Carp, a beginner’s guide

[LostMyWife]

Yo Crappie

I still fish for crappie.

I have to.

I use them as bait for the big catfish I go after.

[crappiefisherman]

first liar aint gotta chance.Hey Lmv, Im getting together a SNIPE HUNT this week end wanna tag along.If so all you need is a burlap bag, a flashlite and a ping pong paddle,,,,,,IT WILL BE GREAT

[LostMyWife]

I used to take people on snipe hunts thank you. Not the victim

[MoCarp]

I have bought from all 3 below, the link on bottom is out of Oklahoma and I buy more from them because the keep earning my repeat business, the gear is now more available than ever, and at better prices, if I would have to say the most bang I got outa a purchase was bite alarms, you do not need to stand over your rods that way, maakes fishing MUCH more relaxed, at least until that 1st run on a beeper!

http://www.royalcarp.com/Scripts/default.asp

http://www.wackerbaits.com/

https://www.americancarpsociety.com/store/home.php

[Wayne SW/MO]

I used to fish for carp in bull shoals,,,,,,,,,,but the HUGE crappie have scared them all away

Dadgum crappiefisherman I'll bet thats what I hooked down in the pothole one evening, I was fishing for carp and catching some 10-15 pounders until I hooked somthing I couldn't get up, the hook pulled after about 20 minutes, bet it was one of those crappie.

[crappiefisherman]

at the pot hole you say? That was a stryper/crappie hybrid i like to call those crypers.I usually catch them on my anchor rope and a two pound cricket

oh and during the spawn you ought to se the nest those crypers make,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,looks like it was made by mortor fire

[Wayne SW/MO]

Well if I ever hook another I won't get too close to the water. Thats scary!

[LostMyWife]

I have bought from all 3 below, the link on bottom is out of Oklahoma and I buy more from them because the keep earning my repeat business, the gear is now more available than ever, and at better prices, if I would have to say the most bang I got outa a purchase was bite alarms, you do not need to stand over your rods that way, maakes fishing MUCH more relaxed, at least until that 1st run on a beeper!

http://www.royalcarp.com/Scripts/default.asp

http://www.wackerbaits.com/

https://www.americancarpsociety.com/store/home.php

Thanks MoCarp

at the pot hole you say? That was a stryper/crappie hybrid i like to call those crypers.I usually catch them on my anchor rope and a two pound cricket

oh and during the spawn you ought to se the nest those crypers make,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,looks like it was made by mortor fire

Yo Crapppie

Are those crypers related to the Taney Squid?

[jcoberley]

Carp Baits

Carp have been known to take baits such as corn, bread, hot dogs, cut baits, worms, prepared dough baits, cheese and many others. The best baits by far are sweet corn and simple bread dough. The bread dough is made by moistening a few slices of any kind of bread with water and kneading it until it becomes the right texture to put on a hook. If you use too much water so that it becomes soggy, just add flour and continue to knead until it looks and feels right. Some anglers like to experiment by adding their secret flavorings to the dough. Some of the well known ones are, vanilla, anise oil, peanut butter, maple syrup and my favorite, strawberry. In all honesty, I have yet to experience any real advantage with the flavored dough but it makes it more interesting to try different baits.

Best Areas

One of the good things about carp fishing is that it does not require a boat, in fact a boat can be a hindrance in most situations. If you choose to use a boat, find a soft sand or gravel shore and beach the boat since no matter how you anchor, the boat will swing back and forth making it next to impossible to detect a strike. The ideal spot is any beach with a sand or mud bottom and a gradual sloping shoreline. The next best is sheltered boat harbors and canals. The only problem with harbors is trying to play a battling carp among all the pilings, floats and buoys. It is best to stay away from areas with lots of structure as you will have a very difficult time trying to coax a big carp out of the stuff.

Now We Go Fishing

I suggest making short casts of 50 to 100 feet or so since carp like to roam the shallows. Always fish with some slack in your line and watch for any movement in the line. It is imperative that you have slack in the line because if the fish feels even the slightest resistance it will immediately drop the bait nine times out of ten. A lot of times they will start by just picking up the bait and moving a couple of inches and then dropping it. Wait until they really start moving out and then drop the rod tip and set the hook and get set for one heck of a battle. If you're using super braid line, don't set it too hard or you will snap the line or straighten out the hook.

Test Your Tackle

I guess that about covers it so go out and give it a try, you might be pleasantly surprised. When other species are uncooperative you can be fairly certain that the carp are still on the prowl. If you just bought a new rod and reel and you want to know how it will handle a really large and powerful fish, the carp are ready and willing to test it for you and after tangling with a few you just might become a carp. I reallt enjoy going after them with my trout rig and 2# test. .....Go-gettem!!.......

[esox niger]

For those interested in fly fishing for carp i have a website up dedicated to carp and carp flies . I primarily use 3 patterns for both Common and Grass Carp. I've found the grass carp to be the most selective and wary, especially when fishing a floating fly, though there are times when thats the way to go. 90% of the time I use a small black fly I call the Black Ops in size 6 or 8 with XL or L bead chain eyes, regardless of weather the fish are feeding on the surface or not...even(especially) when mulberries are dropping, this is my fly of choice. With a good presentation to a feeding fish the fly is almost never rejected. I would also highly recommend a small crayfish pattern for both species of carp. Smaller the better for grass carp, size 6 and 8 are best, size 8 to be on the safe side for the grassies. I particularly like the crayfish to have a weed guard, you be amazed at how much a weed guard can help improve your productivity and peace of mind, though its not always necessary. I like these flies because not only are they good for Carp, they take just about everything that swims. #3 fly in my arsenal is a floating pellet fly. Sometimes its the best choice depending on the fish and other conditions however it will receive the most scrutiny, is tougher to set, and can't be moved without spooking the fish, and is usually a one shot deal. With the previous two flies, repeated casts can be made to a single fish often times amping the fishes excitement as it searches for the tasty morsels it hears plopping around him. Typically, if the fish doesn't hit the fly he hasn't seen the fly....try try again, leading just ahead and across the fishes path by a foot or so. Note: it may also be wise to place your fly out of the fishes sight, just to the side and behind head. Sometimes you have to make a few cast to a fish before you get the right placement.