Martin Bowler is a big fan of the ‘naked chod’ set up, especially when the water is gin clear and very weedy. Here’s how he ties it:
The chod rig and leadcore is synonymous with each other and the track record of this combo has been incredibly successful so maybe it will seem strange that I don’t use leadcore 90% of the time. Why? A sinking line gives a far more subtle presentation over weed and when using strong 25lb fluorocarbon, which I prefer for close in work, I’m more than happy to have an ESP ready-tied chod rig running up and down directly on the line.
I am however dubious about doing the same on standard 15lb mono and while I have seen many experts tout this practise I would be very worried that the friction caused with a carp on the end of a chod could lead to breakages so instead I tie on an ESP tapered leader via a mahin knot.
I then thread on a No-trace bead before slipping on an ESP size 5 short ready-tied chod followed by an ESP 5mm rubber bead and a rubber float stop.
..followed by a ready tied chod rig and 5mm bead mounted on a float stop
The distance between the 2 dictating how far back from the lead the hook bait travels but generally I set it at about 4 feet.
Now I could tie a lead straight onto the end of the leader but instead I tie a figure of 8 loop in the end.
The lead itself is attached onto another separate length of line 8 inches long, normally of 12lb, with a snap link for clipping the lead on and off with an ESP big eyed swivel on the other end which is used to connect to the leader on a loop to loop basis. Should I then need to change the chod section I can simply disconnect everything, slide it off and slip a new one on. This means I never have to cut the leader, which will shorten it leading to it having to be replaced once the 50lb part has been removed.
The separate section also keeps a distance between the carp’s mouth and the lead, which in my experience reduces hook pulls.
All that is finally left to do is attach a pop up via bait floss and add a little tungsten putty. Now I have all the benefits of a chod which is less conspicuous than leadcore while maintaining a good deal of strength.