How to use Crab Cart for Winter Cod Fishing – Rigging Tips with Scott from EAC

1. Prepare the rig
   
   Remove the Pulley Pennell rig from the packet. These rigs come pre-tied and ready to use, but take care with the hooks and ensure all line is untangled before baiting up.

2. Create the bait spine
   
   Using your baiting tool, begin by creating a spine bait.
   
   Start with the squid, threading it onto the baiting tool. Some anglers prefer to remove the head, while others leave it on — for this demonstration, Scott uses the whole squid with the head intact.

3. Add the Crab Cart
   
   Next, introduce the Crab Cart.
   
   Crab Cart can be confusing for newcomers, as it’s a very versatile bait. It’s available in two types:

   The Crab Cart sold in-store is salted.
   
   Cut the wing in half and layer both wings neatly over the squid.

4. Finish the cocktail with lugworm
   
   Fold the black lugworm in half and layer it on top of the squid and Crab Cart wings.

5. Elastic the bait
   
   When using bait elastic, always wrap away from yourself to avoid getting sprayed by bait juices.
   
   Secure the bait firmly, finish with a half hitch, and then push the completed bait off the baiting tool.

6. Attach the bottom hook
   
   Take the bottom hook of the Pennell rig and nick it through the base of the bait, pulling it through the top of the squid head.
   
   Slide the hook shank down so it sits flush along the bait.
   
   Use bait elastic to secure the hook and bait together, ensuring the mainline runs straight up the length of the bait to prevent twisting. Finish with a half hitch.

7. Position the Pennell hook
   
   Scott prefers circle hooks when tying his own Pennell rigs, though J-hooks are more common on pre-tied rigs.
   
   Using the Pennell J-hook, wrap the mainline around the hook a few times, then pass it through the top of the bait so the hook holds everything neatly in place.

A Dongle rig is essentially a pulley rig with a short length of braid and a circle hook that “dongles” below the main bait. This setup allows fish to hook themselves effectively.

1. Match bait length to dongle length
   
   Remove the dongle rig from the packet.
   
   Match the length of the bait to the length of the dongle — for this presentation, Scott pairs a 3-inch dongle with a 3-inch strip of mackerel.

2. Build the bait
   
   Lay the mackerel on the baiting tool, then add:

3. Bind the bait
   
   Secure the bait firmly with elastic and finish with a half hitch.
   
   The result should be a compact, streamlined bait that holds together well in the cast.

4. Attach the dongle
   
   Hook the top of the bait, then run the dongle down the back of the bait so it sits flush.
   
   Use plenty of elastic to keep everything straight and secure.

5. Extra security wrap
   
   For additional strength, wrap the elastic from the bottom to the top of the bait.
   
   This creates a full casing effect around the bait and helps it withstand powerful casts and rough ground.

The rotten bottom is a weak link designed to release the lead if it becomes snagged, saving your hooks, trace, and bait.

• Scott uses an Imp fixed to the Cox & Rawle Dongle rig to secure the rotten bottom link.

• For this example, a 20lb line is used, though Scott often steps up to 30lb line when fishing rougher ground.

• Rotten bottoms are typically tied using a uni-knot for strength and consistency.