How To Choose The correct Hook Pattern

There are many hook patterns on the market. All with slight variations. The classic Wide Gape with and without a beak, the out turned eye hook, a curve shank, long shank and Krank style.

Each style of hook has a different purpose and will react differently depending on the hook link material, and the way it is fished. The gape of the hook refered to the distance between the point and the shank. This is arguably the most important to consider. To hook a carp you are relying on the point to catch hold. In turn, there must be enough of a gap between the point and the shank. If it is too close, the chances of it gripping hold are reduced.

The wide gape is most effective fished with a length of shrink tube. This extends the shank and elongating the gape. It’s perfectly fished with a flipper rig or noodle rig.

whilst the wide gape can be used on pop up rigs. I would suggest the curve shank is a better option. The curve shank is much more likely to catch hold when a carp ejects the bait. Fishing a curve shank on a simple Knotless knot is super effective. The Krank however is the ultimate for this rig.

the Krank has a super wide gape with an off set point. The point does not line up with the shank. This pattern is genius and lends itself to rigs like the German and the Knowles knot. Whilst it has been used on pop up rigs. It’s not the one for me.

The chod pattern or out turned eye. The out turn on the eye means if fished with a standard bottom bait, the hook link draws the hook out of the fishing mouth in the wrong direction. The chod hook should only be used with a D rig on flurocarbon or as a chod section or as a stiff hinge.

The Nash Claw is a unique pattern.