If you ask an ardent angler which their favorite fish is to fish, perhaps most would say ‘carp’! carp is a bottom feeder, hardy fish native to Asia and Europe and introduced to the United States in 1800s since when it’s a staple food for several communities. Carp can survive in many conditions, and often populates ponds, lakes and rivers. It’s the largest member of the minnow family, and is related to the goldfish. It has large rounded body, forked tail, elongated dorsal fin and barbels around the mouth. The color can range from deep green to bright gold, depending on the species and location.
Carp can reach around 30 inches in length and 10-15 lbs. of weight. However, they have been known to reach from 20 to 30 lbs. and even 60 lb. monsters have been spotted sometimes. If you too are looking for carp fishing, here are a few useful tips for you.
1. Perfect Location and Timing are Important
Carp loves to stay in murky water and clear water may easily scare them. They also love warmer waters, hence look for muddy water with dense vegetation along the shoreline, backwaters and side channels. Most time of the carp is spent in feeding on insects among aquatic plants.
The best time to spot carp is early morning.
2. Right Bait is Important too
Since carp are omnivorous and will feed on plankton, insects and larvae, as well as tender plant stems and river weeds, baiting carp is relatively simple. A go-to bait for most carp anglers is boilies. The main attraction for carp in boiliies is the scent of fishmeal. However, also keep in mind that if the area is frequently fished, carp may associate boilies with danger and may avoid the bait.
Thankfully, there is another bait perfect for carp fishing that is cheaper and easier and cause carp to always strike. It’s sweet corn. Canned sweet corn has the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors that carp cannot resist and corn kennels are easy to thread straight onto your hook, so you don’t need to mess around with a hair rig.
3. Rod and Reel
River fishing usually means short distance casting; hence the correct rod length is around 4-6 feet. This is also a great length for fishing in tight spaces along shorelines and vegetation. If the water body is larger, go for an 8-10 ft rod for better long-distance casting.
A bait-feeder spinning reel that operates with two drag systems is the most popular reel for carp fishing.
Monofilament line suits carp fishing, as it sinks well in water with a mild current. However, most anglers prefer braided line as it’s more durable and inelastic, due to which it keeps you well in contact with the fish.
In carp fishing, the heavier the test weight of the line, the better. Begin with a 30lb. test line and work your way up to heavier weights to find out which line enables you to apply the right amount of pressure.
4. No Shiny Hooks Please
When it comes to carp fishing, an angler should remember that carp have excellent eyesight and the glare from a shining hook can scare them away from your bait. Hence, it’s better to use camouflaged or dark hooks specific to carp fishing.
5. Rod Pod
While carp can virtually eat anything, they also tend to hesitate while feeding, and can spook easily. Even slight tremors along your fishing line can alarm a carp school about your presence and end your chance of catching a fish.
Here’s where a rod pod or rod holder steps in. it can eliminate most of the movement in your line. Rod pods hold your rod at the correct angle you need, allowing the line to unspool with minimal resistance. You can even get pods for multiple rods, that let you set up a few rigs and add to your chances of a bite.
The once-defamed carp is now popularized as a thrilling challenge for many anglers, and since it’s a challenging fish to fish, you have to master a few skills to get great success in carp fishing. Follow the above tips and you can be a happy angler!
