Our Guide to Carp Hook Sizes
Deciding on the best hook pattern and size can be a challenge, especially if you’re new to carp fishing. With so many options available, it takes time and experience to find what works best in different situations. To give you a head start, here are my go-to hook choices for some common scenarios.
There are so many hook sizes and patterns on the market, but if you stick to a general rule of thumb, you won’t go far wrong
General Carp Fishing: Bigger Hooks, Smaller Baits
For most situations, I prefer a big hook with a small hookbait. A size 4 Krank paired with a 12mm or 15mm DNA fluoro pop-up is my standard set-up. However, if I’m fishing a lake where the average size of the carp is under 25lb, I drop down to a size 6, as larger hooks aren’t necessary for smaller fish.
A small hookbait with a larger hook is my general preference
A great tip is to use a 10mm DNA fluoro pop-up on a size 4 hook, as it sits like a wafter
Fishing in France: Upsizing for Bigger Carp
When fishing in France, where the carp are generally larger, I often size up to a size 2 hook. However, this isn’t set in stone. If the stock is generally under 25lb and the lake is not too weedy or snaggy, I may still use a size 6. But if there’s any chance of the fish heading into snags or weedbeds, I stick with a size 4 to maximise control and ensure a secure hook-hold.
Using a hook that is strong enough to pull a fish away from potential dangers increases your chances of landing it safely. A larger hook provides more strength and a better grip in the carp’s lip, reducing the risk of pull-outs or mouth damage, particularly when applying pressure in weedy or snaggy conditions.
I will generally step up hook size when I go to France, as the fish are bigger
Zig and Floater Fishing: Downsizing for Maximum Success
Zig rigs and surface fishing require a more refined approach, often calling for smaller hooks to avoid spooking the fish.
- Zig Rigs: In clear water, I prefer a size 8 hook, as larger hooks can significantly reduce the chances of a take. In murkier water, I don’t mind stepping up a size if necessary. I struggled for ages to land my first carp on a zig, and I’m convinced it was because I was using hooks that were too big. The moment I switched to a size 8, I caught my first zig-rigged carp and went on to land several more that session.
- Surface Fishing: Even a size 8 hook can be too big, as carp will often eat all the free-floating bait while ignoring the one attached to the hook. Dropping down to a size 10 makes a huge difference. That said, surface fishing requires specialist tackle, including rods and line, so it deserves its own dedicated guide.
A size 8 hook is perfect for zig fishing, in my opinion
Hook Size and Bait Choice
The size of your hook bait should also influence your hook choice. For instance, if I’m using 22mm boilies to deter bream and tench, a size 6 hook or smaller could get lost behind such a large bait. To ensure a solid hook-hold, I opt for a size 2 or 4.
When using larger hookbaits, anything smaller than size 6 will be ineffective, so I would opt for a size 4, or even a 2
Trial and Error: Finding Your Perfect Hook Set-Up
Carp fishing involves a lot of trial and error, and over time, you’ll develop your own go-to hook choices for different scenarios. By using these tips as a foundation, you’ll be well on your way to refining your approach and maximising your success on the bank.
Tight lines, and happy fishing!
Find more articles from the DNA Baits team:
A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Carp Fishing: Expert Advice by Karl Forrest
DIY Carp Bait Liquids: Make Your Own Recipe at Home by Team DNA
