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There is nothing new about “ the Dongle “ It’s been used abroad for many years and has been introduce over here for quite a while, yet it is still not used or talked about as much as it deserves to be,
So, what is “ a Dongle “ ?
Originally used in South Africa I believe, its was designed to fish a big bait leaving the hook completely exposed. It also had the benefit or incorporating a weak link running to the lead so that if snagged it would break away leaving the fish still retrievable.
See video ….
The Original and True Dongle Rig (Dingle Dangle Rig) Explained - Bing video
Since arriving over here the idea has generally been used in the form of a “hair rig” much the same as those use by carp anglers.
Consisting of a circle hook to which is attached a length of strong ( 300lb ) Braid, onto which the bait is mounted. With a loop at the end of the braid to attach it to the bait clip of your choice. I also use a small plastic pin to stop the bait sliding off.
I prepare my baits on a hooked baiting needle and simply slide it onto the dongle.
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As can be seen the hook point is clear and prominent and there is little risk of it becoming masked by the bait.
When I was first shown one several years ago I wasn’t convinced.
Having been accustomed to using a Pennel set up, the two hooked bait up had given me confidence that the bait was well presented and that one of the hooks would hit home. Reverting back to a single hook, all be it a circle did leave an element of doubt in my mind.
It shouldn’t have, as from the first bite I’ve found that the hook ups are really positive, with the hook invariably firmly set in the corner of the fishes mouth
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I’ve noticed that 90% of the time the baited dongle is on the outside of the mouth. I can only assume that the bait is initially swallowed by the fish and is ejected during being landed.
I do not believe this method attracts any more fish than any other method but I am convinced that the hook ups are more and that few if any bites are missed. This method almost entirely eliminates deep hooking, which I feel is a great benefit and makes it 100% more fish friendly that any other method.
No more damaged and bleeding fish, no more prodding around for deep hooks or cutting them off. Quick and easy unhooking and returning the fish is great. ( even the woofs suffer less )
Todate I’ve caught Rays, Hounds, Conger, Cod, Bass. Black Bream and Huss using this method. I’m sure it can also be adapted to catch other species like flatfish and others
So if you haven’t tried this method yet …. Give it a go, I’m confident that most of you will be surprised by it and hopefully converted to using it.
Happy ( Dongle ) Hooking .... Notso
So, what is “ a Dongle “ ?
Originally used in South Africa I believe, its was designed to fish a big bait leaving the hook completely exposed. It also had the benefit or incorporating a weak link running to the lead so that if snagged it would break away leaving the fish still retrievable.
See video ….
The Original and True Dongle Rig (Dingle Dangle Rig) Explained - Bing video
Since arriving over here the idea has generally been used in the form of a “hair rig” much the same as those use by carp anglers.
Consisting of a circle hook to which is attached a length of strong ( 300lb ) Braid, onto which the bait is mounted. With a loop at the end of the braid to attach it to the bait clip of your choice. I also use a small plastic pin to stop the bait sliding off.
I prepare my baits on a hooked baiting needle and simply slide it onto the dongle.
As can be seen the hook point is clear and prominent and there is little risk of it becoming masked by the bait.
When I was first shown one several years ago I wasn’t convinced.
Having been accustomed to using a Pennel set up, the two hooked bait up had given me confidence that the bait was well presented and that one of the hooks would hit home. Reverting back to a single hook, all be it a circle did leave an element of doubt in my mind.
It shouldn’t have, as from the first bite I’ve found that the hook ups are really positive, with the hook invariably firmly set in the corner of the fishes mouth
I’ve noticed that 90% of the time the baited dongle is on the outside of the mouth. I can only assume that the bait is initially swallowed by the fish and is ejected during being landed.
I do not believe this method attracts any more fish than any other method but I am convinced that the hook ups are more and that few if any bites are missed. This method almost entirely eliminates deep hooking, which I feel is a great benefit and makes it 100% more fish friendly that any other method.
No more damaged and bleeding fish, no more prodding around for deep hooks or cutting them off. Quick and easy unhooking and returning the fish is great. ( even the woofs suffer less )
Todate I’ve caught Rays, Hounds, Conger, Cod, Bass. Black Bream and Huss using this method. I’m sure it can also be adapted to catch other species like flatfish and others
So if you haven’t tried this method yet …. Give it a go, I’m confident that most of you will be surprised by it and hopefully converted to using it.
Happy ( Dongle ) Hooking .... Notso
