The D-Rig has long been a revolutionary leader. So much so, in fact, that it has been the basis for numerous developments in leader design. The Slip D-Rig is a modern modification with enhanced flexibility and versatility.
What are D-Rig briefs?
Unlike the D-Rig, which is made from rigid materials, the Slip D-Rig is made from flexible or semi-rigid materials. As a result, it offers great mobility both in the presentation of the bait (like the D-Rig) and in its entirety. The Slip D-Rig therefore offers greater versatility than its D-Rig counterpart, since it can be used with all types of bait: dense, balanced and floating.
Materials required for Slip D-Rig assembly
To be adapted according to conditions.
- X-WRAP sheathed braid in 25 lbs
- Curved Shank Power Hooks
- A micro ring swivel
- Heat-shrink tubing
- An anti-tangle sleeve
- A split lead and lead paste
- A pair of scissors
- A knot puller
- A lighter
Production stages
1) Cut 30-40 cm of sheathed braid.
2) Strip about 10 cm of sheathed braid.
3) Form a loop with the stripped part.
4) Pass the loop through the inside of the hook eye. Adjust the size of the loop with the short strand. The sheathed braid should be at the limit of the eye.
5) Thread the micro swivel through the loop, then press the loop back inside the hook.
6) Refine the size of your loop if necessary to form your D like the D-Rig (with the short strand still there). The base of the loop at the curve is a good compromise.
7) Keeping the loop in place, tie a knot with the sheathed strand.
8) Cut off the excess loop (small bare strand) and burn the end.
9) Thread the thermo-sleeve and run under hot water.
10) Thread an anti-tangle sleeve and make the end loop (figure-of-eight knot).
The Slip D-Rig is extremely versatile. To use it with floating baits, simply pinch a split shot at the desired floating distance and add lead paste.
As you can see, the Slip D-Rig is a more versatile adaptation of the traditional D-Rig with increased mobility that will be useful in certain fishing conditions. The Slip D-Rig has lost in rigidity (and perhaps discretion) but gained in versatility. So D-Rig or Slip D-Rig? Your choice will depend on your fishing conditions: shore or boat fishing, presence or absence of undesirables, need to change baits often, nature of the substrate... All these factors need to be taken into account.
