It’s not just the size of the hook you need to consider when fishing for big
carp, you’ll also need to consider what pattern or shape of hook will be
best for every fishing situation you may encounter. Have you ever wandered
why there are so many different hook patterns available in the tackle shops?
Here we discuss the basic patterns of carp hooks and the potential they
offer for hooking those big carp.
Inward Eye Carp Hooks
Many of the carp hooks available in the tackle shops have an inward facing
eye. Most common hooks are based on this style because they can be used in
many different fishing situations as well as with various types of rigs.
When tied properly this pattern of carp hook turns much easier when in the
carp’s mouth to help the point catch quicker. This hook pattern seems to be
most effective when tied to braid using a knotless knot.
Inward eye hooks with a straight point seem to be one of the best for quick
hook holds, even more so when using the long-shank versions. The combination
of a quick turn and greater area to help it find a grip means this in one of
the best hook patterns for fishing in most situations from bottom bait,
balanced bait and snowman presentations. I use this type of hook for 80
percent of my carp fishing.
Upturned Eye Carp Hooks
Upturned carp hooks are those where the eye points away from the hook point.
These are generally used for stiff rig bait presentations because the hook
will remain straight when tied to stiff or rigid mono lines. This means the
rig will sit in a correct angle for proper presentation and hooking
potential.
Straight Eyed Carp Hooks
Straight eyed hooks are not used in many fishing situations. I think the
best way to use these carp hooks is when fishing for carp on the top. If you
superglue the shank of these hooks to floating baits and have the point
directed away from the bait then the line will come straight off the eye and
away from the surface. A good tip is to put a small shot into the bottom of
the bait on the other side of the hook point. This will cause the bait to
bob on the surface with the hook out of the water and out of the carp’s
sight.
The hooking ability of the straight eye can be improved dramatically by
creating a line-aligner using shrink tubing, however, this takes a lot of
time and effort plus, they only end up the same potential as downward eyed
hooks. For this reason I hardly use them at all.
Bent Shank Hooks (Nailers)
These are carp hooks with
a bent shank and an inward facing eye.
They are very effective for hooking fish as they turn so easily without
having to use a line-aligner. For this reason they may be best used when
fishing for big, wary carp. Some carp anglers won’t use them as they believe
they can cause damage to the fish’s mouths.
I like to use them for very short rigs with supple materials and when the
rig is laid on top of a heavy baited area. With heavy baited areas carp will
often move slowly across the area whilst sucking and blowing bait into the
mouths. The nailer’s ability to turn so quickly helps grip the inside of the
mouth before they have chance to blow bait back out.
As with all my rigs I tend to generally use a straight point carp hook. I
feel these offer greater potential for gripping the flesh over the
beak-pointed carp hooks. The beaked hooks may give a stronger hook hold but
I feel they are less effective for actually hooking the fish in the first
place. I usually play all my fish gently and rarely try to bully them to the
bank. If I happen to be fishing near snags then I often use nailer carp
hooks.
Many of the carp hooks available in the tackle shops have an inward facing
eye. Most common hooks are based on this style because they can be used in
many different fishing situations as well as with various types of rigs.
When tied properly this pattern of carp hook turns much easier when in the
carp’s mouth to help the point catch quicker. This hook pattern seems to be
most effective when tied to braid using a knotless knot. 
Upturned carp hooks are those where the eye points away from the hook point.
These are generally used for stiff rig bait presentations because the hook
will remain straight when tied to stiff or rigid mono lines. This means the
rig will sit in a correct angle for proper presentation and hooking
potential.
Straight eyed hooks are not used in many fishing situations. I think the
best way to use these carp hooks is when fishing for carp on the top. If you
superglue the shank of these hooks to floating baits and have the point
directed away from the bait then the line will come straight off the eye and
away from the surface. A good tip is to put a small shot into the bottom of
the bait on the other side of the hook point. This will cause the bait to
bob on the surface with the hook out of the water and out of the carp’s
sight.
These are carp hooks with
a bent shank and an inward facing eye.
They are very effective for hooking fish as they turn so easily without
having to use a line-aligner. For this reason they may be best used when
fishing for big, wary carp. Some carp anglers won’t use them as they believe
they can cause damage to the fish’s mouths.
