Short Vs Long Hooklengths

[Craftycarper]

I free line on the surface

On a hard bottomed lake I would be using a 8inch flurocarbon hooking with 1inch of supple sink braid combi rig style

But it depends if I was pastie bashing or tageting big fish

[Gemo]

OIn pressure waters the carp can approach a bait and giver it a good hard waft or blast of water and watch the bait move. Any unnatural movement and the bait is left. Short hook lengths can make the bait very static. This is when a longer rig or a longer hair comes into its own.
This is not an exact scienec and every fish is different but if you dont try different things you wont learn. If you are unsure why not try one longrig 12-`15" and one short rig 2-4" and see which one gets the most interest.
What have you got to lose.
Tight Lines

Ian Gemson
Fishing Coaching - Smart Carping - Angling tuition tailored to all ages & abilities

[Craftycarper]

I use a 2 foot mono rig on my local with a fully running rig.... deadly!

[Gemo]

I often use 6 of 8 feet of hook length when cotroller fishing to get the bait away from the surface controller

[Craftycarper]

Yeah that the best thing to do... I've seen people fishing 1ft from there controller! Noddies ^^