Where to fish with Zig Rigs

Zig Rigs are an awesome method when fishing in the summer because it allows you to target carp up in the water column. Suspended hookbaits will often produce when baits fished hard on the bottom will not. However, the one element that is exactly the same as bottom bait fishing is if you don’t get the location correct, your alarm can often lay silent and motionless.

So where would you present a Zig Rig to get the most out of them? Carp will often take certain and precise routes around the lake and if you can get a Zig bait suspended where they are patrolling, lots of action is sure to follow. In terms of how deep to fish your Zig, at this time of year you want to start off with the hookbait a foot or two below the surface, but be prepared to experiment if you’re not getting action.

Here, CARPology.net is going to show you certain hotspots and features around a common lake that are likely to produce takes on Zig Rigs so you can make the most of your time on the bank and catch loads more carp.

1. Bays

Shallow bays often act as a suntrap, which provides the carp with lots of warmth. Zig Rigs presented up in the water at the mouth/entrance of the bay will often catch lots of carp in the daytime.

2. Plateaux

Plateaux are shallower, raised-off-the-lakebed features and Zig Rigs presented around the side of one or on top can be devastating.

3. Islands

Islands are like magnets to carp and will make up part of their patrol route around the lake. In the hot weather they will be circling around the shallow marginal shelf, so casting a Zig Rig around the outside if an island should produce lots of fish.

4. Gravel bars

Like an island, a gravel bar is a feature carp will use as part of their patrol route – like a roadway to us – and a Zig fished on top or at the end of a bar is most definitely in with a shout of a bite.

5. Margins

Margins are often a massive holding area for carp because of the abundance of cover, which includes overhanging trees, lily pads and reedbeds. In the hot weather the carp often enter and leave snags up in the water column so a floating Zig bait is perfect for a daytime bite.

6. Food traps (drifted scum)

Food traps are where there has been a scum or film drifting with the wind and has collected in a corner or bay. The carp will often be hiding under it because of the cover but also because of the microscopic bugs and food which collects in the scum. Zig Rigs presented on the outside of the scum will often catch loads of fish.