2. Intro To Carp Angling - American Carp Society

How To Catch Carp?

Carp feed at all depths of the water table however are more likely to be found looking for food on the lake and riverbeds during the day, so this is the best place to start.

Free-lining: The easiest way to catch carp is to go to the local pond with a loaf of bread, a size 8 hook and some 10lb line to a pretty stiff rod and you are ready for action! Carp up to 10lbs are relatively easy to catch very close to the shore and virtually all carp fishing is done from the bank.

There is no need for expensive tackle and boats. You will need some patience so feeding or ‘chumming’ (where legal) an area prior to fishing always helps. If the locals feed the ducks that is the best place to start as the carp will be used to feeding on bread on that location.

Alternatively, 3 or 4 kernels of canned sweetcorn (bought from your local grocery store) threaded directly onto the hook and cast out with or without a small sliding egg sinker/weight will certainly produce a carp if they are there feeding in the area you are fishing.

Float Fishing: Bread can be molded around a hook and ‘free lined’ into an area with no float (bobber) or weight and the angler can just watch the line. This is a great method for ponds and very small areas of water; however one of the most exciting methods of catching carp for a youngster is to use a small float (Bobber) as the indicator. Mold the bread to the hook with just the point showing and set the depth of the float so that the bait sits on the bottom of the lake bed or pond.

Fun for Kids and Adults alike… Carp angling is a great bank-side family sport!

Make sure that the clutch of the reel is set loose so that the fish can take line a little if hooked. Once you have found a spot, whether near some reeds, lilies, under a tree or just a few feet out from the shore where the water gets a little deeper cast your line and immediately introduce few free offerings to get the fish feeding. Either a handful of sweet corn or a few pieces of bread (rolled up so that it will sink) will work and give it a few minutes for the fish to find the bait. Keep very close attention to the float as a take can be so fierce that it will literally have the rod leaving your hands so close to the shore. As soon as the float disappears lift into the fish.