Explanation please

[smokie]

Could someone explain the art of scratching ?
and what rigs you require etc,
Thanks
Robbie

[SnaggedUpLad]

The art of scratching? Okay, scratching is running small bait with small hooks in the bed to catch flatties (occasionally other fish too like). Normally fished with lighter gear due to flatties being good sport.

Try to cover alot of ground too. Unlike fishing the beach for cod (where we all try to cast to Norway) you cast 20-60yds (you can get flatties within 10yds of the waters edge).

Use rigs that are flappers i.e 3 hook flappers, up and downs etc and keep your snoods to about 10-12 inches. Use light weights 2-5oz depending on your gear (as mentioned before).

Stick small hooks on 1/0's with either single worm baits (normally rag) and mack or bluey.

When a flattie bites its normally a nice twang of the tip then nothing (After its attack it will normally lay on the bottom).

Hope this attempt at a explaination helped... I'm probably going to be corrected at some point like lol

[smokie]

Thanks for that info. I'll have to get some rigs made up
& give it a try.

Does this method guarantee a catch ? (only joking)

[SnaggedUpLad]

Its about 95% or your money back.... I do know a 100% fishey method but I keep it to myself

Okay I'll tell you, get a 3 hook flapper bait them up from top to bottom rag, rag, bluey.

Cast around 40 yards and stick it on a rod stand.

Then walk to the shoreline and use this with a tie rope about 20 times ignoring your rod completely

[smokie]

Is that for the Flying fish?

[Iva-Cod-on]

Pmsl so that's what coddy was using over the winter lol

[dave craig]

if i could add, try taking all the gear bait etc you need in as small bags etc as possible, that way you can cover plenty of ground easily and increase your chances of catching.

[SnaggedUpLad]

Pmsl so that's what coddy was using over the winter lol

Probably, but its such a boys toy you can't help thinking I should buy one..... I would if i was single, go down big market and catch me some cattle lmao

[mick dunn]

Scratching is a common method in club matches. You are allowed to use three hooks so we use 3 hook flappers. You can buy clip down ones off flea bay from several copmanies (i like Lizard RIGS) or there is ART rigs. For distance casting-or just ordinary flapper for lobbing out past the surf.
Usually the bottom hook is the cod catcher. Its a gamble on a small hook-but you can still get some big fish.
Mick. ps small fish still equal points so you can score up a decent score on small fish.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BASIC-THREE-HOOK-CLIP-DOWN-RIGS-HOOK-SIZE-3-0_W0QQitemZ170444644055QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL?hash=item27af4aded7

[Mogthemackem]

When scratching I use booms and 5-6inch snoods with size 4 hooks. I find the smaller snoods ensure a higher bite per catch rate as very little play in the line causing better hooking. Just my preferred method but I do canny when scratching. I usually use my AFAW 2 and bait aswel matched up with my 6500 or preferrably my fixed spool with braid as you see every bite and feel every tug even when smaller fish. I even sometimes take my spinning rod down on the pier and use the same method with braid. Had some really good fun during the summer and caught 8 different species in about 3 hours before.

[jamiebrennan]

thought sless might have been posting on this one...

[neil1964]

Scratching is a common method in club matches. You are allowed to use three hooks so we use 3 hook flappers. You can buy clip down ones off flea bay from several copmanies (i like Lizard RIGS) or there is ART rigs. For distance casting-or just ordinary flapper for lobbing out past the surf.
Usually the bottom hook is the cod catcher. Its a gamble on a small hook-but you can still get some big fish.
Mick. ps small fish still equal points so you can score up a decent score on small fish.
BASIC THREE HOOK CLIP DOWN RIGS HOOK SIZE 3/0 on eBay (end time 12-Mar-10 19:45:47 GMT)

I have never bought a pre-made rig in my life but at that price I might have a look? They look like they have been put together with decent materials? I would probably give them a good tug and inspection before I used them, as I wouldn't trust the knots until they had a good testing! I hate tying my own and find its so tedious, I put it off until I have nearly nowt left in my rig wallet. Have you used these Mick? What are they like, knots and hook quality etc?

[SnaggedUpLad]

That price is a bit steep to be honest mate (including postage since it would cost the max of 56p for 6 rigs to be packed and posted) .... Cheap for ready made rigs but for rigs you could make yourself if you look round for the components it could work out alot cheaper 3 hook flappers

I've bought lizard rigs and art's rigs and lizards rigs are cheaper and better quality in my opinion. Only downside is they use a odd hook knot that leaves the tag (even if cut flat) out to the side which tends to rip the worm up alittle

[mick dunn]

I totally agree with Matchman thhat catching a fish on a rig you made is so much better.
However at rigs for just over a £1 each and of good quality its hard to resist.
They are excellent quality and made from strong memory free line.
I would recommend 100%.
Mick.

[pondlife]

post

I use lizard rigs meslf to fill up me rig wallet from time to time. I prefer using me own rigs but when time is short and lethergy sets in then these rigs have filled a gap fro me.