Hair Rigs
The hair rig is more suited for a hard-bait setup, which cannot be easily achieved using a standard "hook" setup. Choose from re-hydrated field corn, chic peas (garbanzo beans), boilies and dough baits. Thread a small cork or bead onto the hair and push the bait down the hook just forward of the cork. Add a 2- to 3-ounce weight. Tie the "hair" with a knot-less knot. To do so, make a loop in the hair and then tie a loop knot.
Bolt Rigs
Carp are bottom feeders, which is why the bolt rig is so effective for fishing at or near the bottom. Carp test potential food by quickly inhaling it before deciding to consume or spit it back out. The bolt rig setup requires a 2- or 3-ounce weight positioned up the line from the hook. When a carp swims by your line and sucks up the bait, it will quickly feel the resistance, react and then attempt to bolt (swim away quickly). It is during this time that the hook is set and the fish is hooked. Use a bolt rig with a small loop of monofilament line or other material trailing the hook and holding the artificial or natural bait in place. It is important that the bait is not actually on the hook but on the trailing hair.
Maggot Rig
Maggot rigs are just as effective as hair and bolt rigs but might also attract perch and bream. Use a critically balanced rig with a buoyancy that allows the maggots to sink slowly to the bottom of the lake bed. When a carp sucks at or swims near the bait, the rig will be the first thing to shoot into the carp's mouth. This type of rig requires a proper setup, which can be done at home and then quickly attached to the rod on the lake. When rigging the line, remember to fill it with enough maggots and sponges squished together to hide the hook.
