A new step has been taken in carp rig evolution recently after reports surfaced of a 'double-barbed' hook that's been producing remarkable big-carp catches.
Named ‘The Tic’, the pattern has a micro barb in the usual position, plus a second ‘nano barb’ just below the point. It’s designed to catch carp that have learned how to eject rigs and in testing has received great reviews.
The hook was developed by Luke Moffatt, who runs The Graviers Dijon fishery in northern France, once home to the world record carp. He had the idea 25 years ago, but it wasn’t until late 2021 that he decided to develop it, knowing that today’s anglers would soon see its advantages.
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“The Tic was designed to catch those rig-dodgers that had worked out how to deal with modern-day set-ups, and it works with the lightest of leads,” he told us.
“I’ve heard of some people using up to 1lb of lead with conventional hooks to make sure the barb penetrates on the take, which is ridiculous!
“But the nano barb on The Tic goes in with just 1.5oz – and that’s without the fish bolting!”
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The pattern has been on sale from Luke’s fishery for a year, with 30,000 sold to date.
“Feedback from customers has been excellent, with some amazing stories of increased catch rates and PBs,” Luke added.
“There was one fella who landed a big common believed to have been dead for years. I’ve also heard stories of anglers using them on hard waters, where just the odd beep and knocking on the rod tip has resulted in hooked fish – clearly caused by carp trying to eject the nano barb without success.
“The reason The Tic is not mainstream is that some anglers have been trying to keep it quiet! Many have said it’s too much of an edge to share!”
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Concerns that the new pattern could cause excess mouth damage have been roundly dismissed by Luke.
“The nano barb becomes redundant once a fish is hooked. Once you’ve tightened up, it’s done its job and the main barb has popped in,” he said.
“Unhooking a fish is just as easy as with any other micro-barbed hook.”
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