Basic guide to Carp Fishing

Starting out fishing for Carp can be a bit daunting.

I have found looking around on the internet there is little information about fishing in Canberra when it comes to Carp, so I have brought together an all round guide to get you started.

Main thing is to check with all local fishing regulations in your state or territory and adhere to those laws before attempting the things posted on this blog.

One of the most basic but effective rigs is the running sinker rig.

It composes of a free moving bead sinker on your mainline, tying a swivel, then running about 30cm's of line (known as a leader) down to a hook.

In terms of choosing a hook the general rule is that the hook itself should be no larger than your thumbnail.

A bigger hook tends not to lead to bigger Carp unlike other types of fishing.

I find a size two circle hook is probably a good all round size when it comes to carp and circle hooks tend not to dislodge that easily.

In terms of setting the hook you will find with circle hooks there is no need to set them, as they work differently to other hooks, rather using the sinker. In fact you will find setting, could dislodge the hook.

One think to note is to be gentle when reeling in fish, though overall they are much easier to use and much better if you hook a native.

Golden perch seem to gut hook on bait holders, where as circle hooks catch in the mouth. So if you do hook a native chances of survival are higher.

In terms of your sinker size anywhere from size 1-3 should suffice.

Choosing a weight for your leader, has a few components to it.

In terms of the rating anywhere from 6-20 pound is a good range.

The thing to note is that the heavier you go the less chance of catching a carp, though you can be prone to break-offs.

Carp are known to be weary of thicker line, so ultimately you want to run your leader as light as you can, choosing anywhere between 6-8 pound.

The only time you should increase is due to snap offs from snags.

I have personally seen 13 kilo carp landed on very light gear in Canberra.

It takes a bit of a fight though increases your hook up rate.

One of the best lines to choose for a leader is fluorocarbon.

It has been proven to get more bites and hookups, so it is well worth investing the money on it.

Standard baits for Carp are bread rolled in to a ball then pressed on the hook with the barb exposed (don't over-bait the hook,) or canned corn. put a couple of kernels on your circle hook.

One thing I swear by and use every time i go fishing is a good burley recipe listed below. often Carp can be swimming around your bait and not even giving it a second glance.

adding burley can whip the carp into a feeding frenzy.

Burley recipe

500gm's of quick oats.

500gm's of breadcrumbs.

1 tbsp of Vanilla essence or extract.

25gms of Paprika.

2-3 cans of creamed corn.

Mix all the ingredients in a bucket.

Basically you want to the texture to be solid enough to be compressed in to a ball.

Cast out within throwing distance about 3 metres out, then lob a ball of burley where you cast.

The burley can be stored in the fridge for about 5 days.

best times to go fishing for carp are sunset, night, or very early morning and casting close to the banks.

They are predominantly active during summer.

If you are fishing during the day i would suggest casting further out, though this isn't their most active time.

I hope these tips help you on your journey to catching more Carp.

Tight lines.

Trimmo