Beautiful big common falls for early zig rig tactics.

An early zig rig proved to be the downfall of this stunning 45lb 2oz common recently, after being targeted by the tactic by carp ace Glenn Maulkerson.

Setting out his stall at Cambridgshire’s Monks Pit, Glen knew that the carp on the venue can often slip up on zigs earlier in the year than most waters, so decided to employ the tactic – and to great effect.

Setting up a 9ft hooklink Glen cast out his set up into still conditions at around 100yards range in a section of the lake where fish had been showing. Then it was a waiting game, until in the early hours of the next morning the trap was sprung.

“The fish came at 6am just as it was getting light,” said Glen. “After a short fight I had the fish close in, but it got caught up on one of my other lines. After trying to net the fish three times from below and not succeeding I dropped the rod and flopped the net over the top of the fish and dragged it in, I think my name was on this one.”

Glen's winning rig sonsisted of a 9ft 12lb Fox Zig and Floater line hooklink to a size 9 Arma Point SSC hook carrying a trimmed down Green Beast pop-up. His mainline was 30lb Horizon braid.