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Main lineLead clipFixed lead 2-3.5ozBraid hook linkHookHairBoilie on the hair
Technical layout
Main lineLead clipFixed lead 2-3.5ozBraid hook linkHookHairBoilie on the hair
Carp and coarse · Rig diagram & setup

Hair Rig Diagram & Gear List

The bait is threaded onto a short length of line (the hair) that comes off the back of the hook, so the hook itself is bare. When a carp sucks the bait in, the exposed hook goes in with it and pricks the lip as the fish moves off against a fixed lead. It is the standard carp rig worldwide and works for barbel too.

Also known as: Bolt Rig (GB, IE)

Where to use it
lake, river
Difficulty
intermediate
Common in
UK, Ireland, US, Australia

Gear List

  • main Line12-15 lb monofilament
  • leader15-25 lb coated or uncoated braid hook link
  • leader Length6-10in hook link
  • hook Range#8 - #4 wide-gape carp hook tied with a knotless knot
  • weight Type2-3.5oz lead on a safety lead clip, or an in-line lead, fixed for a bolt effect
  • sinker Drop Length0in, the lead clip sits at the top of the hook link
  • swivelSize 8 quick-change swivel in the lead clip
  • extrasHair extending 1/2 - 3/4in beyond the bend of the hook, Boilie stop, Tail rubber and anti-tangle sleeve
Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Carp hair rig components Use components suitable for a safe release setup.Search on Amazon#8 to #4 wide-gape carp hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Hair Rig

  1. Tie a small loop in the end of 6-10in of braid hook link and thread a boilie onto it with a baiting needle and stop.
  2. Tie a knotless knot so the hair leaves the back of the hook shank and the bait sits 1/2 - 3/4in past the bend.
  3. Tie the other end of the hook link to a size 8 swivel and seat it in a safety lead clip.
  4. Thread the main line through the anti-tangle sleeve and tail rubber, tie it to the lead clip swivel, and attach a 2-3.5oz lead.

When and where it works best

Carp and barbel feeding over a baited area, especially wary fish that reject a bait with a hook in it.

How it differs from similar rigs

A method feeder rig often uses a hair too, but relies on a ball of feed; the classic hair rig uses a heavy lead and loose-fed boilies or particles.

Is the Hair Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Spinning Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Hair Rig good for?

Common CarpBarbel

Related Rigs

Method Feeder RigFeeder Rig
Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Hair Rig?

A 12-15 lb monofilament main line, a 15-25 lb coated or uncoated braid hook link leader (6-10in hook link), a #8 - #4 wide-gape carp hook tied with a knotless knot hook, and a 2-3.5oz lead on a safety lead clip, or an in-line lead, fixed for a bolt effect. Full gear list is above.

What is a Hair Rig best for?

The Hair Rig works best for lake, river fishing, and is a recommended setup for Common Carp, Barbel. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Hair Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.