Underwater Hook Testing | Carp Fishing

The speed of the carp approaching the rig and the number of carp feeding on the spot will often dictate any rigs success factors. As we know winter carp move slower, so how many up the lead size to compensate? A clip from one of Mark's older diaries that delves into lead sizes and hook pricking, a interesting debate and well worth considering.

[@notyouraverageguy475]

Korda "We've spent weeks/months filming carp behaviour underwater" Baitworks "We got a guy to lift some rigs with his finger tips" This is the simplicity of information we need. Short sweet video with a simple approach that evidences exactly what it needs to

[@londaharris1]

*These floats do what they say they do **enjoyable.fishing** recommend they come on and off easily and can be adjusted in seconds to adjust to the depth of the water you are fishing in. Used these with trout magnet lures and did really well with them in the stream!*

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Lol

[@randomreviewz2628]

Interesting, thanks. I've been fishing close margins and have always selected a very light lead (1 - 2 oz) to avoid excessive splashing on casting. I didn't consider how the lead can help the hooking potential. Time for an upgrade!

[@manninghr1]

super fresh content: top job Mark..

[@Pauljay65]

Very interesting vlog 👌🏻I always prefer a heavy lead especially in solid bags with short rigs

[@jamieabrahams9307]

Brilliant video ❤️

[@davidbyrnes905]

Nice video. Did you ever release one on the technique mark used for casting at gigantica

[@MrChrissyBeech]

Be interesting to see what happens when the lighter leads are dropped in silt or clay and not placed on top of gravel.

[@ItsOnlyCarpingChris]

Really interesting Mark, but also a bit hard to watch🤔😉. I was wincing, so felt your pain virtually.

[@bluesimon13ify]

Wow I've been using 3 ounce lead with the hooks straight out of the bag, I shall be using self Sharpened hooks & a 4 ounce lead next year to see how much difference there is, thanks

[@gavinhawley7728]

Very imformative, thank you.

[@johnwilloughby9522]

When using a pva bag do you all ways put a shot on that length or leave it as is? Just got in to using them and seen some people use a shot about inch from hook and some don’t? Cheers for any help 👌🏼👍

[@markusframious]

I bought the “gravel pit” dvd you made years ago and always waited for the 2nd one Shame it never got produced as it was very interesting way back when,as you said more questions lol

[@marcusday6519]

Go on mark, its in ..wince...ill give it another go lol!!! love it and thanks fi another great video.

[@FixDylann]

I use 3.25lb tc rods so will 4oz lead be fine or nah

[@MartynsAnglingAdventures]

Interesting watch 👍🏻👍🏻

[@haba_15]

Thank you for going through some pain for our benefit.

[@DjDolHaus86]

Save your fingers and use a bit of EVA foam (zig foam). I've been using it for years to compare hook sharpness and how much difference lead size matters, if you want to be really scientific with it you can dust the hook with spray paint once it has penetrated and then measure how much of the hook point is clean. Also as a minor point you mentioned lead being 'lighter' underwater which is sort of true but at much less of an extent than you estimated. The reduction in felt weight is caused by the weight of the water the lead is displacing, the easiest way to estimate how much less it weighs underwater is to compare the density of the two substances and by working out the difference we can estimate how much felt weight is lost. Water = 1000kg/m3 Lead = 11343kg/m3 1000 / 11343 = 0.0882 Water is 8% of the density of lead so the felt weight of a lead weight will be reduced by 8%. A 5oz lead is roughly 140g 8% of 140g = 11.2g Felt weight of lead underwater = 128.8g (4.5 oz) Not nitpicking, just thought you might find it interesting

[@lewisgregory263]

That’s a comment to laugh at 😂 what a guy

[@Big_Old_Bondy]

@@lewisgregory263 Really? I think TJ has a point and his testing would actually yeild some usable data. No disrespect to Baitworks, but this test is entirely subjective. It's going to have different results with different people due to different factors such as skin type/toughness or even how much force you are picking it up with.

[@lewisgregory263]

@@Big_Old_Bondy it’s a basic test to explain the things to think about. It’s not at detailed and accurate as it can be but that’s not the point of this video. Watch it, enjoy it n carry on

[@fanfish9238]

What camera did you shoot this video with? What camera did you use to shoot underwater?

[@lazycarper7925]

i use 1 oz and hand sharp hook , does me ok

[@BaitworksTV]

Everything works in the right situation and as we know it's great to be different also at times eg mega light leads if everyone has conditioned the fish to deal with 3-4oz leads. This isn't trying to prove anything specific, it's just a very basic test we wanted to trial and as we know line lay, distance from the rod, depth of water, speed of carp feeding, hooked carp reactions etc etc all play a part. Great to see some many anglers commentating and sharing some thoughts.

