Carp--what gives?

[Knuguy]

I've never fished for carp but today we were in an area where they were quite plentiful. I assume they were spawning. I looked at the regs and they are not listed as a game fish as far as I could see(in Z16). So I assume it's open season all year. When is the best time to catch them, and any tips on bait.? I hear that chumming is essential to carp fishing. True?

thx

 

[[email protected]]

carp are not a game fish, they are invasive. so yes, open year round. far as bait, corn is usually the bait of choice

 

[creek chub in your pocket]

question: if you don't mind me asking...were the carp in a pond, outlet from great lakes or just along the shoreline of Lake O?

trying to gauge where they might be at around here....thanks.

 

[fisgfreek]

Chum with corn and get ready to hold on.

 

[Knuguy]

Carp were in a shallow marshy area.

 

[rich_ace_G]

grab yourself some yellow spawn sacs and tie up some sweet corn. You don't even need to chum if you see tons of them. I know a lot of people would suggest chumming, I feel like it takes a while until they take the bait when there's lots of chum around. they're fun but not on top of my list.

 

[drifter2k]

Nothing beats the hair rig. Carp like sweet so use sweet corn or donuts; yes timbits are too big, already tried.

 

[creek chub in your pocket]

great thanks.

brass headed fly's work well if u can see them - just remember, they can see you if you can see them...be a rogue.

good luck

 

[instapump416]

If you see them actively feeding, just throw some corn. The less chum you have while they're feeding, the faster your corn on a hook will be eaten.

 

[tossing iron]

As kids we'd use oatmeal a bit of boiling water and sugar. Shape into small balls.
Works great.

 

[drifter2k]

Dog/cat food works too

 

[[email protected]]

Chum with corn and get ready to hold on.

they're the freight trains of the lakes

 

[fisgfreek]

Tankers that's for sure. When they take a run you need to adjust quickly, or you're going home with half or no gear at all.

 

[creek chub in your pocket]

when I carp fish I have the drag pretty loose, I've lost a few beauties right away because I forgot to loosen my drag after the last fight!

36pound 1oz was my biggest last year...it was a war monger.

 

[416fish]

I've fished for carp tons and tried everything. In my opinion, using too much chum is a BAD thing. I've fed huge buckets full of carp mix to huge pods of fish only to have them eat it all and not hit my rig!

If you see a bunch of them, just study their runs and drop your rig there. I've caught way more carp in a lot less time when I wasn't feeding them heavily or at all. A feeder can help get them more active but trust me, all you need is a nice sweet yellow floating boilie just 3-6" from the bottom and you'll be good!

 

[Knuguy]

Thx for all the info folks.

Do you mean homemade boilies like this, or store-bought?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zewqbHGYdCw