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FRESHWATER RIG LIBRARY

Chod / Helicopter Rig

Advanced carp rigs: a short, stiff hooklink with a pop-up bait spins freely on the leader between two beads, above a heavy lead. It lands on top of weed and silt and rotates without tangling.

Best forCarp, tilapia
WhereWeed, silt, uneven bottom
MethodBait on the bottom, rod in rests
DifficultyAdvanced
Chod / Helicopter Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Leadcore leaderTop beadChod link + pop-upBottom beadHeavy lead

Rig diagram (component order)

Chod / Helicopter Rig: Leadcore leader, Top bead, Chod link + pop-up, Bottom bead, Heavy lead

Step-by-step how-to

Chod / Helicopter Rig — BigJoe step-by-step graphic
BigJoe step-by-step graphic

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Start with about 3 ft of leadcore or heavy leader.

  2. 2

    Thread on the top bead.

  3. 3

    Thread the swivel ring of the chod link.

  4. 4

    Thread on the bottom bead.

  5. 5

    Attach the heavy lead at the end.

  6. 6

    Set the top bead for the weed depth, cast, and let the pop-up ride above the bottom.

BigJoe Tips

  • The bottom bead must pull free so a lost lead can’t tether a fish.
  • Check the pop-up floats before casting.
  • Helicopter: fix the top bead closer to the lead.
  • Use heavy, abrasion-resistant leaders around weed.

Variations

  • Ronnie (spinner) rig with a quick-change swivel.
  • Bright pop-ups for “zig” fishing.
  • Lighter leads in soft silt.
  • Run it on heavy mono instead of leadcore.

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Target Species

Blue tilapiaOreochromis aureusNile tilapiaOreochromis niloticus