch perch. Edible silicone is used as nozzles as it is more catchy. As a rule, twisters, worms or vibrotails are used, but as practice shows, crustaceans or beetles made from the same silicone are no less catchy. As for the color scheme, you will have to experiment here.
For catching standard-sized perch (medium), baits measuring 2-3 cm or larger are suitable. A large perch can easily attack a worm up to 12 cm long. The length of the leash is also selected experimentally and can be from 1 meter to 1.5 meters in length. Sometimes a leash length of 30-40 cm is enough. With such equipment you can catch perch throughout the daylight hours. Perch can be found near holes or on riffles, as well as on the border of two currents.
Fishing for pike perch
Pike perch, which lead a bottom-dwelling lifestyle, can also be successfully caught using a rig with a retractable leash. The only thing is that you need to use powerful offset hooks that are quite sharp. This is due to the fact that the pike perch’s mouth is strong and can only be penetrated as a result of a decisive hook.
Pike fishing
Pike can also be caught using a retractable leash, but measures must be taken to ensure that it does not bite off the bait. To do this, a metal leash up to 30 cm long is added to the main leash. Silicone is used as bait, in the form of twisters or vibrating tails, up to 8 cm long. As for their colors, it is better to experiment to find out the preferences of the pike.
An alternative to a retractable leash when fishing for pike
The main competitors of a retractable leash when fishing for pike are jig, Texas and Carolina rigs. The first is used when fishing on a clean bottom, and if caught with a closed hook tip, then in snagged places, just like the last two methods. Pike are rarely caught with a drop shot, due to the fact that it is difficult to attach a metal leash to this equipment.
Types of wiring using a branch lead
Wiring to the outlet leash. Fishing technique with a retractable leash. Wiring.
The game of bait may differ from various accepted standards and may not be systematic.
Dragging along the bottom
This is one of the simplest and most effective wiring, when the load is pulled along the bottom. By keeping the line taut, you can make sure that the current does all the work of playing with the bait. As for standing water, everything is somewhat more complicated. A load that will raise a cloud of turbidity behind it will certainly interest a predator. In addition, it will make characteristic noises.
Dotted line animation
This type of wiring is characterized by the presence of tension and pauses. The duration of tensions and pauses is established experimentally during the wiring process. Alternatively, you can use a classic jig step. The alternation of these elements resembles a dash-dotted line.
Aggressive jerky wiring
While fishing, if no fishing methods work, you can try aggressive jerking movements using a rod. When organizing pauses, it is advisable to animate the bait with subtle movements of the rod tip.
Postings
Wiring with a diverting leash is selected depending on the fishing conditions: fishing location, current intensity, type of river predator, etc.
Types of postings
There are several types of fishing, each of which is most effective for catching a specific type of fish.
Uniform
The point of wiring is to ensure the bait moves slowly along the bottom of the reservoir. The fisherman's task is to make soft, neat twitches with the rod. This technique of pulling is used for catching perch.
Abrupt with stops
The technique involves sharp movements with a spinning rod and long pauses of calm movement of the bait. You can catch pike or pike perch on a retractable leash using this type of fishing.
Drawing
Wiring is based on throwing bait into a conditionally fishing place and gradually dragging it to the fisherman’s location. An important point is that the nozzle is dragged along the bottom at a slow pace, without rising up. The use of such wiring is justified in places with reverse flow. In stagnant water it is quite difficult to use such wiring - the load will make noise and raise a cloud of bottom dirt behind it. This will attract a predator. Suitable for all types of predators, but more often used for exploring the bottom of a reservoir.
Dotted
In fact, this type is only slightly different from the others. The difference is that the fishing technique becomes more varied due to the game - constant twitching of the bait from the bottom to a small height. Twitching is performed by the fisherman using a rod while the bait is motionless. Effective for sparking interest in passive fish.
Aggressive
This wiring is intended for active and strong production. The bait sinks to the bottom, the spinning rod is positioned at 11 o'clock. After casting the bait, several continuous sharp jerks are performed. With each jerk, the fishing line is reeled in. Then a pause of no longer than three seconds and repetition of jerks.
Technique for fishing with a retractable leash in the current
Fishing on the current has its own specifics:
- the gear is cast downstream;
- the optimal casting angle is about 70;
- the fishing line is pulled in such a way that the weight creates as much noise as possible and raises dirt from the bottom. This will attract a predator.
When the current is of medium intensity, it is recommended to cast above the fishing zone. If it’s strong, change the casting angle to 45 (not 90) and cast the tackle downstream. In addition, it is important to install the tackle with a retractable leash in such a way as to avoid mutual twisting of the lines. In conditions of strong current this is possible.
