Gardner Convert Lead Safe System C-Thur Green

The Covert Lead-Safe System allows carp and specialist anglers to construct simple, super safe, tangle free bolt rigs.

The Covert Lead-Safe System allows carp and specialist anglers to construct simple, super safe, tangle free bolt rigs.

The design of the Lead-Safe System is based on similar principles to a lead clip and tail rubber design that most anglers understand as they have been available for many years. The Lead-Safe Clip retains a standard size 8 swivel that clicks securely in place. Instead of mounting the lead on an external ‘arm’, that allows the lead to discharge, the lead’s swivel is retained on the back of the system clip itself, held in place with a tail rubber. This means that in the event of a lost rig the lead/tail rubber can pull off the clip and run down the line so it’s still safe. Essentially, the Lead Safe system creates a safe bolt rig that’s suitable for fishing on any venue or angling scenario, in which losing a lead would be unnecessary.

The friction/resistance created by the dedicated tail rubber is perfect for general carp angling use, and can be adjusted by simply changing how far you push the tail rubber onto the rear of the clip. Simply push the tail rubber right on to create maximum resistance for most fishing situations.

If you want to create a ‘prick and release’ style lead arrangement, with the tail rubber only just pushed onto the clip, when a carp tightens the hooklink and pricks itself the lead can pop off the clip and run down the line. This controlled separation makes it almost impossible for the fish to use the weight of the lead to shake the hook out.

Another specialised application is extreme range fishing in open water. Lead clips occasionally open out under the extreme force exerted by ultimate long range angling, but the design of the Lead-Safe system means this cannot happen. We recommend adding a length of Covert Sinking Rig Tubing or Covert Tungsten Tubing pushed into the Tail Rubber to reduce the incidence of tangles, especially if you’re using a soft and supple braided hooklink.

When using Covert Lead-Safe System clips with shock leaders (for extreme range fishing) it is worth doctoring the Tail Rubber (by trimming the narrow end) enlarging the central bore to ensure that it will pass easily over the leader knot allowing the lead to release from the leader.