As a relative newcomer to the carp scene (about 14 months) and after reading most of the carping publications and the questions about scaling-down, etc. during the leaner winter months, I was wondering if it would be possible for someone on the panel to produce a bait to hook size ratio list. Many experts suggest scaling-down (some also don’t) but they all seem to say use a smaller bait and hook. I have no idea really, other than my own thoughts (more than likely wrong) as to what size hook marries up nicely to a certain size bait/boilie, i.e. is a 10mm boilie OK with a Size 10 hook? Or a grain of corn with a Size 14 hook etc., etc.?

What are the chances of someone compiling a suggested list of hook sizes to boilie sizes/shapes/artificials or commonly used baits?

I often read your articles two or three times over, memorising types of bait, etc.  The lake at which I fish at the moment (when not overseas) is an army-run lake near Aldershot. During the winter months, the weed has really caused me problems. Can you recommend any system/rig that may help? (Pop-ups don’t seem to cut the mustard.

I am a big fan of using long Hairs on my rig and have had some good results. However, I get a lot of tangles where the boilie and Hair wraps around the hook. Can you give me any tips on how to prevent this happening, please?