Fishing technique in still water
If there is practically no current, you can cast the tackle in any direction.
The main task of fish when fishing in still water is to provide such animation to the bait so that the predator reacts to it.
Fishing technique against the current
This method of fishing allows you to keep the bait in one place for a long time. The fisherman can only play with the fishing line using the tip of the fishing rod. The jerks should be quite sharp, but not strong - the sinker should remain in place, and the bait should play due to the movement of the water. After some time, the sinker is moved to another place and the game is repeated again with a spinning rod.
Trolling with a lead
Trolling technology involves the use of a motorized boat. The bait is towed in motion. For a long time, trolling was classified as a prohibited fishing method. Currently it is allowed, but in some regions there is a limit on the number of baits per board. Usually no more than two.
The bait used for trolling is large, heavy spoons or live bait.
Trolling equipment:
- fishing rod - it is optimal to use a strong spinning rod with a multiplier reel;
- fishing line - length not less than 1 km, thickness not less than 4 mm;
- special devices - outriggers and downriggers. They are necessary for retracting the fishing line from the side of the boat or boat and deepening the bait.
Catching river or sea predators using trolling is easy. The main thing is that the fishing participant has good skills in controlling a swimming craft. It is important to be able to navigate the boat at the same (cruising) speed, without jerks or declines. Another important point is the trajectory of movement. Experienced fishermen advise constantly changing tacks. The boat's trajectory should resemble the letter "S".
Catching and retrieving techniques
A negative feature of a retractable leash is its tendency to get tangled, unlike classic gear. It is extremely important to take into account the fishing technique on the water when casting. The main thing is that there is no overlap of the fishing line.
Please note the following points:
- A rig with a retractable leader flies quite far than a jig or standard rig. At the same time, the leash is effective in flowing waters. When fishing, it is important to take into account the strength of the water flow and the depth of the river. It is advisable to cast slightly higher or lower downstream.
- For perch it is better to use soft wiring. For pike and pike perch - sharp, slightly twitching the bait and shaking it during the game.
- Sharp jerks of the tackle should be avoided. When conducting soft wiring, it is better to use plastic film.
- The technique of fishing with a retractable leash is similar to wiring with wobblers. If you use gear with cambrics, then it is necessary to take quite long pauses when retrieving. This behavior of the bait is liked by pike perch and pike. The wiring should be quite sharp.
- It is good to use a rigid braided cord as a fishing line.
- When using a retractable leash, you need to attract the bait to the bottom so that it hangs in the water column for a long period of time. It is when hanging that there are often good bites.
- The good thing about a retractable leash is that you can cast it over long distances and catch fish in any weather. It is important to make the wiring more sensitive to successfully carry the bait underwater.
- The leash is difficult to install and many beginners make mistakes. When fishing at great depths, you should not hang heavy weights on the equipment, thereby reducing its sensitivity.
- If the water is cloudy, then the baits should be brighter. If transparent, then more natural tones. The leash must match the size of the nozzle.
Beginners should never be shy to ask and learn from more experienced anglers. This kind of fishing involves tapping the bottom of the reservoir, to which predatory individuals react. When they see the bait they quickly attack it. There are many different techniques for installing a diverter leash, and experience comes with age. Don't be afraid to experiment. The design of the retractable reins, when used correctly, promises to be catchy.
Fishing with a retractable leash in currents and in still water
When fishing with a retractable leash in the current, a sliding rig is used to avoid possible tangling of the fishing line during retrieving. Please pay attention to the following nuances:
- It is best to cast slightly higher or lower downstream. When casting, the bait should fly downstream. After the cast is made, it is necessary to twitch the bait with swings of the fishing rod, without allowing the weight to drag and roll on the water. Otherwise, line twists may quickly occur.
- In strong currents, you cannot cast across the current. You need to do it in the direction of the current, and move the bait, on the contrary, against the current, preferably holding it back at one point. It is this type of wiring that will allow you to keep the predators in one place and seduce them into play.
- You need to flirt with the fish in the current, that is, wag the tip of the spinning rod without moving the weight from its place. The flow of water itself will make the artificial baits play, and a little later you can make the line shorter, move the weight and play with the bait again.
- You should not get stuck in one place in a strong current, and also cast more than 5 times in one place.
- For standing waters, both blind and sliding versions of the outlet leash are suitable. Of course, you no longer have to choose how to cast upstream or downstream. Therefore, they can be done in any direction. It is advisable to play with bait together, choosing a point on a river with standing water.
- The fish in still water will be in one place and will not be carried away by the flow of water. It is better to lightly rock the fishing rod, which is necessary for passive individuals.
