There is always a profound sense of calm when Carp fishing. The sound exposure to nature is a distinct parallel to all other aspects of life, you are isolated with the bird calls and rustling leaves. For me, there’s not much that compares to a day fishing for these elusive and challenging fish; it appeals to the primal nature that modern humans have moved away from.
Carp fishing has been a passion of mine for years. I first started when I was a teenager, at the age of 11, I first went with my 15-year-old brother and have been hooked ever since. My older brother taught me what he knew, and he is still the much more skilled angler.
My first trip to Monk Lakes, aged 11, with my brother standing to my left. I landed my first and only Ghost Carp weighing 11lb.
The first external impact on mine and my brothers fishing is my grandfather, however he was a fly fisherman. He fished for trout using very different tackle and techniques, none the less this is what got us on the water.
One of the things I love about angling is the challenge. These fish are smart and can be notoriously difficult to catch. They are wary of any potential danger and can quickly become spooked if they detect anything out of the ordinary. As a result, you need to be patient and skilled to have any chance of success. There is also a tactical skill in locating the fish, they can be located anywhere in the water column dependent on temperature, precipitation, air pressure, water flow, wind, oxygen levels, The list is endless.
A recent catch; these carp are special. Notice the scales cover the entire body of the fish. These Mirror Carp are aptly named fully scaled.
Preparing my tackle is a big part of the process for me. I take great care to ensure that everything is just right. From selecting the right bait to tying the perfect rig, I spend a lot of time getting everything ready. It’s a meticulous process and an expensive one too. I have spent hours hunched over my desk trying to create rigs with incredibly thin line, trying to perfect the process and make it more efficient.
Once I’m set up and ready to go, I settle in for a long day or sometimes days of fishing; I have spent multiple winter nights on the bank for 24-48 hours. Carp fishing is not a fast-paced activity. It requires a lot of waiting and patience. Its all part of the process. It gives me time to relax, take in my surroundings, and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature; a lot of the time I may not catch, my brother has spent 72 hours fishing with no joy. For some that’s a deterrent but for me its motivation for the next session.
My brother (the better fisherman) with a 32lb Common Carp.
Of course, the waiting doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. Carp fishing is a game of strategy and observation. I’m constantly scanning the water for any signs of fish activity. I look for bubbles or disturbances in the water that might indicate a feeding carp. I also pay close attention to the weather and the time of day, as these can both have a big impact on the fish’s behaviour.
When I finally get a take and the bite alarm rings loud as the fish pulls line from my reel and activates the alarm. The rod tip starts to bend, and I feel the weight of the fish on the other end of the line. I slowly start to reel it in, trying to keep the tension just right. It’s a delicate dance between me and the fish, with both of us trying to outsmart the other. When you feel that fish needs to take line, you let it. But there are also times to ‘bully’ the fish away from snags and vegetation otherwise problems arise. One particular carp swam my line around a tree leading to me having to go for a swim in order to untangle it. I have seen my brother (in his briefs) using an unhooking mat as a flotation device to untangle a snagged line from some lily pads. Carp anglers are tenacious beings.
Reeling in a carp is no easy feat. These fish are strong and can put up a fierce fight; and the size of the fish does not correlate with the struggle, I have experienced small carp fight much harder than large ones. It’s not uncommon for a battle to last several minutes or even longer (the world’s largest carp took 90 minutes to reel in). I find the battle to feel much shorter than it is because of the adrenaline. The relief from landing the fish and finally netting it is an experience.
Carp fishing is more than just a hobby for me. It’s a way to connect with nature and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. It’s a chance to challenge myself and improve my skills. And it’s a way to bond with others who share my passion.
Caught in a storm
But as with any activity, it’s important to do it responsibly. Carp are a vital part of the ecosystem, and it’s crucial to treat them with respect and care. That means using barbless hooks, handling them gently, and releasing them quickly back into the water.
However, carp fishing is not without controversy. Some people argue that it is cruel to catch and release fish, and that it puts unnecessary stress on the fish. However, catch and release practices have been improved over the years, with many anglers using barbless hooks and handling the fish with care to minimize harm. I take care to make sure I carry a carp medical gel in my tackle to help heal any cuts they may have (they acquire these naturally when spawning too).
In addition, carp fishing can also have environmental impacts if not done responsibly. Anglers should be aware of their impact on the ecosystem and take measures to reduce it. For instance, they should dispose of their litter properly, use non-toxic bait, and avoid fishing in protected areas.
But just as my brother has taken his two daughters to fish for Carp (and soon his baby son, George, when he is older), I too will carry this passion into later life and fatherhood.