[@weeeeee374]

Maybe do an underwater series?

[@elgat34ux]

I do a similar test whenever I think about trying a different rig or rig component. If I'm considering trying a new rig out, or feel I've been done more than usual, I'll try it with different weights/hook patterns to see how they respond and if I feel they will be effective... I don't use my finger though, but a pencil eraser, as I'm not a masochist! 😉

[@whatdidusay99]

Don't chat shit ...

[@thedrvn]

This video is massively underrated

[@LiamJProduction]

very very interesting and cool would be nice to see helicopter setup as its my fav lead arrangement

[@alexrobb884]

Thing is though a carps mouth is ot softer then the skin on your finger ? Iv never had a problem with 3oz leads ....

[@balcanicangler]

Nice video 😉🐟

[@nickswanwick1644]

I usually use very lite leads less than 1 ounce , i seem to catch on most trips had 2 out a few weeks ago at the local park in a short session. i am kinda basic tho with rigs and always hated big leads.

[@mistymornings-fryslan2459]

May I ask you, what camera setup do you use for this kind of footage?

[@BaitworksTV]

It's a go pro for underwater stuff mate

[@mistymornings-fryslan2459]

@@BaitworksTV Thanks!

[@332tommy]

Can you post the same test using A lead clip Helicopter rig Smaller finer wire hooks size 8 As example Straight point hooks also And barbless Look forward to the results

[@davidross1502]

I didn't know that a lead is lighter underwater! wow I use 3oz normally, ill go to a 4oz now, great info Mark!

[@jamesriley6344]

They dont weigh less under water. That isnt scientifically correct. It just seems that way relevant to the surrounding substrate - Ie the difference between air and water.

[@davidross1502]

@@jamesriley6344 Ah! ok just from that he said a 3oz will feel like a 2oz, so I though if I use a 4oz it should be better to hook? I can only try it I suppose.

[@stevewilliams5428]

@@jamesriley6344 You need to look up the differences between weight, mass and density. A human at sea level on earth has a mass of let's say...100kg. So he 'weighs' 100 kg at sea level dependant on where on the earths surface he is. You weigh less at the equator than you do at the North pole because you are nearer the centre on the Earth at the pole so have more gravity 'pulling' you. In water the average human actually 'weighs' nothing because his density is so close to the density of water. So this 100kg human has 100kg of mass, has a density close to water and weighs different amount dependant on where he is. A lead weight is more dense than water so 'weighs' the difference between it's density and that of the water . this also changes with the depth and temperature of the water. A float in water has buoyancy because it is less dense that water so it floats. When we shot a float down the resistance felt by the fish is dependent on how much of the float is left 'buoyant' ... so a large float shotted right down can be more sensitive than a smaller float that has more remaining buoyancy by being weighed down less.

[@jamesriley6344]

@David Ross a heavier weight would be better. But when he says a 3 ounce lead will feel like a 2 ounce, he isn't being accurate.

[@jamesriley6344]

@steve williams I know all of this. Seeing as you like detail, how much difference will there be between say, a 2 ounce lead on the bank and when it is underwater, 6 foot under the water on a spot?

[@truthsower4560]

When you said 4/8th are you talking about 4/8th of an ounce? What measuring system are you talking about here?

[@samburnside3504]

Using a 4oz lead on a hermit set up this year can't imagine too many will get away with it

[@stanwilson8089]

Pat on the back for that idea,I've never considered the weight of the lead with pop ups.

[@markmason13]

Love your vids mate but I got to say Frank Warwick did this experiment a few years ago only difference is he only did it with hooks out the packit.

[@leepullon1147]

The first set of lifted leads the hooks were standard out the packet mate even shows the packet and the 2nd set were sharpened

[@BaitworksTV]

Its nothing new Mark, just thought I'd have a play to see the difference myself mate :)

[@Peachstatecarper92]

Good video

[@sadstar7520]

Cool Experiment

[@chrissmedley3418]

what's wrong with a quick strike on the take then lead size makes no difference to hook hold

[@christopherwarren6451]

I guess the one of the issues with this test is that if we are going to be using 4 - 5oz leads then we will need to be using rods of 3.5lb tc to cast them.

[@jayjones120]

Yeah for less than 70 yard your need a stepped up version or over 4TC + to get any further

[@Jamesteamwolf]

@@jayjones120 im on 3.5tc rods mate and can surpass 120/130 yards without much difficulty in normal weather with a 4oz pal dont need 4lb tc pal

[@leesagar8651]

Think I need to consider upping my leads half and ounce or an ounce. My go to's are 2.5oz and even though I catch fish, this video has shown me of the potential ones I'm losing too.

