10 May 2026
How to Tie the Perfect Hair Rig
The classic hair rig accounts for more big carp than any other presentation. Here's a step-by-step guide to tying one that's reliable, neat, and devastatingly effective.
What you'll need
- 20cm of supple braided hooklink (15-25lb)
- A size 6 wide-gape hook
- A boilie stop
- A baiting needle
Step 1 — The knotless knot
Pass the tag end of the hooklink through the eye of the hook from the front. Form a loop at the tag end for the hair, then whip the main length back down the shank — six to eight turns is plenty.
Step 2 — Set the hair length
Pass the loop back through the eye and pull tight. The hair should sit just past the bend of the hook, with the bait sitting a couple of millimetres clear.
Step 3 — Add the bait
Use a baiting needle to thread your boilie onto the hair, secure with a stop, and you're ready to fish.
Practice this knot until you can tie one in the dark — you'll be glad you did at 3am when a carp's just blown out your hookbait.