The Running Ledger Rig is one of the most widely used rigs in beach fishing. Although it’s not particularly suitable for long distance casting it is very effective for many species of fish including Bass, Codling, Turbot and a variety of other fish that can all be found at just a stones throw from the waters edge. It’s also very popular for targeting large fish from a boat.

The Running Ledger Rig is very simple to make. It is tied so that the weight is free to move up and down the main line allowing a hooked fish to ‘run’ with the bait without dragging the weight along with it. This is a huge benefit to the angler because the first real resistance that the fish feels once it’s taken your bait will be from your rod tip and not your weight. This should result in a much stronger ‘bite’ as the hook is set by the rod (which the angler can feel) and not the weight (which the angler cannot feel). The angler should also be able to feel the movements of the fish much more directly without the hindrance of the weight.

With most ‘fixed ledger’ rigs (for example the three hook flapper rig) the fish will feel immediate resistance from the weight and depending on the direction of pull and the slackness of your main line this initial ‘tug’ may not reach your rod tip. This can lead to the fish throwing the hook and bait before the angler even feels the ‘bite’. With the Running Ledger Rig it’s the resistance caused by the rod that sets the weight resulting is a far more direct bite and helping to ensure that the fish is securely hooked.

How to Tie a Running Ledger Rig

Tying a Running Ledger Rig is simple. Just follow the steps below.

1. Thread a lead link onto your shock leader. The Match Lead Link from Anyfish Anywhere is an excellent choice as it includes a swivel which helps to eliminate any line twist when casting.
2. Add two 8mm coloured beads and tie a swivel to the end of the shock leader. The beads will act as a buffer to protect the swivel knot from the lead link. The Large Rolling Swivel from Anyfish Anywhere is ideal here.
3. Tie a snood (hook line) the the end of the swivel. (If you are targeting Bass in the surf use a length of 30lb fluorocarbon (which is virtually invisible underwater) approximately 3 to 4 feet long.
4. Tie your hook to the end of the snood. For bass fishing a size 3/0 hook is ideal. You can also use a pennel hook before tying the main hook if you wish.
5. Attach your weight to the lead link, ensure that it’s free to move up and down the shock leader and main line and away you go!

You can use brightly coloured beads and sequins to add visual attraction to the rig. If you’re targeting flatfish you may want to use a thinner (lower breaking strain) snood line.

You now have a very effective rig that will help to transfer the movement of the fish directly to your rod tip!