Catching carp fish is a great pastime for those who enjoy fishing and carp water. The carp fish are one of the most popular freshwater game fishes in the UK. Carp fishing can be done from shore, boats or by wading out into the water. There are many different ways to catch carp depending on where you plan to do it and what gear you have available to you but there is one important thing that needs to happen before any carp will bite your bait; they must see it!
Carp Fishing: The Basics
In carp water, carp mostly feed on insects and food that falls from the surface. If they see your bait in the water then they will have a high chance of biting it! This is why you need to fish at dawn or dusk when carp are feeding actively. Carp fishing can be done anytime during the day but these times offer more bites so carp fishermen tend to use this technique for higher success rates.
The best way to catch carp with baited hooks is by using one rod fitted with an open eye line (tungsten), hook and pelletised bread as bait tied onto a length of shot either above or below the hook depending on water depth, 180 metres maximum. After several hours waiting without any carp taking your bait, you might want to tinker with the carp-catching technique, maybe by changing bait or location.
Useful Tips For Carp Fishing
- Use a strong rod, preferably made from carbon fibre which is lightweight and flexible
- The best carp fishers say there's no need to wear gloves as carp don't bite hard
- Be patient! Carp can take time before they grab your hook so you might want to stay focused on catching them instead of looking at other things in nature around you (you'll never know when carp will attack!)
- Always use barbless hooks - if not then it may be difficult to unhook the fish once caught! It also reduces injuries because you won't have any barbs sticking out of the fish once you have managed to land it.
- Find carp by looking for their distinctive swirls or shadows on the water's surface
- Always keep your bait moving to attract carp and avoid getting a bite from other fish! You can also try adding different types of food into the mix like corn, breadcrumbs, worms etc.
- Use bait that matches your environment - if it's clear water then try using worms or bread; browner water might require crickets or minnows)
- Remember that carp fishing is best done in early morning during low light or evening hours because they are more active during these times of day, making them easier targets.
- Pick places where there’s lots of cover such as weeds and rocks - this makes fish feel safe and more likely to bite your bait
Catching A Carp
To catch carp, it’s best to use a large spinner or live bait on the end of your rod. A hook smaller than 12/0 is best - this will allow you to get closer without carp feeling threatened.
When carp are near enough for a good shot with your reel and net, make sure you wait until they turn sideways before reeling in because if not then the carp will likely break off! Once you have reeled them in just be careful when landing them so as not to cause any injury (carp can sometimes throw themselves into trees or rocks).
You'll know immediately whether or not one has hooked onto something by looking at both the line that's coming out of the water and and the carp's mouth. If there is a knot in the line, then it has hooked onto something.
Don't be discouraged if you have to wait for carp to bite your bait or get close enough for an easy catch - carp fishing can take patience!
In conclusion, carp fishing is a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you are looking for carp to feed a family or just want the bragging rights of catching one, carp fishing is an important thing to know how to do well.