[@RodDuster]

A 4oz lead cast on fishes heads also does a better job of scaring them away too, a single crap rig in the right spot beats three in the wrong one no matter the lead size or hook sharpness, helps if the fish haven't been spooked off though! If your going to test rigs in the water you learn more from adjusting rig lengths, moving hook beads or silicon for bait/hair exit positions, hair length vs bait boyency on same rigs, most can figure out a heavy lead and sharp hook will work better at getting a bite if you can actually get a pick up to start with! Nobody has ever filmed rigs in real depth, you can mimic carp lips with a cut down caulking gun, pull rubber glove over the opening and cut hole leaving a rubber flap skirt to act like lips, pull gun back and forth whilst holding tube to create suction! 10kgs of free bait if it's a hit 😁 another way to test is put your hand on the lake bed (or sink), drop baited rig on centre of palm, see if you can move your hand away 4" getting a hook up 80% of the time instead of only 50/50, try for yourself 👍🏻

[@leongribs3484]

Can we just all take into consideration that the flesh in a carps mouth…particularly in silty waters, is completely incomparable to a fellas dried up finger or palm.

[@vipernight2]

Clearly a heavier lead will be better for hooking.But it may be a bad camera angle but i would not call that a fair test on the first 2 leads your finger is going on the inside of the hook and you are lifting but the other 2 heavier leads your lifting the leads from the tip of your finger right onto the hook point.I would like to see the test again but all tests done lifting from the point of the hook the same way you done the last 2 leads.

[@BaitworksTV]

It's a very basic test really but the points certainly were on the tip of my finger for all leads :)

[@vipernight2]

@@BaitworksTV I watched it back a few times and your finger on the first two leads is definitely on the inside of the first 2 hooks. So the bend was going over your finger and the last two your finger was on the outside picking it up right from the point unlike the first 2. Time stamp 3:06 point of hook direct to finger time stamp 4:09 your finger goes under the hook and lifts from inside.

[@lewisgregory263]

These people! 😂 it’s just a basic test. U didn’t get it

[@vipernight2]

@@lewisgregory263 Ofc people get it.Its simply logic that a heavier lead will be harder to pick up. Its the way the test was done you cannot put a kamakura hook point on the tip of your finger and swing it around and say it dont do all too much.When you dont test the first 2 leads the same way as the last 2 when the bend of the hook is going over the finger unlike the last 2 where its in direct contact with the hook point and the bend is on the outside not resting over the finger.Try it for yourself put a fresh kamakura hook on and pick it up with the hook bend going over your finger and then pick it up with direct contact with the point on the tip of your finger and swing it around and tell me its the same. Its no hate to baitworks i buy from them and use there baits its good stuff.

[@lewisgregory263]

@@vipernight2 🙈😂

[@kingofthepond6612]

I used to swear by smaller leads but this has made me rethink my solid bag approach …

[@richardburke6533]

I'm sure you did a similar test a few years ago? Without sharpened hooks. Good content tho 👏 👌 😌

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

One of them hooks where used with an arrow

[@richardwalker3784]

I use 1oz leads all the time on my local and always out fish the carp anglers. A carp will move its head more aggressively so I dont think the weight of lead is as big a concern, but without seeing underwater footage who knows?

[@BaitworksTV]

Exactly, it all works in the right situation and I've watched fish use heavy leads to dislodge hooks also hence the small lead success. :)

[@paulself4054]

I was using 1oz leads tight lines rod tips high up and pop up rig 3inch of the bottom no free bait only gravel and rock salt. nailed 7 40lbs in a season were others blanket using 5oz leads and mass baiting. And on scent from hell on baitworks pop ups.....

[@BaitworksTV]

@@paulself4054 Its all about being different mate isn't it ;)

[@paulself4054]

@@BaitworksTV sorry im not buying 50k of boilies off you but one pot of sfh 👍10k of gravel soaked in Molasses and 5kg of rock salt on the spot.... Smell and taste no food items just that little sfh pop up.... 👍👍👍

[@jessicaandtrains7768]

Pointless in my opinion. I also fish light leads where possible. The fish will feel the heavier lead more easily and shake it off more quickly. The light lead will allow the fish to run and it'll find it difficult to throw the hook. It'll be just enough to stay there. Then set the hook when it panics and bolts or when it just swims off none the wiser.

[@TheBrand83]

I think we all know the heavier lead works better as a bolt rig. Like others have said. I don't want to fight fish on 3.5 lb. test curve rods. It's not really fun. And I never drop the lead. So I just fish with a tight line and try to use the rod to help set the hook. Good info though. For people that don't understand how a bolt rig works.

[@tonysmall3863]

Only real way is to stick your head under the water and try lifting with your lips. Caught loads of carp on 2oz leads and lower in all seasons. Also a 2oz lead in the water is still 2oz.

