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IQ D Rig Workshop: Build a Fluorocarbon D-Rig
Tie an IQ D rig with step-by-step diagrams, a Korda-first component checklist, returned-tag checks and wafter testing. Save your workshop progress.
Careful tag finishing · 6 practical steps
Get your tackle ready
The small D behind the hook is the part to concentrate on here. We'll form it from fluorocarbon so the bait swivel can move freely, then finish the short tag without damaging the line that carries the load. Take this stage slowly. The full guide explains when this stiffer rig is worth trying and gives you more detail on the components.
Where to use it: A size-4 Kurv Shank and 20lb IQ2 wafter example for a checked clean spot. This returned-tag construction includes controlled heat on a non-load-bearing tag; if you can't isolate it safely, use a suitable ready-tied rig or get experienced help. Don't crimp IQ2.
New to this rig? Read the full iq d rig guide first, or try the rig selector if you're still choosing.
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Step 1 of 6
Check the hook and fluorocarbon
Set out the selected size-4 Kurv Shank, 20lb IQ2, bait swivel and actual wafter. Allow about 30cm of hooklink for a practice rig rather than cutting to finished length immediately. Check that the eye will accept the required passes without scraping the material. Reject any kinked, abraded or cloudy section. Prepare a clear work surface and keep the heat source off until the tag-finishing stage.
Check before moving on
The material is sound, the eye is compatible and the selected hook is permitted by the fishery.
Common mistake to avoid
A similarly labelled fluorocarbon or a familiar breaking strain doesn't establish knot or crimp compatibility.
Step 2 of 6
Tie the hook knot and retain the tag
Pass the working hooklink through the eye so it exits towards the hook point, retaining enough tag behind the shank to form the D. Make roughly seven tidy adjacent knotless-knot turns, starting away from the eye join. Return the working line through the eye to the point side, moisten and bed down evenly. Keep the retained tag separate; it is not a hair loop for a bait stop. Inspect and pull-test the hook knot before continuing.
Check before moving on
The hook knot holds, the working line exits on the point side and an undamaged tag remains for the D.
Common mistake to avoid
Don't trim the D-forming tag away when tidying the knot or force crossed turns into place.
Step 3 of 6
Add the swivel and return the tag
Thread the small bait swivel onto the retained tag. Bring that tag back through the hook eye from the back towards the point side, leaving a compact smooth D behind the shank. Adjust before trimming so the swivel travels without sticking and the D cannot crowd the point. The returning tag and the load-bearing hooklink now both exit near the eye: identify them clearly before the next step.
Check before moving on
The swivel runs on the D and the short returning tag is clearly distinguished from the working hooklink.
Common mistake to avoid
The swivel's ring belongs on the D; don't attach it across the gape or trap it beneath the whipping.
Step 4 of 6
Retain the short tag and inspect
Leave a small exposed allowance on the returning tag for the retaining blob. Using heat-resistant handling tools, isolate that non-load-bearing tip from the hooklink, knot, fingers and flammable items. Briefly soften the tip into a stop, then let it cool fully. Never apply flame to the working line or heat the whole eye assembly. Check that the cooled stop cannot pull through the eye. Any whitening, distortion or uncertainty means remake the rig; get experienced help if isolation is difficult.
Check before moving on
The cooled tag stop retains the D, the load-bearing material is undamaged and the hook knot still passes its test.
Common mistake to avoid
The blob retains the tag; it doesn't repair a weak knot. Don't keep a heat-damaged rig.
Step 5 of 6
Finish the lead end and mount the wafter
Fit the sleeve before tying the specified figure-of-eight loop for a compatible quick-change connection, or follow the supplied system's direct-knot finish. Moisten, tighten and test it; no crimp is used. Attach the wafter to the small swivel with bait floss and repeated overhand knots around the bait. Pull-check the attachment, then move it along the D to confirm it cannot obstruct the hook point. Optional putty may pin the body but must not block the D.
Check before moving on
The lead-end knot holds, the connection is covered and the floss-mounted wafter moves freely on the D.
Common mistake to avoid
Don't fit a D-rig kicker over this returned-tag construction; that is a different rig.
Step 6 of 6
Water-test and check the complete setup
Lower the complete baited hooklink into water without holding it taut. The hook must settle down with the point and gape clear; the wafter should not suspend it. Change or carefully trim an over-buoyant bait, then repeat after soaking. Check attachment movement and pull-test the knots separately. Before casting, verify the actual lead system's line-break escape path, venue rules and landing equipment. A water test cannot establish that an unknown fishing spot is clear.
Check before moving on
The soaked bait doesn't lift the hook, attachments remain free and the complete lead system has passed its separate checks.
Common mistake to avoid
Don't test hook sharpness on your skin or cast an untested setup into weed or snags. Repeat checks after damage, a fish or a bait change.
Check the whole setup before fishing
Stick to the version shown while you're learning, and follow the instructions supplied with your tackle. If a knot slips, a part doesn't fit or you're unsure what releases after a break, stop and ask an experienced angler to have a look. Check the fishery rules and the swim too; finishing the steps here can't do those jobs for you.
Need a closer look at a knot? Try our fishing knots guide. The beginner rig guide will help you compare this rig with the other options.
Manufacturer guides
Workshop prepared 21 September 2026. Manufacturer demonstrations may show a different version. Check compatibility before swapping knots, crimps or lead components between setups.