Help With Carp

[FirstnameLastname]

I'm finding carp in some local ponds, not the invasive asian ones but koi fish released by there owners. I would estimate them to be about 15 to 20 pounds. I need specific info on how to catch them, I know I need corn or boillies, I know I need carp/hair rigs. I'm looking for specifics like hook size in relation to fish size, amount of bait on the hair rig, will the fish feel wieght on the line, how do they bite, what are there most important senses. Now I don't need a whole biologists report but I need specifics. Please help me I don't want these fish to spread. By the way I here the carp get big in the UK, I'll accept advice from anywhere, in fact I find that when fisherman of different nations prefer totally different tactics for the same fish it is very interesting.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

If the water is clear and you can see then SNAG them. 1/2oz lipless crank #2 treble hooks or bigger or just a big snagging hook like they use for salmon

 

[FirstnameLastname]

Can't snag fish in Massachusetts, probably should have mentioned that. Thanks anyway

[CJV]

I would recommend quakes method of catching them. Lol

[Bluebasser86]

I prefer a compound bow and fiberglass arrow 

 

If you're going to fish for them you really don't need anything real complicated. We catch a ton of them on regular slip sinker rigs with corn or nightcrawlers, #8 octopus hook with the corn, #6 with the crawler. If there's no cover I'd go with a light action rod and 6lb test to really enjoy the fight. If there's cover then step up to 8lb. 

 

A carp bite often starts slow, couple twitches of the line or almost looks like the waves are washing it slowly, then it's like a bolt of lightning and your rod can be gone in a heartbeat if you aren't ready. Fight them carefully, their soft, rubber lips will allow the hook to tear out easily if you aren't careful. Carp have great senses of smell, touch, and sight and they use all of them to find their food and avoid being caught. 

[Christian M]

I catch a ton of 8-12# carp using braid with a split shot, to flouro w/a #4 octopus circle hook. I use sweet corn to chum the area then pack the hook w/corn. They usually will hook themselves, if you feel a little tug, reel down. Dont try to horse them in because they'll break your line in a hurry. Let them run as much as they want & take your time.

[nascar2428]

I catch a ton of 8-12# carp using braid with a split shot, to flouro w/a #4 octopus circle hook. I use sweet corn to chum the area then pack the hook w/corn. They usually will hook themselves, if you feel a little tug, reel down. Dont try to horse them in because they'll break your line in a hurry. Let them run as much as they want & take your time.

I totally agree with this. I will add one other tidbit of info, if you are able to chum an area for a couple of days around the same time each day the fish will be waiting for you on the day you decide to catch them.

[NathanW]

Shotgun followed by a compound bow as a close second.

 

But seriously....

 

Crankbaits if there are not too many weeds. They are bottom feeders so diving baits almost always produce best. I probably catch between 30-50 carp each season on diving crankbaits. A few on dropshots or other soft plastics with exposed hooks each season as well. Note that I am not snagging them on purpose and neither would you be. Just remember to practice C&K...

[jigabooyah]

I catch them frequently with night crawlers when I am fishing the back water slews of the Mississippi. 

Even with a 2 ounce weight they still take the bait.

I use 4/0 circle hooks and have no problem with hook ups

. Carp usually come out and surface at dusk and dawn to feed.

Even with murky water you can see them feeding.

[Slade House]

We have lots of big grass carp at lake casitas , The best way to hunt them is with a bowfishing setup.  you can find ones for cheap online or you can step up and get this awesome crossbow setup with bowfishing reel

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppGGTnzb06w

[Kevin22]

Man, that brings back memories. I spent a childhood fishing for carp. We used a #6 aberdeen hook, and a #5 spit shot about a foot above it. We only had 4 rods between us (me and the neighbor), 1 ultra light, 3 mediums, and 1 baitcaster. I cannot remember catching one on the baitcaster, they would always bite on the light lines. I caught quite a few on the old shakespeare 5' UL with 4# mono. They would run me almost empty and then I'd have to chase them down on shore. 

 

For bait, we used wheatie balls. Weaties.. the cereal... Take a handful and crumble them up in your hands as fine as possible, then dip your hands in the lake to moisten them. Keep doing it until you can form a small ball that will hold together (about the size of a nickel). Form the ball over the hook and lob it out. 

 

We would always catch 5 or 6 a trip. Quite a few common carp over 20# and even some big white amur that topped the 25# scale we had with ease. Lots of catfish as well, and a few big goldfish. I even caught a pacu once. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If they are planted grass carp they are likely sterile and help keep small ponds from getting choked. You may want to just let them be.

[everythingthatswims]

Chum with corn, take a #6 hook, put as many kernels on it as you can fit, toss it in the chummed area, and wait. If it is windy you may need to c-rig it with an 1/8oz or a 1/4oz weight. Light line is best but the guys in Europe use braid for leaders because it blends in with the bottom.

[FishTank]

Here you go.....  I never fish for carp but this guy knows his stuff.