I was looking to get some input on this, which do you prefer and why.

Since starting with the Euro gear and method leads I have tended to go with the fixed rig. But it seems to reason that a running rig with no resistance might produce more hook-ups. I was wondering if a few of you could chime in with your own experiences and opinions on this.

with the fixed rig it is the resistance of the fixed lead that gives the initial hookup, with a running rig there is an easier chance of getting a spit out of your hook bait, at least that is my opinion

If I'm fishing for Buffs, I'll use Running Rigs. But if Carp are the Target, I'll have a mix of Bolt, and Running rigs.

I like running rigs most of the time. Fixed work well too, but running rigs are just simpler to my simple mind!

Fixed works for me and never having tried running rigs I like to stick with what I know and what works for mr, but experimenting is never bad and there are always different situations for what's best

Grant, how about placing a rubber stop 2' above your running rig so the lead will hit the stop and drive the hook home for you if you want the fish to feel nothing at first

Scott 2 feet, or 2 inches? I would think just a couple of inches is fine.

2 feet

Think about this a little differently. They both have good hook up rates so let that not be a consideration for a moment. The deciding factor for me is indication�

Example 1: You are casting 20-60 yards from the bank� In this situation a fixed lead rig would work the best.

Example 2: The swim that is 20-60 yards out has gone dead. Now you want to boat out lines to the margins on the other side of the lake. Think about this, if the fish bolts, on the other side of the lake, which way will the fish bolt? The fish will always bolt away from the margin so the fish will be swimming directly towards you. The very best hangers and swingers will only indicate a few beeps before they have dropped back as far as they can. However, with a running rig, the line does not drop back. It continues to pull out and indicates as a normal run.

A running rig indicates much better at long distances. Nowadays, if I am fishing beyond 80 yards I use a running rig with a very heavy lead, 5 ounces or more. When I put the line out I will get my line tight and then tighten the bait runner drag, just a little. This makes for good hook resistance and I feel that the running rig gets just as many hook ups as a fixed lead.

Don�t worry about how far the hook is driven by the lead. Driving the hook in is your job. The lead just needs the point of the hook to stick.

There is another major advantage that the running rig has over a fixed rig. If you have seen the Korda videos than you have seen how some fixed lead rigs don�t eject the lead soon enough allowing the fish to shake his head and use the leads inertia to throw the hook. There is no possibility of this happening with a running rig.

Thanks for the replies on this. Really good feedback so far.

Scott, I might have to give this a go. I am assuming that this a semi-fixed rig? I am still very novice when it comes to rigs beyond a fixed method feeder so forgive my ignorance. I am checking out BCT to find a rubber stop that you are describing.

Jason, very detailed descriptions of how both methods can be employed and when they should be employed. I was wondering about when the situation would dictate the type of rig you use and you certainly enlightened me on that! I never really thought about the distance being a factor, but it makes total sense.

Sulla, if you can't find the rubber stops, or don't want to spend the money, you can make a stop using a bead and some string. Whenever I need a stop, I thread a bead on the line (packs of 100 available for real cheap at Hobby Lobby) and nail knot a little string above it on the line where I want it to stop. The knot is adjustable, sometimes self adjusting and you need to move it back to where it was. I use fly line backing for the nail knot because it comes in spools too large to do one reel, but not enough for two so I have a lot of it hanging around. If you don't have scrap backing, Hobby Lobby also sells embroidery thread for fairly cheap and it works great.

there is always the good standby splitshot, only prob. with that is it always will slide on ya

I don't like split shot because of the sliding issue you mention and the fact it often damages the line some. The nail knot doesn't slide as readily and doesn't put kinks in the line.

Yeah I am leaning more towards the nail knot on this one as well, split shots are a last resort measure, but a decent suggestion nonetheless.

you can get the beads and tube/knot's pretied I use them for float stops they slide up and down the line with enough pressure so they will be fish safe as well.