Cox and Rawle Bait Sliders and how to use them
I’ve been using these Bait Sliders to good effect for a good few years, using them in the UK for Bass and in the past for Cod. I also believe that Cox & Rawle bait Sliders are being used in the deep shore waters of Scotland for Common Skate and I’m pretty sure it would work for Tope fishing as well. They are a given in Norway for a variety of species including Cod and Halibut.
How do I use a Bait Slider?
I’ve found Cox and Rawle’s Bait Slider works best when casting slightly down-tide 50m or closer, I normally fish one bait just past the gutter and another furher out; tightening the line enough so as not to trip the lead. Once this is done you can connect the Cox and Rawle Bait Slider and work your baits out. Sometimes you need to pump the rod against the lead by slowly lifting the rod up and down to get the bait on the move past the inshore surf.
Tackle up for success
I’ve found this method works best with soft tipped rods i.e., glass tips, as the leads will bounce out in the swells if it’s rough with more solid tipped rods. Also, it works best with a nylon running line – I prefer to use 20lb Grand Slam in the UK and between 30 and 50lb when fishing in Norway.
Another consideration is keeping the rod tip relatively high as this will help the Bait Slider unit slide down the line.
It’s important to make sure your drag is set as I’ve seen a few lucky anglers close to losing their rods.
A nicely marked Skrei, caught on Herring section.
Cox & Rawle Bait Slider and how it works
When using a bait slider in the UK I usually use 30 to 60lb fluorocarbon tippet and a 4/0 to 9/0 Cox & Rawle SCR44 Mutsu Circle hook depending on bait size. When I’m in Norway I tend to upscale to use 100lb fluorocarbon and either a 9/0 or 10/0 C&R SCR44 Mutsu Circle hook
Baits and how to hook them
The bait I use are pieces of Mackerel, Herring, Coalfish, even whole Coalfish, Herring, Mackerel or Cod when fishing in Norway. I have been known to use a live Whiting or Pouting when fishing the UK
Knot For Hook
I’ve used various knots to attch Circle Hooks whilst using this method. But now exclusively use the Rapala Knot to connect my hook to nylon as this gives the hook more movement (this know is also great for using Circles with Dongle Rig( and a Uni Knot to connect to slider.
How to Set up
When connecting the bait slider to the main line always make sure it’s facing down the line. As it’s designed to slide down line that way, it’s basically designed to slide one way, so it stops live baits swimming back up the line.
Bites and What to do
When you get a bite there’s no need to strike as the fish could of taken the bait anywhere between the surg line and the lead on the bottom. All you need to do is adjust your drag to fighting position not over tightening, if it’s a decent fish it could snap you off (and you don’t want that to happen) just keep winding and once you start to feel the weight of the fish slow your winding down and be ready for the fireworks!
Other Ways to Use Bait Sliders
It’s not just a method you use to catch big fish; You can also use Bait Slider with small baits for most flat fish species Plaice, Dabs, Flounder and Sole. Using small worms, ragworm, small fish baits when targeting mid-water and surface feeding species like Mackerel, Scad and Garfish.
Personal Best: Bass of 6lb 14oz
This one’s eyes were bigger than its belly!
A 38lbs 9oz Halibut caught on a Herring chunk slid across the tide
A 103lbs Halibut caught on Coalfish head and guts.
My PB, Wolfish of 18lbs caught on Herring Section.
David Wood-Brignall
Cox & Rawle PRO-Team member
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