For most carp fishing a size 6 wide-gape hook suits baits from 12 to 18 mm. Go up to a size 4 for 20 mm baits or doubles, and down to a size 8 or 10 for small baits, zigs and wary fish. Remember that the bigger the number, the smaller the hook.
How hook sizes work
Hook sizes run backwards. The bigger the number, the smaller the hook, so a size 4 is bigger than a size 6, and a size 6 is bigger than a size 8. Carp hooks mostly fall between size 2 and size 10, and most carp anglers spend their time between 4 and 8.
Sizes aren't exact across brands. One maker's size 6 can be a touch bigger than another's, and the shape changes how big a hook looks. Use the size as a starting point, then check the gap between the bait and the bend when you tie the rig.
Match the hook to the bait
The hook has to be big enough that the bait doesn't mask the point, and small enough that a carp can't feel it and reject the bait. The table below is the usual starting point.
| Bait | Hook size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single grain of corn, small pellet, 8–10 mm boilie | 10–8 | Small baits, method feeders, wary fish |
| 12 mm boilie or wafter | 8–6 | A size 6 if fish are big or the swim is snaggy |
| 15 mm boilie | 6 | The standard combination for most lakes |
| 18 mm boilie | 6–4 | Size 4 for bigger, heavier baits |
| 20 mm+ boilie, double baits | 4–2 | Big baits for big fish and nuisance-fish waters |
| Zig foam | 10–8 | Light wire; the bait is tiny and buoyant |
When in doubt, check the rig on your finger. If the bait sits clear of the bend and the point turns and catches as you pull the hair, the size is right.
Hook patterns and what they're for
Wide gape
A short shank and a wide gap between the point and the shank. It's the most versatile carp hook, suiting hair rigs, bottom baits and wafters on almost any lake bed. If you only buy one pattern, buy this one.
Curve shank
The shank curves in towards the point, which helps the hook turn and take hold. It suits pop-ups and wafters, and is popular on the Ronnie rig. Its aggressive shape can make it more likely to hook in the wrong place, so tie it carefully.
Stiff-rig and chod patterns
These have an out-turned eye and a strong, often beaked point. The out-turned eye helps the hook flip on stiff materials. Use them on the chod rig and the hinged stiff rig.
Long shank
A longer shank gives more leverage for the hook to turn. It's used on some bottom-bait rigs, but it can be less forgiving, so it isn't the best first choice.
Barbed, micro-barbed or barbless
A barbed hook has a small spike behind the point that holds it in place. A micro-barb is a much smaller version. A barbless hook has no barb at all.
- Barbless comes out cleanly and does least damage. Many fisheries insist on it. Keep a steady pressure on the fish so the hook doesn't fall out.
- Micro-barbed is a common compromise where the fishery allows barbs. It holds better than barbless and still comes out easily.
- Full barb holds best but is harder to remove. Some waters ban it outright.
Check the rules before you tie anything. Many waters specify barbless or micro-barbed hooks, and some ban certain rigs. Breaking hook rules is a common way to lose a ticket.
Keeping hooks sharp
- Check the point before every cast by pulling it lightly across your thumbnail. A sharp point catches immediately.
- Check it again after every fish and every snag.
- Change any hook that slides, or has a bent or turned-over point.
- Store hooks dry in their packets or a rig box, so they don't rust.
Some anglers sharpen hooks with a fine stone. If you do, work gently from the point backwards and recheck the point's shape. Over-sharpening can leave a fine point that turns over on gravel.
Where to go next
Once you've chosen the hook, the next step is the rig. Start with the hair rig, then the knots you'll need. For a quick reference, the charts page has the bait-to-hook table alongside line and lead sizes.
Questions
Is a size 4 hook bigger than a size 8?
Yes. Hook sizes run backwards: the bigger the number, the smaller the hook. A size 4 is bigger than a size 6, which is bigger than a size 8.
Should I use barbed or barbless hooks for carp?
Use whatever the fishery's rules say. Many waters insist on barbless or micro-barbed hooks, because they come out more easily and do less damage. Micro-barbs are a common middle ground where barbs are allowed.
What hook pattern should a beginner buy?
A wide-gape pattern in size 6. It works with hair rigs, bottom baits and wafters on most lake beds, and is forgiving of small mistakes in how the rig is tied.
How often should I change my hook?
Check the point after every cast and every fish. If it doesn't catch on your thumbnail, change it. Hooks blunt quickly on gravel and when they touch stones in the net.
Does hook size depend on the size of the carp?
Less than you'd think. The bait size and rig matter more. Even big carp are landed on size 8s; a bigger hook mainly suits bigger baits and snaggy swims where you need a strong wire.
