Ok i see a lot of Hair Rigs on the internet that are a LOT longer then the ones i make. The way I figured you want the hook bait as close to the method feeder as you can get it. But then i see a lot of really long hair rigs and it makes me wonder if I am doing something wrong? Mine are usually only 3-5 inches from hook to swivel.

it depends really, some like them long others like them short, me myself i like them about 5 inches under the method ball, if im fishing for buffalo ill go 7 to 10 inches just cuz buffs like to play with it, ill often use a a 2 foot hook length with a method ball, but its really what your likeing and whats working for you.

I use a 3-5" to start and adjust depending on if I am missing runs or getting too many single beeps.

I have had a lot of fish using 3-4 inch links, as well as 6-8 inch links. It is really up to you.

Eddie

i tie all mine 3inches also to keep it close to the m/b .i just think it should lay near you free food ..im not an expert and im not in the 30lb club but i still enjoy the pull of any size fish .

Thanks guys I needed that confidence in my rig. I've got a terrible habit of catching one fish every 20-30 for the passed 10 or so trips to the water. I'm even going salt water fishing with my euro gear next trip just cause i want to see some numbers... i dunno i said that last time and went carp fishing for 32 hours instead.

i prefer a shorter hook link as well. A shorter hook link means less time for the bolt affect to take place.

another note about short is it doesnt tangle as much for me . i dont bury the hook on cast and the short works for me.

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you dont have to bury the hook inside the method ball i just hook it in the side and cast away.

If your fishing a hard bottom then short hooklinks normally work best, longer in silt because you lead will bury. 'Korda' make 'underwater carp fishing series' on dvd (tho I dont think they will work in US but you could prob download them somewhere.... They test all sorts of rigs and stuff and they film the carp reacting to them underwater, you watch the take right into the net. I highly advise trying to watch these because you will learn a hell of a lot and be able to adjust to suit your fishing.

uk carper i bought all 6 dvd's from big carp tackle, iv watched them all over and over and i use some of there stuff here and my catch rate has improved alot. althou mose of the rigs they use you dont need over here but there are a few i like to try here and there,