[@peterhill2881]

To me this says lead size is more important than even a sharpened hook

[@paul1furby]

Lighter leads for running rigs then.

[@carp.fishing]

I don't think people are understanding what this video is about. In the summer when carp are at there most active you can use a freelined boilie to hook a carp because they shake there head therefore hooking themselves but in the winter when carp are at there most lethargic they might have a bait sitting in there mouth and won't move, I've caught carp in the winter in the past where I didn't even know I had a bit until I realed my rod in.

[@antonioamaducci4261]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@EricPollarrd]

Geezer’s a masochist 🤣

[@matthewjackson2853]

now try it with a 1/2 and 1 oz tungsten

[@super-sicfishing7671]

Is it me or is this a touch psychopathic interesting but a little bit on the nutty side

[@koensmeets6033]

What i found interesting about this video is how bad the ‘reset qualities’ of the multi rig is…once picked up but not hooked, the presentation is game-over for the remaining time in the water…

[@richardwalker3784]

Why not set up some underwater footage of light leads next to heavy leads n see what really works?

[@BaitworksTV]

If the 2oz leads didn't set the hook mate the lighter leads certainly aren't going to fair any better on this simple finger test.

[@RyansCARPINGadventures]

A carp shakes it’s head faster than you lifted your finger therefore the carp will hook deeper due to the speed of the shake wich will send the hook home faster

[@BaitworksTV]

Agreed and these situations are open to so many variables indeed. This was just a very simple test. All tactics work in the right situation as we know, but I've also watched fish that never shake there head when pricked.

[@RyansCARPINGadventures]

9 out of 10 fish shake when pricked unless it’s highly pressured and they have stupidly hard mouths

[@harleymurphy9025]

@@RyansCARPINGadventures did the carp tell u that

[@RyansCARPINGadventures]

No just stating the obvious that this video was pointless Iv caught numerous 30s on 1.5-2 oz leads if you have a sharp hook then lead size is irrelevant

[@jamesrobinson7888]

Good little experiment but maybe should have done it in a tank or bucket with tap water. Putting yourself at a high risk of wells disease there.

[@dr.mobilefree-knowledge5968]

I use 10 kg. I can't even look the hook

[@SensitivityIsland]

Big assumption ...human skin same resistance as carp gob skin? Good point on archimedes ,weight in water ...food for thought

[@jameswilson8482]

99% of the time I've hooked a carp that didn't shake out a hook using a 2oz lead..

[@jonesr99]

Did that really need explaining?

[@freshwaterbusiness6307]

it painful to watch you pick up that 4oz

[@zzcxnoah6270]

Shame a carp does not have fingers

[@greggbeere6007]

How is the weil's disease 😂

[@michaelsmalley8078]

Oh yes, those air filled leads I wish they would stop making those, they are just too buoyant.

[@louisrb6106]

Friend, you must be mad....

[@chucky1golf]

Why not test the rigs with carp? 😂

[@davidflynn1807]

If a carp feels a hook with a heavy lead surely it will discourage them straight away. I feel a light lead sets a better trap until it’s to late. Interesting watch.

[@lewisgregory263]

That y he is the pro and ur not. Big leads are better fact lol

[@jmacattack1234]

That is not why he’s a “pro” is it? That doesn’t make any sense at all. The poor grammar doesn’t help but also your point is stupid. Nothing is “fact” in fishing as the variables are endless. It’s an opinion and everyone is entitled to one.

[@BaitworksTV]

@@jmacattack1234 You've nailed it mate, so many variables in fishing, this is just a basic little test and all rigs and lead arrangements work on the given day in the right circumstances. :)

[@jmacattack1234]

@ Baitworks. It’s definitely a valid and interesting test. I think, for the average angler, it’s becoming increasingly difficult not to get tied up in knots with the over saturation of information available. In one video a ‘named’ angler will be telling you he only uses 1oz leads and in the next another guy uses nothing below 5. The fact they both have success shows there are no hard and fast rules. Distance, lead arrangement, baiting strategy etc all play a part. Love the podcast btw!

[@lewisgregory263]

@@jmacattack1234 he is the professional, that does make sense. Heavier leads set the hook home better fact. Accept it or go back to school and learn

[@paddltheskunk6354]

Auf deutsch wär das ganze mega interessant schade

[@danielwalker8989]

Jesus man I'll feel very un easy watching this 😥 your poor bloody finger!!!!! I bet you wouldn't try your mouth😫😫😫😫

[@michaelmurphy4758]

Glad I gave up carp fishing 20 yrs ago listening to that nonsense carps a carp as it was 30 yrs ago

[@Kingcarparpeggio]

So you’re an armchair carper now then……nob !!