Rattle Rigs

It is well known that catfish will respond positively to noise, vibration and general disturbance so it can be useful to add this to your baits. In running water, a rattle will work to some point on any bait even static ones as the water movement will provide some 'rattling' In stillwaters, rattles are generally only used on livebaits, where the movement of the bait is enough to get the rattle working. 



Rig Rattles or Booby beads as they are also known have been used on fishing baits for years and are widely available, they are usually used clipped onto the hooklink, close to the bait for maximum movement. Extra large rattles can also be made from kinder eggs or ping pong balls with a few small shot inside - care must be taken to reseal them so they don't take on water during use!

There are other options too such as rattling lead links. These are generally self built and comprise a sound chamber made from either a ping pong type ball or bubble float that has a few small shot inserted inside. This is then attached to the lead link so that it will rattle when moved. These attractors are best used in shallow water or where the bait is fished close to the bottom. If you really want to take the rattling thing to its limit, you can get rattling beads and swivels to complete your rigs!


Lure fishing is not a widely used method in the UK but Continental anglers  practice this regularly and often insert rattles in their lures. Glass rattles are made especially for inserting in rubber shad type baits.


Beware of fishing with rattles when there is a large head of pike present - they are pike magnets!

 

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