Carp Fishing is becoming more and more popular each year due to the ever growing population and interest. After seeing how big and massive carp can get, many anglers will end up giving carp fishing a try. These fish may not be the ideal eating fish, but boy do they put up a fight! Often anglers will simply just go carp fishing to test out new techniques and get some action.
They may seem abundant though, but you may need some carp fishing tips to help you master this fish species in hopes that you will end up landing the next record carp.
What you need to go carp fishing:
Medium to Heavy Rod that’s roughly 7-8 feet.
12-20 lb test line
Bait
This list varies from carp fishermen to carp fishermen but you will definitely need the above if you plan to head out fishing. Without these, you won’t be getting too far.
Carp Fishing Techniques
Carp fishing techniques will vary based on where you are fishing along with they may take a few different tries to master. If they aren’t working for you, you may need to modify them a bit or end up trying a different area all together.
Classic Corn Rig
One of the most simple techniques you can use is just pulling out a corn rig. If you don’t know what a corn rig is or haven’t heard of one; its simple. All you need is a medium to large size hook that is baited with either canned corn or even frozen corn. After that, put the right on a 1 to 2 foot leader that is attached to your 12-20lb test line on a t-swivel.
Depending on where you are fishing though, you may want to add a “break away” line to your rig just in case the carp ends up dragging it through brush and gets you hung up. If you are planning on adding a “break away” line, simply use a lighter test line between your leader and the heavy test line.
Simply sit back and let your line fall to the bottom. After this, all you need to do is just wait. Carp Fishing Tip: If you’re having trouble, try to “chum” the area by tossing some corn around the area that you are fishing in.
Carp Boilie Bait
A lot of the old timers will tell you about Carp Boilie and you’ll still find it in use today. Carp are naturally attracted to Boilies due to their high protein content. To put this in action, you will need a medium to large sized octopus hook.
After you’ve found your hook, thread your line through the center of the boilie with excess line left looped around to tie off the ends through the eye of your hook. Keep in mind though, you will want enough excess left so that the boilie can move. All you need to do is sit back and wait.
Boilie Carp Fishing Tips: If you are having trouble getting bites, you may simply be moving your bait too much. When boilie fishing for carp, you need to remember that not move your bait.
Record Breaking Carp
You will be surprised how big carp can actually get! We’ve looked up the current record holding carp just in case you feel that you may be catching the next record breaker! These are just a few carp that’ll give you a example of current record holders.
June 2nd, 2012 Roman Hanke hooked a monster mirror carp that weighed in at 101 lb 4oz in Euro Aqua.
October 10th, 2013 Keith Williams landed a Siamese giant carp which weighted in at a massive 134-pound 7oz in Thailand.
May 20th, 2014 Darren Ouelette pulled in a 44 pound, 6oz common carp in Varmont.
carp fishing tips
Photo by catsncarp / CC BY
Top Carp Fishing Tips
From time to time, you may need some carp fishing tips to help you catch those record breaking carp. If you are having trouble though, we have you covered! Below are carp fishing tips that we’ve put to the test and that you may need to give a try:
Use Bait In Season
I’ve been able to use bait in all seasons but I’ve always been told that I should only use boilies during the summer & autumn and use bird food type baits or 50/50 mixes in the winter and spring. Feel free to use this carp fishing tip with a bit of caution as it may not always be appropriate.
Patients is Key
More often than not, you will find carp being gentle and barely striking the bait. You need to wait just long enough for them to bite down hard enough where you can then set the hook. You also may need to have a hook remover near by in case your catch ends up swallow your bait whole.
Look for the Carp
Before you even throw your line out, you may want to do some searching before you immediately go carp fishing. If you can pin point where they are hanging out, you’ll improve your chances greatly.
Winter Carp Fishing
If you end up fishing for carp more in the winter, you may want to try casting more. Due to the colder water, carp will often move less thus they may not stumble upon your bait as easily compared to in the summer.
Color Matters
This is often one of the most ignored carp fishing tips. You need to use the right color when you are out carp fishing. Along with that, you may need to even match it to your bait color too. For example, if you’re using corn as a bait; you may want to use more of a yellow or gold hook.
If you end up fishing in darker water though, you will want to match your hook with the color of the water. Carp will not be interested in bright colors when the water is dark.
Classic Corn Bait Still Works
Majority of the fishermen often ignore the time tested carp fishing tips such as simply using corn. Corn is a classic that even my grandparents have told me. Originally I felt that the best corn to use carp fishing though was straight off the cob, but I’ve had equal experience testing sweet corm that’s straight out of a can.
Salt, Vitamin C and the Heat
Carp tend to love all things salty, high in vitamin C content and stuff with a kick. To solve the Salt issue, make sure your you add enough salt to your baits. A general rule of thumb would be to add one tablespoon of salt to every 5 liters of bait you use.
I don’t always follow the vitamin C rule but all my friends do. Make sure you try to have a decent amount of vitamin C in your bait by either adding orange juice in or simply soaking your bait in it.
For some odd reason, carp seem to love the heat. We tried this suggestion and we were surprised by the results. Adding jalapenos or any hot pepper seems to drive them wild.
Follow the Ducks
Okay, okay; I know this carp fishing tip sounds a little weird and odd, but it can and does work. Depending on where you live, you might find carp traveling along side packs of geese or ducks if people are feeding them. Often ducks and geese will miss some of the bread or food that they are getting tossed in which carp will gobble right up! Cast out your line near that next group of ducks or geese and you may get a little lucky.
Overfeeding shouldn’t be a issue
More often than not, carp will take a lot of food before they ever become full. If you think that you may be overfeeding them though, just use breadcrumbs. Breadcrumbs are effective as they will be easy to spread but are small enough where carp don’t feel full.
Wind Doesn’t Always Matter
Using the wind to locate carp often helps and worms but its not always accurate. The smaller area that you are fishing, the less the winds will matter. Even in larger waters this can play a role as its simply not suitable for them. Try a variety of areas.
Don’t Toss Too Much Bait
You can always put more bait out, but you can’t always take it back. You’ll catch more carp by just putting small amounts of bait at a time and often than putting a lot at one time.
There you have it. Top Carp Fishing Tips, Tricks and Techniques! Don’t get caught up reading too much though, get out there and try some carp fishing tips.
