Essential Tools and Components for Crafting Your Hair Rig
Making the best carp fishing rig doesn’t take magic, just the right tools. With a few key items, you can craft rigs that impress both carp and anglers. Let’s explore the must-haves for your tackle box and how they can boost your fishing game.
Components you will need:
- Size 6 Wide Gape Hooks (I am using Fox Carp Wide Gape #6 Hooks)
- Coated Hooklink Material (I am using FOX Naturals Coretex Matt Braid 20m 25lb)
- Anti-Tangle Sleeves (I am using FOX Naturals Anti-Tangle Sleeves Standard)
- Bait Stops (I am using FOX Edges Boilie Stops Standard)
Tools you will need:
- Scissors
- Baiting Needle
- Multitool (optional)
Note: Use components and tools of your personal choice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Hair Rig
Step 1: Cut off a length of Hooklink
Firstly, cut off around 30 cm (12 in) of hooklink material, or even more if you’re beginner (believe me, it is easier to trim off the excess than to redo the whole thing). Then, strip off around 12 cm (5 in) of the coating on one end of the material. This section will be used to form the hair.
Step 2: Prepare your hair
Tie a small overhand loop knot in the uncoated section and trim the tag end. Make sure this loop is small, but large enough to pass baiting needle through it.
Step 3: Align the hair with the hook
Take the tag end and pass it through the back of the eye on the hook (towards the point of the hook). Then decide how long you want your hair to be (leaving around 10 mm of space between the hook and the bait should work well).
Step 4: Tie a Knotless knot
Once you have your hair in place, trap it with your fingers and tie a Knotless Knot. A Knotless Knot is tied by wrapping your hooklink braid 6-8 times around the shank of the hook and passing the tag end again through the back of the eye (towards the point of the hook) before pulling it tight.
Step 5: Thread on an Anti-Tangle Sleeve
Now thread an Anti-Tangle Sleeve onto the tag end of your hooklink material.
Step 6: Set your Rig length
Decide how long you want your rig to be – around 15 cm (6 in) should be fine to start with.
Step 7: Create a Figure-8 Loop
Now, create a Figure-8 Loop to finish your hair rig. To form the Figure-8 Loop, simply double over the hooklink, then create a loop, pass the end through that loop, and tighten it down. It will look similar like your hair knot, but will be larger. This loop will help you quickly remove or replace your rigs.
Step 8: Slide on the Anti-Tangle Sleeve
After your Figure-8 Loop is done, slide the Anti-Tangle Sleeve over the Figure-8 loop, leaving a small portion of the loop exposed. This will help you easily attach your rig to your setup or to store it for later in your rig case.
Step 9: Attach your Hook Bait
Now your rig is ready. You only need to attach your hook bait of choice. Use your baiting needle to thread your hook bait. Pass your baiting needle through the loop on the hair and transfer the hook bait onto the hair. To secure your bait, place the bait stop at the end.
Your hair rig is done. Now you need to attach it to your mainline and your lead system before you casting out.
Lead Setup for a Complete Carp Fishing Rig
Components you will need:
- Anti-Tangle Tube (I am using Fox Naturals Anti-Tangle Tubing)
- Tail Rubber
- Lead Clip
- Quick Change Swivel (I am using Fox Naturals Power Grip Lead Clip Kit, which has Tail Rubber, Lead Clip and Quick Change Swivel included)
- Swivel Lead (I am using the Fox Edges Horizon 85g at the moment, though this depends on where I am fishing)
Tools you will need:
- Scissors
Note: Use components and tools of your personal choice.
Step 1: Thread on the Anti-Tangle Tube and Tail Rubber
Take your mainline and thread on the Anti-Tangle Tube, followed by the Tail Rubber (pass the mainline through the narrower part of the Tail Rubber).
Step 2: Thread on the Lead Clip
After the Tail Rubber is on your mainline, slide the Lead Clip onto the mainline (with the narrower part facing the Tail Rubber, so they can be secured in place later).
Step 3: Tie on the Quick Change Swivel
Attach the Quick Change Swivel with Half Blood Knot. Pass your mainline through the eye of the Quick Change Swivel, fold the line back on itself, and wrap it around 6-8 times. Then, thread the line back through the loop created next to the swivel’s eye. Moisten the knot, pull it tight, and trim the tag end.
Step 4: Secure the Lead Clip
Pull the Quick Change Swivel into the Lead Clip until it clicks to secure the Lead Clip from moving. Some of the Lead Clips have T Pegs, which also need to be placed to prevent the Quick Change Swivel from coming out.
Step 5: Attach the Lead
Clip on the lead onto the Lead Clip, then push the Tail Rubber over the Lead Clip to secure it in place.
Ready to Catch Carp?
Your carp fishing rig and lead setup are now complete. You only need to attach them together. Thread the Figure-8 Loop from your rig onto the Quick Change Swivel on your lead setup. Secure it by pulling the Anti-Tangle Sleeve over it.
Best carp fishing rig is now set and ready to bring in some fish! Grab your rod and reel setup, attach the rig to your mainline, and you’re all set. Tight lines!
Here’s one of my recent catches using this exact rig:
While you wait for the buzz of a bite alarm, explore my blog and Instagram for more useful carp fishing tips!