Fishing is a sport that has been around for centuries, and over time, various techniques and equipment have been developed to make the activity more efficient and enjoyable. One of these innovations is the hair rig, which has become popular among anglers worldwide. In this blog post, we will discuss what a hair rig is, its origins, and who invented it.
What is a hair rig?
A hair rig is a fishing technique where the bait is attached to the hook using a piece of line, or an extension of the chosen hook length instead of directly hooking it. The 'hair' is threaded through the bait, and the hook is then tied to the end of the hair. This technique is used primarily in carp fishing but can also be used for other species such as bream and tench.
The hair rig works by allowing the fish to take the bait without feeling the weight of the hook, which can sometimes scare them off. When a fish takes the bait, it can suck the bait into its mouth, and as it tries to spit it out, the hook will catch in the lip, resulting in a successful catch.
Origins of the Hair Rig
The origins of the hair rig can be traced back to the 1970/80s in the UK, where carp fishing was gaining popularity as a sport. Anglers were frustrated with the traditional hook and bait setups, which often resulted in missed catches. In response, anglers started experimenting with new ways of attaching the bait to the hook, eventually leading to the development of the hair rig.
Who invented the hair rig?
The inventor of the hair rig has been credited to British anglers named Kevin Maddocks and Lenny Middleton Maddocks was frustrated with missed catches and began experimenting with different ways of attaching the bait to the hook. In 1980, he created the hair rig, which quickly became popular among carp anglers.
Conclusion
The hair rig is an excellent example of how innovative thinking can revolutionize an activity. The technique has become a staple among carp anglers and has contributed to making fishing more efficient and enjoyable. Kevin Maddocks, one of the inventors of the hair rig, has made a significant contribution to the sport of fishing, with the humble hair rig just one of these said contributions.
