Tungsten Cheburashka Weights and Hooks for the Cheb Rig

What is a cheb rig and how is it different from a jig head?

On a jig head the weight is moulded onto the hook. On a cheb rig the weight and the hook are separate parts, so you can combine them freely: a small soft lure with a heavier weight, or a larger soft lure with a light one.

To change the weight, pull out the wire clip, take off the hook and fit a different size. The soft lure stays on the hook, so you can quickly adjust the rig to a new spot.

How to choose the right cheb weight for the depth

Pick the weight to suit the water depth. Use the lightest cheb that lets you fish the lure on the drop – heavier weights suit a jigging retrieve.

• 1 g – shallow water and small soft lures, ultralight fishing.
• 2 g – medium depths, a good weight to start with.
• 3 g – deeper water, when the drop with 2 g takes too long.

Weights of 1–3 g cover ultralight fishing in shallow and medium-depth water. For very deep water you will need heavier chebs. Light 1–2 g chebs are also popular for LRF (light rock fishing) in the sea.

Which hook size suits your soft lure?

Match the hook size to the soft lure. The hook point should come out at about one third to one half of the lure's length – this is where the lure works best.

The cheburashka hooks in this category have a straight shank, a large eye and small baitholder barbs on the shank. The large eye lets the hook swing freely on the wire clip, and the barbs hold the soft lure in place and stop it sliding down. The small sizes, from #14, are for micro soft lures and perch; the largest, up to #3/0, are for bigger soft lures for zander and pike.

You can also fit a fly instead of a soft lure – see our flies for spinning rods.

Why tungsten instead of lead?

Tungsten is much denser than lead, so a tungsten cheb of the same weight is noticeably smaller.

• Smaller size – the weight is less visible and the soft lure stays the main focus.
• Lead-free – tungsten is the more environmentally friendly choice for anglers who care about the waters they fish.

The cheb weights in this category come in several proven colours, including gold, fluoro orange and natural tungsten, and as a mixed-colour pack (MIX).

FAQ

Which soft lures work best on a cheb rig?

Floating or neutral-buoyancy soft lures. After the cheb touches down, they lift off the bottom and keep moving during pauses. Sinking soft lures are better for a more aggressive retrieve.

Do these cheb weights fit hooks from other brands?

Yes, as long as the hook eye is large enough for the hook to move freely on the wire clip.