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How to catch carp shallow on pellets

Check out these tips to help you catch more carp shallow with pellets.

by Tony Grigorjevs |

Published on20th May 2026 at 1.12pm

As the weather warms up, there are few better ways to catch carp on commercial fisheries than fishing shallow with pellets. It’s also an exciting way to fish, as the fish steam off at a rate of knots once hooked.

Getting them interested is one thing, but to get bites consistently requires a few refinements to your approach. Andy May is here to help with some great tips to help you fool those big carp in your local fishery...

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FISHING SHALLOW ON COMMERCIALS CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE.

Start on the deck

Fish won’t stay at the same depth, and it can be tricky to work out where they are sat early in a session. In 5ft-7ft of water, use a 4x12 bodied float that is shotted with No9s spread throughout the rig and plumbed up to fish at dead depth. Bites can often come on the drop, and the longer you wait for the bite, the deeper the fish will be sat.

THE BEST FISHING POLES ARE IDEAL FOR FISHING SHALLOW WITH PELLETS.

Switch it up

The fish are unlikely to stay at one depth, so varying the depth is important to keep bites coming. The fish will normally let you know. If the bites stop completely and you aren't getting indications, likelihood is that the fish are deeper, but if you are getting bites and indications but not hooking fish then it's time to come shallower.

GET YOUR RIGS PERFECT WITH THE 5 MUST HAVE CARP POLE RIGS.

Make a different noise

Pellets are the only bait you need on the side tray, and a couple of pints each of 4mm and 6mm will be ample. They create different acoustics when they hit the water, and it’s amazing how much more effective one can be than the other. Trial and error is key, although changing when the fish seemingly wise up can soon change your fortunes.

LEARN HOW BEING ACCURATE WITH THE CATAPULT WILL CATCH YOU MORE FISH.

Strike a balance

Allowing your quarry to bolt away from the feeding zone quickly will prevent the rest of the shoal from spooking. A grade 13 Preston Innovations Dura Hybrid elastic is soft when it first comes out of the tip but soon powers up once a few feet are on show. A side puller allows you to tighten it up further once you have shipped back to your top kit.

SIT COMFORTABLY ON THE BEST FISHING SEATBOXES.

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