An Introduction to Carp Fishing

Carp fishing is a pastime that has been around for centuries. It's enjoyed by anglers of all ages and abilities, from casual weekend anglers to experienced professionals. If you're looking for an exciting new hobby, or know someone who is, carp fishing might be just the thing! Let’s take a look at some of the basics of carp fishing. 

Are carp hard to catch?

Anglers love to fish for carp as most species of carp provide anglers with an exciting challenge. Due to their size and strength; specimen carp put up quite a fight when hooked which makes them even more rewarding once successfully landed!

Some anglers simply enjoy watching these majestic fish swim gracefully up to the surface in crystal-clear waters; they really do make quite a spectacle! Also, unlike sea fishing and pike fishing, carp can be fished for nearly all year.

Is carp fishing good for beginners?

Carp can be found in so many places around the UK, there's always somewhere new to explore and discover carp! With a little practice and with the right fishing tackle and bait, anglers can easily capture carp up to 20 lbs with their usual fishing gear – and when you use the special ‘carp fishing rigs’ your catch potential will skyrocket. And don't be surprised if giant carp decide to take your bait!

Types of Carp 

There are many different species of carp, but the most commonly caught are mirror carp, common carp, crucian carp, koi carp, grass carp, leather carp and the hybrid; F1 carp. The differences in species mainly have to do with size and scale patterns. The mirror carp tend to be the largest while grass carp are quite small. 

Where To Find Carp 

All types of carp can be found in still, freshwaters such as lakes and ponds, or slow-moving rivers and streams. Carps prefer clear water where they can feed on plants and insects along with aquatic vegetation like algae and they prefer shallow waters with lots of cover so they feel safe from predators. 

Many anglers will take up lake carp fishing in the summer months as it's an enjoyable pastime! If you are curious about the Top Carp Fishing Lakes in the UK or are wanting a fishing get-away to a carp fishing lakes with a log cabin, our fishing store team members can help suggest nearby carp fishing venues for you!

How do you find carp in a lake?

Using a variety of fishing equipment like an underwater camera or bait boats can help you locate the areas in which carp are feeding in a larger body of water. However, these carp items are some of the most expensive fishing products available so we will suggest some cheaper methods in the video below!

How deep should I fish for carp?

It is possible to catch carp in all depths of water, from less than a foot to more than 30 feet. As the temperatures plummet, carp will move to deepwater, which usually has the warmest water in a lake. 

To help gain vital information about the lake bed and lake depth, carp anglers typically use the fishing lead to feel down the water column.

Are carp bottom feeders?

An adept scavenger, carp are bottom feeders that root through mud and sediment of lake and river beds to consume anything edible before spitting out anything they decide not to eat! This is why carp love snails, worms or anything crunchy!

It is worth remembering that although carp are bottom feeders, in the warmer months they will look for food on the surface due to the harvesting time for berries and the appearance of insects on the top of the water! 

What time of day are carp most active?

To increase your chances of catching carp, try fishing at the break of day and dusk when they feed with greater intensity. However, don't discount trying throughout the day - you never know what luck may bring!

What is the best month to fish for carp?

If you're looking for a good spot to try your luck at catching a carp, consider checking out your local lake or pond during late spring or early summer when water temperatures are ideal for them to spawn. 

How To Fish For Carp
 

1. Find a Good Fishing Spot
2. Pick the Best Baits for Carp
3. Select a good carp fishing reel, rod & line
4. Pick a strong barbless, circle hook
5. Invest in fishing rod support
6. Relax in your carp fishing chair or in your fishing bivvy, as you wait for a bite!
7. Capture the carp carefully with a landing net
8. Release the hook with the use of an unhooking mat
9. Safely return the carp to the water

Best Carp Fishing Line

Not sure what fishing line to use for carp? Watch our video that explains the best lines and when to use them below.

What is the best bait for carp fishing?

Maggots and worms are usually the most attractive carp bait as they provide plenty of movement and are natural bait that carp are less suspicious of. 

Carp are also suckers for baits like bread, tiger nuts, ground bait and particle mixes and more! Really, there are plenty of carp bait options, all of which are further explained in our Ulitmate Carp Baits series.

What colours attract carp?

The best way to fish for carp is by fishing bait that has been specially formulated for them such as boilies, pop-ups or carp pellets. These can come in specific colours to help attract the carp. As a rule of thumb, summer months call for more natural coloured baits like beige and browns, whereas in the winter months, when the water is unclear, carp will often be more attracted to bright colours like pinks, reds and yellows!

What size rod is best for carp fishing?

Generally, carp fishing rods are 12ft-13ft long, but you should consider your comfort level and where you will be casting to when picking your fishing rod. You will also need a carp fishing rod that is specifically designed for the type of fishing you have opted for, whether it's feeder fishing, float fishing or spod fishing. The best selection of fishing rods and carp fishing tackle can be found on our website.

Best Carp Fishing Clothing

Clothing is another carp fishing essential to consider. Be sure you are also dressed for the occasion with some camouflage carp fishing clothing. Carp are more sight sensitive so to avoid spooking, carp anglers will weather muted tones like browns, dark greens or black when at the bankside.

Whether you're looking for an exciting new hobby or know someone who could use one, give this carp fishing a try! With its variety of carp species spread across numerous locations around the UK, there's one out there waiting just for your landing net! So, grab your rod and get ready to catch some stunning carp specimens!