Hair rig

The Hair rig is a fishing method which allows a bait to be presented without sitting directly on the hook.

Hence the name, "hair-rig", to attach the bait to the hook after many 'tank test' experiments with captive carp carried out in Len's home.

Human hair was very discreet and the carp seemed unaware of it when picking up bait attached to it, and also taking in the hook, but it was a little fragile.

A heavy semi-fixed lead sinker (2 ozs upwards) then pulls the hook into the flesh and usually the fish bolts off in alarm, so this is a very effective self-hooking rig, with no need for the angler to 'strike' as in the past.

Many variations of the 'Hair-Rig' are now used by carp anglers and most of these are not like original 'hairs' at all, but 'Hook Out' rigs designed to allow the bare hook to catch in the mouth or lips.