Hello!

As a carp angler of over thirty years standing…yes even after all these years I’m still addicted to this great sport of ours!
In my day there was very little in the way of carp fishing books and information, it was the days when most carp anglers were very secretive, keeping them self’s to them self’s…especially the more experienced carp fishermen.

Though there were some good points in those days…that are a total rarity today…less crowded banks!
It was nice turning up at your lake knowing full well you could get any swim you wanted, even if it had an float angler in it, as he was sure to pack up before dusk. This is unbelievable to the present day Carp angler.

The methods and baits that were used in those days were pretty primitive compared to the terminal rigs of today and not to mention the wonderful discoveries of bait ingredients, flavours and additives of today.
Maybe that’s why it was so difficult in those days…
But back then once a general angler decided to progress to carp angler he never gave up, unlike the beginning carp anglers of today, judging by my local waters…

You only have to have a quick glance in the fishing weekly’s classified sections or ebay and you will see tons of near new carp fishing gear being sold off…I dare say that the majority of this gear is being sold by newbie carp anglers, who say carp fishing is really too difficult…

Why do most novice carp anglers struggle?

I believe that most new or beginning carp anglers, I’m sorry to say…are very narrow minded and stereotyped, this isn’t to say I think it’s entirely their fault, no far from it. My observations and from chatting to newbie carp anglers show that they are swayed by everything they read in the monthly ‘carp’ magazines.

They read so and so are catching on the latest ‘Boilies’ so they rush out to buy a few kilos…Only to find they still fail to catch!
And this is a case in point, why do most newbie carp anglers think of only using boilies as bait, when there are plenty of equally if not better baits to use…So I suppose in a way we can put some of the blame on the carp fishing media for portraying this stereotyped way of thinking…Success equals the latest super duper matching carp rods that you can cast out for a mile and a bag of boilies!

After a long succession of blanks the novice carp angler is convinced that the carp is impossible to catch as it has hereditary intelligence, as found in human beings.
This of course is untrue.
However, it is true that it gains from experience, a form of education.

To return to the intelligence of the carp, some appear to have larger brains than others just as in human beings, which mean that certain individuals learn quicker than others. Successful big carp fishing is about understanding the fish and its environment, NOT the latest bait or fancy rig seen in a glossy carp publication, the angler must also remember the older the carp the greater its knowledge.

My observations have shown anglers who have a definite won’t budge type attitude tend Not to be as Successful as those with a flexible easy going open mind attitude. Confidence in your approach, tackle and preparation give the success orientated angler the correct attitude.

Good Luck and Tight Lines…

Dennis

Dennis R. Black…A Keen Carp Angler with over 30 years experience.
To find out more about Big Carp Fishing Secrets and obtain a FREE ‘How to Guide on Modern Carp Fishing DVD’ visit: www.carp-fishing-techniques.co.uk

[Note: The above article is the copyright of Dennis R. Black.]

Most fishermen think that any rod and reel will bring in the carp of their dreams. What they do not realize is that carp, though once considered the trash of the lake, are sneaky creatures. If you are planning on fishing you might as well spend a few dollars extra and get the appropriate equipment for carp fishing. While some think it does not make a difference, carp fishing equipment can be the difference between a batch of carp fingers or hunger pains.

The rod used for carp fishing can vary with the different sizes of carp. In smaller lakes you may be looking at carp up to 15 pounds or so. In larger lakes carp may be as large as 30 pounds. Not every rod will allow you to wrestle a 30-pound carp, so choosing the rod carp fishing equipment should be based on the size of the carp. A 1 to 2 pound test curve rod will handle carp up to about 15 pounds. Anything over the 15-pound mark should probably use a rod with a test curve of about 3. The fishing distance also makes a difference when considering carp fishing equipment. The longer fishing distance requires a longer rod with the ability to handle a heavier weight because of the distance.

The reel also depends on the type of rod and distance that you will be casting. The reel must be compatible with the rod of course. That is something that in most cases can be purchased together to alleviate confusion. Most professional fishermen recommend a baitrunner type reel. This will help you hold on and keep from getting drug into the lake!

Another part of the carp fishing equipment is the fishing line. The rod and reel should give you a clue as to what size fishing line that you will need. Make sure that the line that you purchase is rated for the size fish that you are looking to catch. In most cases you can count on a 2-pound test curve rod to handle about a 10 pound fishing line. That is a rough estimate and the best way to determine is by your rod.

