Baiting the Hair Rig

Congrats on tying a hair rig!  Now let's bait it.  The process is both simple and frustrating, but we'll get through it together!

First, you'll need a bait needle.  Since bait needles aren't as readily available here as in the U.K., I recommend a crochet needle.  It's basically the same thing.  Get the smallest one Walmart has to offer.

You can see the tiny hook on the crochet needle in the next photo.

Step one is to place that end of the needle through the bait.  In this example, our bait is whole kernel sweet corn straight from the can.

Next we use the tiny hook on the tip of the needle to grab the loop at the bottom of the hair.

Now pull the hair back through the corn.

The size of the hair will determine how many pieces can be placed on it.  I put five on this one.

The only thing we need now is a bait stop.  This is an object at the bottom that keeps the bait from sliding off the hair.  There are plastic bait stops, but I think that using something natural runs less chance of spooking the fish.  Below is a twig I found.

When you have a hair that's stacked with bait, sliding a twig between the last piece of bait and the loop can be tricky.  I recommend using the crochet needle to assist with this.

Now slide the needle out, using your fingers to keep the twig from coming out with it.  Then pull the corn down flush against the twig.

Notice that I shortened the twig by breaking a piece of it off.  It is still long enough to hold the bait, but it no longer protrudes out from each side of the bait.

If you want to check your work, grab the braid above the hook and jiggle the whole thing.  If the bait and bait stop stay in place, it's time to cast!

Tight lines!