The BIG RED FLASHER RIG  is a versatile 3-hook rig equipped with 3 x Mustad Big Red Ultra Point hooks dressed with fluoro pink flash in a range of sizes from 1/0 /15kg up to 6/0 / 30kg. It can target everything from snapper, trevally and flathead up to hard-pulling tropical reef species.

This rig is fitted with three ultra-sharp Mustad Big Red hooks, each adorned with red and flashy material and a red bead. I'm sure that on some fish they would work without bait, much the same as a shiny lure, but a bit of succulent squid threaded onto the hooks proved irresistible to all manner of reef fish. It seems that when jigged a couple of times, the flashy rig draws the fish in and the smell and taste of the squid does the rest.

Using a 50kg handline, Val was only able to watch as I pulled up an assortment of reefies on my rod and reel outfit rigged with the Big Red Flasher. However, once we tied a 6/0 Big Red Flasher onto her handline, she immediately began to catch fish at the same rate. "I've got to have some of them", she said, and who could blame her.

I think many anglers will be saying that once they realise the potential of these rigs.

The Big Red Flasher is basically a larger, heavier version of the common multi-hook bait jig or 'sabiki' rig we use for catching baitfish. The difference is, it is built to handle serious target fish. The Big Red Flasher comes in a range of hook and line sizes from 1/0 x 30lb up to 6/0 x 60lb. Mustad is now making them in a new pack which includes a special foam winder that you can store them on after use.

This type of rig is used worldwide and Mustad makes mountains of it for other markets. You'll find them all over New Zealand , along with other Mustad rigs like the Demon Terakihi Flasher (equipped with circle hooks) and the Long Red Flasher which comes with a special long shank beak hook. I think it's only a matter of time before Australians take to them. They turn routine bottom-bouncing into something special.