As the name suggests, these are weighted, pre tied rigs designed to stay ‘hard on’ the bottom of the venue you wish to target. ACE have provided a readymade, completely safe (if used as directed), and extremely tough, hard wearing product designed to pin down terminal tackle. As usual with ACE carp tackle, you do not have to go out and purchase additional items to make the ‘system’ work; all the bits you need are already included in the pack, so no unnecessary expense. I chose to use and review the ‘weed’ version of the rig, but it is available in ‘silt’ and ‘gravel’ to suit all types of fishing and give the angler the ability to disguise any rig on any bottom.
In each pack, there are three top quality lead core leaders and all the associated tail rubbers, lead clips and QC (quick change) swivels needed to make three complete rigs. It also features extra flexi ring and standard swivels if you choose to vary the set up, and all can be easily interchanged into the spliced loop attachment. Each leader is 36 inches (90cm) in length meaning that the bits that count are ‘hard on’ the lake bed and out of the way of unsuspecting carp. Used in conjunction with ACE range of flying back leads, there is no chance of anything becoming visible or sitting proud of the bottom.
Opening the distinctive orange and black packaging, I found that the leaders have negligible ‘memory’ and did not maintain any coils or kinking. A few seconds to straighten them out and they were ready to fish with. To attach the leader to the mainline, a spliced loop is designed to be fixed ‘loop to loop’ to prevent any hefty knots rendering the rigs unsafe. At the lead end, the clip fits snugly over the size 8 QC swivel. I like to cut down the actual clip to guarantee that my lead releases in the event of a problem; unlike many other manufacturers, I found that the receiver for the lead is somewhat flatter and more flexible allowing the tail rubber to slide off in the event of a breakage. It does still have a slight ribbed finish to maintain tail rubber security, but the flatter design helps it release if necessary.
All the lead clip rigs are of the tri-weave design to break up the outline and aid camouflage, the spliced attachment loop is strong and well constructed and the lead clip is sturdy enough to be used with weights of up to 5ozs. The leaders sink quickly and do not coil up or kink on settling to the bottom so concealment of terminal tackle is effective. As another part of the ‘Elements’ range, it fits fantastically well with the brand loyal angler who likes to keep things tidy. I used my lead clip rigs in conjunction with ACE ‘Camo core’ hook links to provide an effective carp catching system, with fantastic anti tangle properties.
Retailing for around £4.99, I got mine from Pickering’s of Burslem who stock a huge range of ACE goodies. For more product information and a list of stockists, visit www.acecarp.com
