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The Rigworx Story: From UK Carp Lakes to French Carp Fishing Adventures
Carp Social | Feature Date: 6th August 2019
Sparky by Day, Carp Tackle Entrepreneur by Night: The Rigworx Story.
In modern carp fishing, terminal tackle has become one of the most important parts of any angler’s setup — particularly when targeting large carp on demanding waters across the UK and Europe.
Whether fishing intimate English syndicates, vast French carp lakes or embarking on carp fishing holidays in France, anglers increasingly rely on dependable rigs and high-quality terminal tackle capable of handling hard-fighting carp and challenging conditions.
One tackle company that has steadily built a strong reputation among everyday anglers is Rigworx — the brainchild of electrician, family man and lifelong angler Craig Sapsford.
From Electrician to Carp Fishing Entrepreneur
Craig Sapsford may now be recognised as the founder of one of the UK’s fastest-growing terminal tackle brands, but his background remains firmly rooted in everyday working life and grassroots angling.
“I’m a full-time electrician and have been for 15 years now. I have two children, one boy who is ten years old and a little girl who is three years old.”
Like many anglers across the UK, Craig’s fishing journey began during childhood.
“I’ve always loved fishing and have been fishing since I was five, mainly float and ledgering on rivers such as the Ouse and the Thames.”
After briefly carp fishing during his teenage years, Craig later returned to the sport properly in 2015 — just as carp fishing holidays in France and European big carp fishing were becoming increasingly popular among UK anglers.
The Birth of Rigworx Terminal Tackle
In 2018, Craig decided to take the plunge and launch Rigworx while continuing to work full-time as an electrician.
“I decided to start up Rigworx while carrying on my full-time electrical job to have a crack at running a business, as my father and grandfather were both business owners.”
“I thought, why not start something in a hobby and sport I love? Everyone wants their dream job right?”
After months spent developing branding, sourcing products and refining designs, Rigworx officially launched with the goal of offering reliable, high-quality terminal tackle at fair prices for everyday anglers.
“I set out to supply top quality tackle — the same quality, if not better than some of the big brands — but at lower and more fair prices for your average family man and angler like myself, without compromising quality.”
Built for Modern Carp Fishing
As carp fishing has evolved, so too has the demand for specialist end tackle capable of handling everything from short overnight UK sessions through to week-long carp fishing holidays in France and Europe.
Rigworx steadily expanded its range through extensive product testing and feedback from anglers fishing a wide variety of venues.
Today, the company offers a large selection of terminal tackle including:
- Hooks
- Swivels
- Tungsten rig putty
- Silicone sleeves
- Zig aligners
- Hook kickers
- Ronnie rig components
The brand has also developed a growing following among anglers fishing large European carp waters where dependable terminal tackle becomes even more important when targeting huge fish at range.
Over recent years, more UK anglers have travelled abroad in search of bigger carp and new experiences, particularly to famous French carp lakes and established carp fishing destinations across Europe.
These venues often demand strong, reliable tackle setups capable of coping with powerful fish, heavy weed, long-range fishing and extended sessions.
As a result, companies like Rigworx have naturally become part of the wider European carp fishing scene, with anglers increasingly using modern rig setups such as Ronnie rigs and blowback rigs while fishing on carp fishing holidays in France, Hungary and beyond.
Growing Within the UK Carp Scene
What began as a small side project has steadily evolved into a respected terminal tackle brand supported by a large team of anglers and consultants throughout the UK.
“Extensive testing and sampling finally got me a few products to sell and from there we have sustainably been adding to our range and now boast a very impressive range of tackle with 60+ team members and consultants.”
For Craig, the journey reflects the continued strength of the UK carp fishing community — where independent brands, hardworking anglers and genuine passion for fishing continue to drive innovation throughout the industry.
From UK syndicates and day ticket lakes through to French carp fishing holidays and huge European waters, Rigworx has become another example of how grassroots carp fishing brands continue to grow within modern angling culture.
Compiled by Carp Social | August 2019
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