The hair rig: how to tie the rig that catches most carp

Tying the knotless knot hair rig

Cut 10 inches of coated or soft braid. Tie a small loop at one end for the hair. Thread the other end through the back of the hook eye so the loop hangs about a centimetre below the bend. Whip the line down the shank 7 to 8 turns, back towards the eye, then pass the tag back through the eye from the front. Tie a loop or a swivel at the far end.

Getting the hair length right

Leave a small gap between the bait and the bend of the hook, roughly the width of the bait. Too long and the hook gets pushed out of the fish's mouth; too short and the bait hides the hook point. A little shrink tube or a line aligner on the eye helps the hook flip over and catch hold.

Baiting up

Push a baiting needle through the boilie, catch the hair loop on the needle and pull it back through the bait. Then put a bait stop in the loop. Corn, pellet and tiger nuts go on the same way. Use a drill on hard baits first.

Simple tweaks that help

Strip back the coating on coated braid for an inch above the hook so the hook moves freely. Add a small piece of putty to sit the hooklink flat. Balance a bottom bait with a little cork so it sinks slowly onto silt and doesn't bury itself.

Common questions

Why do carp anglers use a hair rig?

Because the hook point stays exposed. Carp suck in the bait and the free hook catches hold, which gives far more hook-ups than putting the bait on the hook.

What hooklink is best for a hair rig?

Coated braid with a stripped section near the hook is a great all-rounder. Soft braid suits small baits and margin fishing.

How long should a hair be?

Long enough to leave a gap about the width of the bait between bait and hook bend. Usually 5 to 10mm.

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