Carp Fishing Tackle - Determine the Correct Hook Size

Carp fishing tackle is basically the same term as gear just a different word.

The hook,line sinker and float are referred to as terminal tackle which is gear that is attached to the fishing pole. The combinations which can be used are numerous. The correct choice should be the one that best matches a particular situation. The hook is what holds the bait. Then when when the carp eats the bait the hook sinks into the carps mouth. The line is what the hook, sinker and float are attached to at one end. The other end of the fishing line is attached to the fishing rod, actually the reel. The sinker has two uses. It assists in the cast for distance and to get the bait to the bottom where it is going to fished. If the bait does not need to be on the bottom then a float is attached. This keeps it off the bottom where the carp can see it better.

Since the hook is in direct contact with the fish careful selection is important.

Basically there are two kinds of hooks, the barbless and the barbed. Barbed hooks have an additional sharp point which stick out in an opposite direction of the point. With sharp points sticking in two directions the carp cannot easily unlodge the hook from their mouth. This makes the barbed hook more effective in holding the catch but it might damage the mouth of the fish while it is trying to escape. Sometimes when they escape a barbed hook it later dies because of the damages sustained during the escape. There are several fish reservoirs that do not allow barbed hooks because dead fish will pollute the water.

The size of the carp will determine the size of hook the to be used. Smaller size hooks might not hold large prey as effectively. On the other hand, a larger size hook might limit the number of the catch. Try to use the smallest size hook that will still withstand the struggle of the fish being sought. That will vary depending on the size of the fish being targeted. There are two basic advantages of using smaller size hooks.

1. They are less visible in the sunlight and a carp can identify a hook once they see one. Therefore it is important to keep the hook covered with bait. It`s obviously easier to cover the smaller hooks.

2. Sometimes they will just suck the bait in before actually biting it. The smaller size hook won`t be so easily detected. Larger hooks require thicker wire and the use of more weight.

It is easier to set the hook in fishes mouth with a sharp hook. Blunt hooks might not sink into their mouth as deep.

Hopefully these simple tactics will improve your catch.