Bite Indicators- Swingers & Hangers

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Lots of carp fishermen get confused about bite indicators and how to set them up. The answer usually depends on how far out you want to fish. The most important thing to remember is that the further out you fish, the more likely you are to experience slack line takes (known as drop backs). Drop backs are caused by the fish picking up the bait and either swimming directly toward you or kiting in an arc either side of the bait. When drop back bites are expected, a loaded indicator will always give a more positive indication than a light indicator.

Short Range (1-30 meters)
Drop back bites are very unlikely and the indicator is fished on a long drop with the line between the rod tip and rig hanging slack. Load the indicator to counteract any undertows or side winds by manipulating the sliding weight on Swingers and choosing the amount of weight you screw onto Hangers.

Medium Range (3 1-80 meters)
At medium range, drop back bites are more likely to occur. Fish with a loaded Hanger or with a Swinger, fixing the collar weight between half way and two-thirds along the Swinger arm. Because the Indicator is loaded, any slackening of the line will help it to fall back. Forward runs will rip line off the baitrunner and set the indicator dancing! The gap between rod blank and indicator can bi varied but it is wise to fish with the indicator no more than a few inches from the blank so that it has plenty of room to fall in the event of a drop-back take.

Long Range (81 meters plus)
At long range, drop back takes are very common. The amount of line between the rod tip and lead exaggerates the need for efficient drop back indication because of the amount of stretch. Euro-Swingers are by far and away the most effective indicators for the job because they have a Spring Tensioning System that allows it to be loaded to a weight equivalent of 6 ounces. The Swingers a fished with the weight pushed up toward the head and the Spring Tensioning System activated to maximize the loading effect, making them very sensitive even to a slight slackening of the line. Use line clip to ensure that the Swinger head is fished close to the rod blank to exaggerate backward line movement. Alternatively, use the Hanger indicators, adding extra screw on weights to increase the loading of the indicator.  
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