Axia Running Up & Over Rig

Axia Running Up & Over Rig – The Ultimate Long-Range Specimen Rig

When you are targeting hard-fighting species like big Cod, Rays, and Smoothhounds, you need a rig that combines maximum casting distance with a delicate, natural presentation. The Axia Running Up & Over Rig, available here at Gerry’s Fishing, is engineered to do exactly that.

This rig is a favorite among distance casters. By clipping the long snood “up and over” the top of the rig, it creates a streamlined profile that cuts through the air, adding vital yards to your cast. Once it hits the water, the snood releases and sits pinned to the seabed. The “running” design ensures that when a fish takes the bait, it can move away without immediately feeling the weight of the lead, giving them the confidence to fully swallow the hook.

Technical Specifications

Where to Use the Axia Running Up & Over Rig

• Open Surf Beaches: When the fish are feeding behind the third or fourth breaker, the streamlined “Up & Over” design allows you to reach those distant gullies.

• Deep Water Rock Marks: Ideal for targeting Rays and Congers that are notoriously “shy” biters. The running lead allows them to move off into the tide before the hook sets.

• Fast-Flowing Estuaries: Excellent for Smoothhounds; the long snood allows the bait to flutter naturally in the current while staying pinned to the bottom.

• Clean to Mixed Ground: Best suited for sand, shingle, or light broken ground where the long snood can lay flat without getting instantly snagged.

Gerry’s Pro Tip

“The key to the Up & Over rig is the bait presentation. Because you are clipping the hook ‘up’ towards the top of the rig, always use a bait shield or an impact lead to protect your bait during the cast. If you are using large baits like whole squid or crab for Smoothhounds, use a small piece of bait elastic to secure the hook point. This ensures the bait stays streamlined in flight and doesn’t ‘parachute’ and ruin your distance.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called an ‘Up & Over’ rig?

It refers to the way the hook is clipped. The snood goes from the bottom of the rig, up to a clip near the top, and then back down. This allows for a very long snood while keeping the rig compact and aerodynamic for casting.

Is it better than a standard Pulley Rig?

While both are great for distance, the Running Up & Over offers less resistance to a fish on the initial take. It’s often preferred for “fussy” biters like Rays that might drop a bait if they feel the tension of a pulley system too soon.

What hook size should I use?

As this is a specimen rig body, we recommend matching your hook to your target. A 3/0 or 4/0 wide-gape hook is perfect for Cod and Bass, while a strong 2/0 or 3/0 is ideal for the crushing jaws of a Smoothhound.

Does it come with a lead?

No, the rig is supplied as the rig body and snood. We recommend pairing it with a 150g–175g (5oz–6oz) grip lead to ensure it holds bottom in a tide