As for hooks there are a number of different sizes, shapes, colors and other bells. Most fishermen will build up a collection of carp fishing equipment that has a variety of hooks, weights and tools. Most professionals recommend that you go ahead and purchase a carp hook. They may cost a little more than a regular hook, but it will work better. When you are purchasing hooks make sure that you abide by the fishery laws. In some counties using barbed hook is prohibited.

There are so many bits of equipment available that will make the carp fishermans dream come true. But make sure that you have the basics for your carp fishing expeditions to begin with. Before going out on a fishing gear spending spree, make sure that you are familiar with the types of places that you are fishing in, and what size of carp are being caught in the area.

Important Tackle

A good landing net that is fairly large in size is needed when carp fishing. Reliable forceps are needed to detangle hooks. To take the hook out of a carps mouth, you will need an unhooking mat. Fish like carp should never be placed on hard surfaces while the hooks are being removed.

Carp Rods

Depending on where you are fishing, Carp rods for small lakes and carp around the size of 15lbs need 1 ½ to 2 lb test curve. For distance, casting 3lb is ideal. There are other types of carp rods such as fast taper tip action, medium tip action and all through action. The conditions you are fishing in will have a lot to do with your choice.

For close work, the all through action rod is perfect, while distance will require a medium action rod as this will bend easily at the tip. For really long distance work when heavy weights need to be cast long distances, the fast tip action rod is the best.

Carp Reels

Reels need to be matched to your carp rod, so depending on the type of fishing that you are doing, you will want to choose something that feels comfortable and balanced on your rod as well as does the job that you need it to do. If you are not sure of the sizes needed, speak to someone in your local tackle shop, they will provide you with advice and choices in carp reels.

Line for your reel

Again, the line has a lot to do with your rod and reel. Keep in mind, though, not to use line that is too light, this will result in more lost fish and tackle. There are lines available called braids that seem to be popular, or using a standard monofilament line is just as good.

Hooks

Carp hooks should never be cheap. A cheap hook means a lost fish in most cases. Buy the better quality hooks. Compared to the cost of other equipment discussed here carp hooks are relatively inexpensive anyway. Make sure that the hooks that you buy are barb-less if that is the requirement in your area by the fishery department. A selection of hooks from a number 4 to 12 hook sizes will give you a good variety.

Weights

Look for in-line and bomb weights. These are the two best weights for carp fishing. In line and bomb weights are easy to thread and are a pale gray color so they will blend in with the bottom of the lake. There are many different sizes of weights. You will need a selection of these. Around 1-3-lbs will provide you with plenty to choose from. But keep in mind that what you buy, you will need to carry along with you, so dont go overboard with your weights.

Carry Alls

Carp carry alls are great for carrying around a heap of gear, although a carry all must be carried in your hands. A plain rucksack is also another way to effectively carry around your gear. Make sure that any bags or rucksacks that you do choose are made from a good waterproof anti-rip material. Rod carriers are ideal for protecting your rods and with the pouch included in some carriers, you can leave the reels on your rods. If you have the room in your carrier, put an umbrella in there to provide protection from adverse weather conditions.

Tackle Box

Your choice in a tackle box is really a personal thing. There is a style available for almost any taste, size, or budget. What you choose really doesnt matter, an old lunch box is good enough. Ideally, you may want to choose something that has partitions that will keep all of your gear neatly in the right places for easy reference. Make sure that if you invest in a fancy tackle box, it is made of quality robust materials so it will stand the test of time.

More goodies

Pods can be useful while fishing for carp and a weigh sling and scales are a must if you want to weigh those massive carp you catch. The Rolls Royce of all extra bits you can get is a bite alarm. It is costly, but what a convenience.

A few other bits that will complete any carp fishermans list of tackle is a baiting needle, bollies stops, swivels and some floats and stops. There are new things coming on the market every day that will add to your fun while carp fishing. So keep looking, you never know what you may find.

Carp fishing can be a frustrating yet exciting type of fishing. This is because carp fish are adept at blow sucking and blowing. Carp usually stay eating on the surface of the water as long as food such as bread, peas and corn are present.

Here are some of the important carp fishing tips. First of all, have any food such as cookies softened. You can do this by soaking them with water for a few minutes. Afterwards put the wet piece inside a sealed plastic bag for one hour. It all depends on the kind of food – as long as you see that it is already firm for casting, then you can now hook it as bait. Another tip in hooking bait is by attaching the pellet to the shank by gluing it.

