Cox & Rawle Circle Hook Extra Bridle Rig 2pcs

Cox & Rawle Circle Hook Extra Bridle Rig (2pcs): The Ultimate Catch-and-Release Tool for Big Game

For the serious predator angler, the goal is often two-fold: secure a rock-solid hook-up and ensure the fish can be released safely. At Gerry’s Fishing, we highly recommend the Cox & Rawle Circle Hook Extra Bridle Rig as the gold standard for achieving both. This expertly tied rig combines the legendary “self-setting” properties of a high-grade circle hook with a professional-grade bridle setup, designed specifically to present large live or dead baits with maximum efficiency.

The beauty of this rig lies in its mechanical precision. By using a bridle, the hook remains completely clear of the bait, allowing it to rotate freely. When a predator swallows the bait and moves away, the circle hook is pulled to the corner of the jaw, where it slides and locks into place. This significantly reduces the chance of “deep hooking” or gut-hooking, making it the preferred choice for conservation-minded anglers targeting shark, skate, and large tope. Built with Cox & Rawle’s signature attention to detail, these rigs are ready to fish straight out of the packet.

Detailed Specifications

Where to Use the Cox & Rawle Circle Hook Bridle Rig

• Deep Sea Sharking: This rig is a must-have for shark sessions. The bridle allows a mackerel or herring to be presented perfectly in the water column, while the circle hook ensures that even the most aggressive takes result in a clean, corner-of-the-mouth hook-up for easy unhooking at the side of the boat.

• Static Baiting for Common Skate: When fishing in deep-water lochs or offshore marks for massive skate, the “Extra Bridle” allows you to secure large baits like whole squid or flappers. The circle hook is essential here to prevent the heavy lead from pulling the hook out during the long retrieve from the depths.

• Catch-and-Release Bass Fishing: For the specimen hunter using large live baits (like pouting or mackerel), this rig provides peace of mind. It allows the bass to fully take the bait without the risk of the hook engaging too early or too deep.

• Uptiding for Large Rays: Use this rig when fishing in heavy tides. The bridle keeps the bait streamlined against the flow, preventing the “spinning” that often ruins presentation on standard rigs.

Pro Tip from the Gerry’s Team

The “Don’t Strike” Rule: The most common mistake with circle hook rigs is “striking” like you would with a J-hook. When using the Cox & Rawle Bridle Rig, you must resist the urge to yank the rod. Simply wait for the line to tighten and the rod to double over, then steadily increase the pressure or engage the reel. The hook is designed to find its own way to the corner of the mouth—striking often just pulls the hook clean out of the fish’s open jaw!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a bridle instead of just hooking the bait?

Hooking a bait directly often “masks” the hook point, meaning the hook has to tear through the bait before it can find purchase in the fish. A bridle keeps the hook 100% exposed and mobile. This leads to significantly better hook-up rates and allows your live bait to breathe and swim much more naturally.

Is this rig suitable for heavy wire traces?

The standard rig is tied with high-quality mono/fluorocarbon, which is perfect for most species. However, if you are targeting toothy sharks like Blues or Porbeagles, you can easily incorporate this bridle rig into a wire “rubbing” leader setup for added security against sharp teeth.

What size bait is the “Extra Bridle” designed for?

The “Extra” designation usually refers to the length and strength of the bridle loop, making it ideal for larger baits. It comfortably handles whole mackerel, large squid, or even small “dead-bait” flappers.

Are the hooks rust-resistant?

Yes, Cox & Rawle use specialized coatings on their high-carbon hooks to resist the corrosive effects of saltwater. To maximize the life of your rigs, we always suggest a quick rinse in fresh water and a thorough drying before putting them back in your tackle box.