Common carps are different from Asian carp species. A lot of people in the United States label them as trash fish. They hardly show any interest in these carps. The main reasons are unattractive looks, eating other fish, and uprooting water vegetation. Things are different in Europe and Asia regions. The anglers value the common carps there. Thousands of competitors try to get them to make records every year. However, many also love them because they are hard-fighting. So, hunting a common carp is a big challenge. It will be easier if anybody keeps these details in mind:
What We Need to Know for Catching Common Carp
IDENTIFICATION
Recognizing a common carp can be a complicated process. They have a huge number of look-alikes. You may wonder how to differentiate them. Well, they have a long body. Although the usual length lies within 35 to 60 centimeters, they can reach up to 110 centimeters. They do not become so heavy like most other famous fishes. The weight of the heaviest catch slightly crosses 40 kg.
Just like the other carp varieties, they feature large mouths with barbules. Two are on the mouth’s corners, and the other two on the upper jaw. Their coloration ranges from olive-green to silver or golden. The upper head and rear body have bluish brown shades. It becomes yellowish around the belly and off-white on the underbelly. Dark grey to brown is the most natural back color.
Another most prominent body part is the reddish-orange lower fins. There is a tall dorsal fin running down the back portion. You can also separate the male and female using some characteristics. The females are generally bigger than the males. Their pectoral fins are not as edgy as their male counterparts.
LOCATION
Nobody can trace a specific fish without knowing its habitat. You must have a clear idea about where they live. When it comes to common carp, they can survive all water conditions. It means you can find them in both clear and muddy water. These bottom feeders like to roam in warm places having soft muddy bottoms. They prefer slow streams but successfully handle fast flowing ones as well. The river carps eventually become streamlined by adapting the water properties. Check on all underwater structures since they often hide large fishes. Their diet contains aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and worms. Some certain areas have enough food supply. Hence, don’t miss such regions. During spawning days, they keep searching for more food to feed. Then, their backs rise out of the water along the bank. Remember, they do not fly so high as the silver carps. Besides, weed surfaces and silty bottoms increase the chances of carp bites. Overhanging tree branches and lodges attract them so much.
TIME
Winter is not a favorable season for common carp fishing. Everyone notices fewer fish activities due to food shortage. Yet, mid-day provides decent carp fishing opportunities as the water gets the warmest.
Carp need more food in spawning times. It is the reason why they bite a lot then. The water temperature increases, and they become active. Anglers trace large amounts in the shallow water. Make time in the early mid-afternoon when the spring begins. Shift to the early morning and evening hours in the middle and late spring.
Summer months offer excellent scopes too. The best times of the hot days are the mornings and late evenings to night.
Avoid fall seasons because the possibility of capturing common carp is low. If you still insist, skip the afternoon hours.
FISHING METHODS
- Fishing with a net: It is the best way to seize plenty of fish at the same time. Don’t expect to get only common carps if the water body has other species. You have to cast nets at places, which have good carp populations. Read the outcome of the past years and decide the main spots accordingly. They bring a boat with ample storage to carry fishing nets and store fish. Make sure that your net drives deep and has a sturdy construction.
- Fishing with rod and reel: It requires the right combination of fishing tools. As you know, common carps always give a hard fight. So, you have to carry a sturdy rod. The best choice is a heavy spinning rod with 10-pound braided lines. Fluorocarbon lines also give good performance while catching monster carp fish. But a monofilament line will be suitable only for a small one. The next thing we have to consider is the hook size. Larger hooks can support bigger fishes. Select at least a size-6 or size-8 hook for small to big carps. Be sure of using transparent lines and covering the hook with lures properly. It will make your gear invisible. We will mention the list of bait in the next section.
- Archery fishing: It is an easy and effortless scheme. Zero skills do not matter as long as you have sharp eyesight. You will have a fishing bow system and arrow connected by a line. These fishes elope quickly. Set everything up and stay prepared. Throw the arrow targeting a fish. It will go through its flesh. Retrieve it after pulling the line on the boat or the ground. You don’t have to use any bait. Try to choose sunny days with zero wind.
BAITS
Carp’s food preferences change according to the spots and seasons. Therefore, the anglers should find out the most effective bait in a particular fishery during different times. Some people use flavored corn and earthworm. Various traditional items, including maggots, mussels, and cheese, may work fine. Also, cat foods, dog foods, dough baits, potatoes release strong attractant in the water. Prioritize boilies with sweet fruit flavors such as banana, peach, pineapple, strawberry, etc. Other options are pellets, hemp, pop-ups, and tiger nuts. The commercial carp baits are available in different sizes. Buy them as per need. You can prepare most of them yourself using a few ingredients.
LAST WORDS
Sometimes, we fail despite having the right tackle and enough talent. It happens when we are not aware of the mentioned tips and tricks. Follow them properly, and you will be surprised by the results.
