Sometimes, catching a big carp comes down to sheer luck, but there are adjustments you can make in your angling to improve your chances of landing the bigger fish in a lake. There are different approaches to this: you can either aim to catch as many fish as possible, working through the stock in the hope that a big one comes along, or you can use watercraft and alternative tactics to outsmart the larger, more cautious fish.
What defines a “big fish” is personal to you. Some anglers consistently land 50lb carp, while others are still chasing their first 20lb fish. The same goes for your personal best, and beating it is an impressive achievement regardless of size.
Day-ticket venues are often incredibly busy, adding another layer of challenge to your angling. These fish are exposed to a wide range of tactics on a regular basis, but with a well-thought-out approach, you really can land your biggest carp yet. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to catching some exceptional fish this year.
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Choose your venue wisely
This is an important factor and should be the first decision you make before trying to catch big fish, simply because if they aren't in the lake, you won't catch them. If you want to land your first 20lb or 30lb fish, head to a venue with a prolific stock of these sizes. Not only will you get plenty of bites, but you'll also have a very realistic chance of catching the fish you’re after!
Alternatively, if you’re targeting fish around the 40lb mark, venues with a lower stock but a higher average size are a better choice. This isn't to say you can't catch big fish on waters with lots of smaller ones, but the probability of hooking them is likely to be vastly reduced.
IF YOU LIKE GETTING LOTS OF BITES, HEAD TO ONE OF THESE PROLIFIC CARP VENUES.
Watch the water
If you ask any big-fish angler what their most important tool is, they’ll tell you it’s their eyes. It’s crucial to search for the fish—don’t just settle for the easiest swim to access or the one that looks appealing, as the fish might not be there. On busy day-ticket waters, you might not have the luxury of moving around or getting on the fish, but you can still use your eyes to improve your chances.
Pay attention to what others are doing. If you notice everyone fishing on the bottom without any bites or catching smaller carp, try putting on a zig rig. If most anglers are casting out to the middle with little success, consider placing a rod closer in. Essentially, while on some waters your eyes help you locate the carp, on busier waters they can help you quickly identify what isn’t working. Often, going against the grain and trying something different will produce bites, even in the toughest areas.
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Keep it simple
If you’re confident in your rigs and tackle, there’s no need to change them, as both big and small carp are often caught on the same setups. That said, using something like a hinge stiff rig can sometimes deter smaller carp if you’re targeting a really big one, but this can often be counterproductive. If you’re already catching carp on a particular rig, there’s no reason why a big fish in your swim wouldn’t take it as well. On lower-stocked waters, you might consider adjusting your presentation, but remember that competition for food often encourages the bigger fish to feed alongside the smaller ones.
EVERY CARP ANGLER NEEDS A SET OF THE BEST BITE ALARMS TO COMPLETE THEIR SETUPS!
Bait for the situation
When it comes to baiting up, many anglers fall into the trap of setting up and baiting heavily for the entirety of their 48-72 hour sessions. Carp see this approach all the time, and while big beds of bait can work well on occasion, they aren’t always the best tactic. Instead of piling it in, try just a couple of Spombs of bait over your rods or use a catapult to scatter a few boilies into the swim.
Better still, try a three-bait stringer without any additional free offerings. Big carp often perceive this as stray bait that’s safe to eat. If the fish aren’t in a feeding mood, this approach ensures you haven’t overcommitted and risked ruining your chances of a bite within the first few hours of your session – especially important if you’re unable to move.
IF YOU WANT MORE TIPS ON IMPROVING YOUR CARP FISHING, CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE.
Effort equals reward
As with anything in life, the more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out – and catching carp is no exception. While sitting motionless behind the rods can sometimes pay dividends, more often than not, it’s the angler who puts in the effort to make something happen that catches more. If you’re not catching, try switching tactics, moving to another area of the lake – or a different lake entirely. Remember, an hour in the right spot is worth a day in the wrong one.
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