I’ve heard some anglers say that curve shanked hooks can damage a carp’s mouth. Is this correct or is there a way to use them which makes them less likely to cause any damage?

Tom Gibson

In honesty, I’ve not heard of this one before! Maybe it’s a certain rig that you’ve heard of that’s incorporated this pattern of hook? Curve shanks are a fantastic pattern lending themselves to numerous different presentations, whether that’s the popular Ronnie rig or a German wafter rig.

Curved shank hooks are extremely versatile

I’ve used both of these rigs in the past with this pattern of hook and have certainly never come across damage to the mouth as a result of the pattern of hook. Any hook used incorrectly with a rig can cause damage, but with the amount of information on the web and in magazines these days, there should be no excuses for poor/ dangerous rigs.

Well-tied rigs are unlikely to cause damage to carp