Are you on the search for a tough-fighting freshwater fish to add to your bucket list? If so, you need to learn how to fish for Carp. These creatures are seriously under-appreciated in the US. But they thrive around the world and are popular due to their ability to reach large sizes. You won’t be surprised to hear that they also put up a difficult battle.
With patience and the right technique, you can be successful at catching a nicely sized Carp that you can brag about. Let’s get started and I’ll give you all the insights for a successful Carp fishing trip!
Carp Characteristics
Carp have a cool, intimidating look to them – and that’s mainly due to their thick bodies. Tones of yellow, gold, red, and brown provide an aesthetic appearance across their scales, with extended and flowy fins as well. Their dorsal fin travels all along their back to warn off predators.
They look kind of similar to dark, oversized Goldfish, and they’re actually related. However, their mouths resemble those of a Catfish. Most of the time when you come across an angler’s photo with a Carp, their bellies hang a bit low, indicating their impressive weight.
Carp can reach around 100 pounds, growing as long as 5 feet. It’s rare to come across these beasts, but they’re definitely out there! It’s an intense feeling when you see a large Carp lunge out of the water during a battle. The feeling is similar to fishing saltwater and watching a Tarpon jump out.
Indeed, some saltwater anglers I know have changed their opinion about freshwater fishing after battling out with a large Carp!
Carp Fishing Hotspots
I’ve told you Carp are freshwater fish but where can you catch them? All species have specific areas they choose to make home, breeding, spawning, source food, and more. The same goes for Carp. You can find this species all around North America, Asia, and Europe, so there are plenty of opportunities to find some. But there are some telltale signs these fish may be around…
When Carp fishing, it’s best to search for an area that has some of the following: sandy shorelines, weeds, lily pads, mud, structure, leaves, and branches. Focus on lakes, rivers, and canals. If you can find any of the above-mentioned spots in your body of water, you’re likely getting close to catching a Carp!
I’d need an encyclopedia to cover all the best spots for Carp fishing in the world, but you can find them in bodies of water as diverse as Lake Okeechobee, FL, Buckeye Lake, OH, and the Rappahannock River, VA. Each spot provides decent-sized fish along with stunning views. Alternatively, head to Texas where bowfishing for Carp is particularly popular.
Across the pond, Carp is among the top “coarse” fish in the UK, where they inhabit a number of man-made lakes. They’re also popular in Spain, where the Ebro River boasts oversized varieties, much like the Canary Islands. However, truth be told, you can find them pretty much anywhere across the continent!
And I’ll just give a quick mention to Asia, where tourist ponds boast some of the biggest Carp in the world. Thailand hosts some of the best-known and most productive bodies of water, especially near resorts like Phuket.
If you’re unsure of where to head for Carp fishing, a great option is to book a fishing charter or guide. Experienced anglers can take you along to the best Carp hotspots, provide the gear and bait, and sometimes arrange your fishing license. If this sounds like your style, be sure to check out FishingBooker to find qualified captains in the location you want to go Carp fishing.
When to Go Carp Fishing
So you know what to look for, but what’s the best time to land a Carp? As with almost every species, season and time of day are key to landing Carp, so let’s take a closer look…
Fishing for Carp is most successfully done around dawn and dusk. As with most species, they’re most active during these times, as they;re on the search for bait. You can fish throughout the day but they may or may not bite depending on other factors such as water temperature, weather, season, etc.
The best season for Carp fishing is summer. A mix of warmer temperatures, longer days, and more present species make this time of year irresistible for Carp. Besides dawn and dusk, nighttime hours also can be productive for Carp fishing during summer.
Typically, calm weather with some shade provides the best conditions for Carp fishing. They like overcast skies and often come out in the rain too. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to catch Carp so, whenever you have a chance, get out there and start your hunt for some Carp!
How to Fish for Carp
When you come across hungry Carp, it won’t be too difficult to get them to bite. But some days, good knowledge and techniques come in handy. These are a couple of common methods used for Carp fishing:
- Freelining live bait. With this method, all you have to do is cast your bait out near structure or covered areas, add a sinker if necessary, and wait for the thump. Some anglers like using bobbers to allow them to see when the bait is being eaten.
- Using rigs. Rigs are often used for Carp, with both live and artificial bait components. The use of rigs is intended to further attract Carp and allow them to eat with a decreased risk of losing the fish. A few examples of popular Carp rigs include hair rigs, bottom feeder rigs, and pop-up rigs.
Whichever method you intend to use, just remember to be patient and make sure that, once you hook into your Carp, you fight them strategically. If they pull, let them run. If they give slack, reel and keep the line tight. Ensure you pull them away from any structure and try not to let the line rub. Once you get them in the clear, pay attention to your line tension as you draw them closer.
Best Carp Baits
Carp definitely aren’t picky eaters, as they tend to eat almost anything. You won’t have a lot of trouble with Carp bait. There are plenty of options you can try and some are unique, too! Let’s break it down:
Live Bait
Worms, minnows, maggots, and small fish species are the most popular live baits for Carp. Their lively energy and appearance catch the attention of Carp. You can grab some on your own or you can purchase some at bait or fishing stores.
Artificials
Following live bait, we have artificial bait. You can mimic live species with artificials, add extra scent, control it, and get straight to fishing instead of having to go catch your own live bait! A couple of examples of popular Carp lures include the Korda Pop-Up Maize as well as varieties of soft plastics and jig heads. Anything that mimics live bait or the fish’s favored food pieces will work well for a hungry Carp.
Not Live – But Not Artificial Either
Now we come to the unique baits I was talking about. Even after years of fishing, I still find these pretty interesting. Experienced Carp anglers swear on canned corn, bread, nuts, and cheesy hotdogs for bait. They say the mix of odor, juiciness, appearance, and thickness all help entice Carp to bite.
Recommended Gear for Carp Fishing
There’s a variety of setups you can use for Carp fishing depending on your preferred fishing method (spinning, baitcasting, fly fishing, etc.). However, I’ll give an example of a spinning setup. Just keep in mind that, for other types of gear, you’ll want something reliable that has similar capabilities.
To start off the ideal setup, you need a good rod. A medium 7′ rod is perfect for Carp fishing. Add a 3000 spinning reel to that and you’ve got your rod and reel sorted. Next up is your line. The best braid for a reliable but thin line will be around the 10-15 lb range.
For your leader, 25 pounds is a good start. But, for bigger Carp, upping the leader will help lessen line tension and risk of breakage. For hooks, sizes around 6 are the best fit for Carp. Try using dark-colored or camo hooks because Carp have keen eyesight and can get spooked by shiny metal.
Carp Fishing Regulations
When it comes to regulations for Carp fishing, there are quite a variety of rules out there depending on the area you’re in. You need to check with your local region to determine what rules for Carp apply to the location you are fishing in.
Some US states have no limits on size or bags when it comes to harvesting. Take Florida, for example, where they’re officially an “invasive” species. Other locations allow harvesting but specific lengths are in place and bag limits apply.
One more thing to note, you’ll usually need a fishing license when casting a line. You can acquire them online, by phone, or in person at local government offices and sporting stores. On average, they’re not too expensive, so I suggest getting an annual one and making the most of your local waters.
Carp Angling: A True Fishing Experience
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just stepping foot into the fishing world, Carp is a great species to target. They’re available in a range of areas worldwide and their challenging fight is very rewarding. Get out there and try it for yourself. I’m sure you’ll agree that these are unfairly underrespected!
If you often fish for Carp, share some of your favorite fishing memories with us! If you’re new to Carp fishing, don’t forget to share your first catch with us in the comments below!
The post How to Go Carp Fishing: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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