Get the carp into feeding – this allows them to become at ease with the bait. And as they become more comfortable, this is a good indication for the angler as the fish becomes less picky. These carp fishing tips are actually useful when employing the method of zig rigs.

As soon as they become quite at ease with feeding, you now can cast your bait. However, it is a must that the fishing bait does not fall directly into the area where the carp are eating. Ideally, you must cast and position your bait away from the location of the feeding carp. Slowly, pull the bait gently, drawing it to the feeding position.  As the bait hangs, you have to be patient and continue supplying the area with food in order to attract further the fish and make it stay and feed with your food. 

It is advisable for fishers to utilize hair rig – such will increase the changes of catching carp fish. Carp initially taste the food, they tend to be very picky. And if it so happens that they do not like how the food tastes, they would avoid it. So it is advisable to choose the food items that are good to the carp’s taste.

Simply put it is not just the bait that effectively catches the fish – it is actually the fishing method which is used to introduce the bait. One of the most effective carp fishing tips is to do pre baiting regularly on a single spot. Carp will think that this spot is a good place for them to feed. Soon enough many carp will visit the area. And you have an excellent place to fish for carp.

  

For more about carp fishing, angling advices and other fishing articles, do visit our Game Fishing Thrills blog.

The emergence of Carp fishing as an expanding specialist sport during the seventies has grown ever more popular, one of the pioneers of carp fishing was the great Richard Walker who was a renowned Carp specialist in the forties and fifties. His record Carp Clarissa lived her days out in captivity after being caught at Redmire Pool, she weighed in at 44lbs and is possibly the most famous fish in the angling world.

But why was she so famous and why has Carp fishing continued to be so popular?

Well Clarissa was special, she not only broke the British record she smashed it, almost doubling the previous record of 26lb and this type of record breaking in fishing is unheard of in modern times. In addition to this apart from the Salmon caught in 1922 by Mrs Ballantyne it was the biggest freshwater fish ever caught.

She was possibly the most inspirational fish that a single generation has ever experienced and lived to the age of 34 before her death in Regents Park Zoo in 1971. It is probable that the death was premature and if left in the wild Clarissa may well have reached an age of 50 or 60 years. The tragedy here is that after her capture and transfer to the Zoo she never grew any bigger, contrast this to other fish in Redmire including the fish caught by Chris Yates at 51lb then a conclusion could be made that Clarissa never reached her true potential.

There is a train of thought that Clarissa could have eventually weighed 60lb had she been left in her natural home and imagine what that would have done for Carp fishing!

Add all this to this the fact that Richard Walker was a prolific writer as well as a prolific angler then the two combined factors would be the inspiration for countless young people to get into Carp Fishing. The next ingredient is the “air of superiority” and the atmosphere of secrecy that surrounds the carp world when you add this to the technical innovation and development of techniques and tackle then there is truly a magical draw for many people.

As time went by the growth of publicity for successful specialist carp anglers started to drive the potential to earn real money from the sport. Sponsorship, tackle design, bait evolution and syndicate waters started to provide anglers with the potential to earn serious money and many anglers either partnered or setup business around their success. Magazines and advertising then came on the scene and now there are many television programmes on SKY television and other subscription based media.

Tackle development has continued at an amazing rate and the industry continues to grow, its now more than 35 years since Clarissa died, there have been a string of new pretenders to her crown, bigger fish of course but none with the same aura and esteem.

Now as we move through 2007 we now see a new direction, the imported monsters that are coming into the country are being stocked at weights in excess of Clarissa when she broke the record!

These fast grown bloated fish are about to break and break again the Carp record but not one of these fish will ever match Clarissa no matter how big they are caught at. Of course the original strains of Carp were brought to the UK by the Romans, monks also farmed them and many stately homes were stocked with a new strain of Carp in between 1930 and 1940, it is known that some of these fish reached ages of 60+ which is amazing.

I liken this latest crop of imports to comparing a true diamond with Cubic Zirconia, you can have the biggest rock in the world on display on your finger but if its not a true diamond it is worthless!

Where will this end? Well the first issue will be whether to accept these new fish as true records (a dilemma already faced in the trout fishing world), secondly identifying the fish as a true contender or not, these are two very difficult questions which will now rock and divide the Carp fishing world over the next months and years.