I'm taking the opportunity of the forum being very quiet to ask a tactical question (although it may apply more to carpers that fish particles than boilies):

1) When tying your hooks, how long do you make the hair ?
2) Does the length vary from season to season ?
3) Do you vary the length depending upon whether or not the fish are just playing with the hookbait ?

I usually fish with a 1.5" hair (from the curve of the hook) - but as an old timer that has been fishing for many years it is all too easy to get set in my own ways (for the wrong reasons). I'd be very interested in getting feedback, and hopefully stir up some healthy discussions. I'm always willing to learn.
Thanks
Keith

Think goldilocks. Don't make it so long that the bait easily wraps around the hook, but don't make it so short that the hook flips upside down when you drag it over your hand.

I vary my hair length based on the size of the bait I plan to use. I like a little bit of a gap between the bend of the hook and the bait - not too much but enough so the bait doesn't touch the hook. This is for bottom baits and neutral balance. For popup rigs on the blowback or 360 variety I like the bait to basically be as close to the shank of the hook as possible. Hair length again varies on the size of bait

Captn' I've been using about 1" hair with 2 to 3 pieces of maize. I've tried as short as 3/4" with 2 pieces of maize and as long as 1 1/8" with 3 pieces.Never been able to tell much success difference. With a braid hair going a bit long can cause hair and bait wrap arounds on the hook sometimes.I've never dared to go 1 1/2 " long haired with long beautiful hair down to there, maybe I'm missing out.Also BIG congrats on your triple day last year.

Nice.

Nick is correct. just watch some youtube videos and you will see what he means.

+1