Rig · shore deep-spin from pier or rock
How to tie a flying collar rig
On the retrieve. A short boom holds a 1 to 2 m fluoro trace clear of the lead so the lure can flow on a slow spin beside deep east-coast rock or a pier end. Same idea as the boat rig, cut down so it actually casts from the shore.
Targets
- Bass
- Pollack
Baits. Sandeel, redgill, soft plastic lures
What it is made of
- 1MainlineBraid or mono, straight into the boom
- 2Short boomShort plastic or wire boom, or a running boom, keeps the trace clear of the lead
- 3BeadBetween boom and swivel
- 4Shore trace1 to 2 m of 15 to 20 lb fluoro. Castable from the shore, not a boat wreck length
- 5Lure or baitSandeel, redgill or a soft plastic
- 6Lead2 to 4 oz hanging below the boom
Tie it
- Boom onto the mainline, bead after it.
- Swivel below the bead.
- One to two metres of 15 to 20 lb fluoro from the swivel.
- Sandeel, redgill or soft plastic on the end.
- Cast, let it sink beside deep rock or a pier end, then retrieve slowly and steadily.
The classic boat flying collar uses 12 to 20 ft traces over wrecks. That length is not a shore cast. Keep the trace at 1 to 2 m or you will tangle on every cast from pier or rock.
When to fish the flying collar
The flying collar puts a long trace behind a short boom, so a lure or bait swims well away from the weight and the main line. From deep rock marks and pier ends it lets you work a sandeel or a soft plastic through the water column for bass and pollack with a natural action.
When to leave it in the box
It needs depth and moving water to fish well, and a long trace is awkward to cast in any wind. In shallow water or over thick weed it is more trouble than it is worth.
How it goes wrong
- Retrieving too fast, which lifts the lure out of the zone the fish are holding in.
- Trace too long to handle from the shore, so every cast tangles.
- Fishing it straight down in dead water, where the long trace just hangs.
Other rigs for the same fish
- Running ledger
Best for estuaries, bass marks. Also takes bass.
- Pennel
Best for big baits. Also takes bass.
- Pulley
Best for rough ground. Also takes bass.
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Buy the parts
What you need for the flying collar
Tagged Amazon.ie links for the published east-coast parts list. Prefer a pre-tied pack when you want to fish now; otherwise buy the hooks, leads, and terminal below.
Buy on Amazon.ie, Sidewinder Sandeel Pearl 4inLure · primary
Shore sandeel pattern for flying-collar retrieves over rock.