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Zigs are a devastating tactic. As anything in angling though, there is a time and place. I would say though, if I fished a full year on only zigs, I would catch more than a full year fishing on the deck only. What I try to do is get the mix of methods right to get an even better return! Steveo has given some good advice but I have to say, I use the heaviest lead I can get away with. Also, as mentioned by others in this thread, a lead clip is the way to go. The reasons behind me having a big lead on a clip include making sure it comes off on the take. Most of the time my zigs are fished over two foot deep (not always though). I don't want lead swinging around that far away from the hook when playing fish. The takes on zigs can, a lot of the time, be either screamers or drop backs ( the fish is already moving during the bite). If the lead comes off and with the use of a tight line and heavy bobbin, the drop backs will be more positive. Another reason for the heavy lead is to do with the distance from the hook again. I want the hook set straight away and the heavy lead helps this. I want the fish to feel it straight away! Where hookbaits are concerned, I like to use a half and half colour. My starting point is always black and white zig lites from avid. White on top and black underneath. If the fish is over the top, the white will stand out against the dark water or bottom. The black will silhouette if the fish passes below it. These two factors can induce an inquisitive bite. All my plastics and foams are kept in a pot soaking in thaumatin B, diluted 50:50 with water. Oh, and zigs at night definitely work!!!!

Reedy11 my local is similar,definitely does better of a night...... But (and I'm not trying to start an argument) but if you haven't tried zigs of a night,you may catch more if you left say 1rod on them. I see what your saying about bottom baits producing for you,and can't knock you for sticking with it. But give it a go on a few overnighters,mate. You may surprised yourself. I still fish bottom baits myself. But I've also nicked the odd fish or 2 on an overnighter when everybody else blanked on the bottom

I start with bright colours on dull days dark on bright. If you do manage to get your head round zigging you'll definitely grab bonus fish. Can I ask why you won't fish a zig at night ? It's a great tactic

I still have never fully committed to Zigs when fishing ie all three rods at different depths changing depth until you find the column there in . Obviously with such a shallow lake you can do this pretty quickly. Also changes in colour can make the difference. But to me committing to the tactic is key . And something I have to try myself at some point. Best of luck & look forward to your report back .

Yep that's me if it don't produce after 10 mins....Bin it lol

Same i had a long zig rig before and used it for a few hours with no luck, I had a piece of yellow foam and used my mates bug juice on it but reeled it in and stuck a bottom bait on it.

Fair enough so do you think the 12lb zig line I ordered will be no good for a weedless venue? @Carpmachine, I see so if I'm going to use zigs on my syndicate, just use a 3ft line attached to an inline lead rather than using a float?

The Coleman Sportster 2 ticks all boxes for me. It's a great stove that works in any weather and is far more powerful than a gas stove.