On course for Carp!
May is one of the best months for carp anglers. The temperatures are more pleasant and carp are becoming more active in their search for feed. The whole environment by the water is awakening to the call of spring. Many insects are beginning to mate, providing a tasty meal for carp: Blood worms, Nymphs and small Crayfish. Experienced carp anglers tend not to use such baits, preferring to trust their own variations. The most successful baits over the last few years are still boilies, pellets and particle feed.
So let's have a quick look at the baits, what they are, and where you can use them.
Generally speaking, all the baits are used primarily for pre-baiting a swim. Once the carp are accustomed to the bait, it can then be used with great effect as a hook bait.
Boilies:
Boilies are round or rectangular dough balls. They are cooked / boiled (hence the name). After being boiled for some time, the dough hardens. This allows you to selectively fish for carp as they can break these down using their pharyngeal teeth. Producing boilies is a science on its own. You can learn from other anglers and share recipe information in our Anglers' Forum. The dough is often produced from high protein flour, where aroma and flavouring is added. These additional elements serve to attract carp quickly to your boilie. The size of boilies varies from between 8 mm and 30 mm. There is plenty of room for experimenting. If you wish to avoid the production process, you can always buy ready made boilies. They are available as high quality products, having proven successful and popular with professional anglers.
Pellets:
The popularity of pellets has increased recently. They differ from boilies in size, aroma, taste and solubility. When they dissolve in water, they create a wonderful cloud which attracts carp from distance. Pellets are not only useful for pre-baiting but can be used to effect as hook bait. When used as hook bait, you should look at them more often as coarse fish may tend to take a nibble at them. Pellets can bring the necessary success in over-fished water. They are usually produced from fish bits and fish meal.
Particle Bait:
The most commonly used particle baits are sweetcorn, chickpeas and various pulses. Further small baits are hemp, wheat, lupin, tiger nuts and peanuts. All of these baits should be soaked for 24 hours and then cooked; otherwise, they will cause digestion problems as they will swell in the carp stomach. Many of these baits can also be used as hook baits - the classical example being sweetcorn. To increase the effectiveness of these baits, you can always add aroma and flavour enhancers. Try adding a little sugar, when cooking, to provide the necessary sweetness. Most of these baits are readily available, suppliled in bags, jars or tins.
... That was a quick insight into the world of carp baiting.
We hope that we have made it a little easier for you to select the right bait for your next session, stalking Cyprinus carpio.
Your Askari Team
Here are a few product tips:
Kogha Legend Carp
A powerful, 3-piece carp rod in retro look.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/90587.85.585
Kogha CROWN
The perfect combination between a long cast reel and a precise free-running reel.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/92149.85.585
Perca Carp Line
A top line for carp fishing.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/97210.85.585
Kogha Carp Traces
Very strong hooks for carping. Perfect for corn, dough and potatoes.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/84193.85.585
Perca Carp Multi Rod Pod + Perca Pro Carp Complete Bite Indicator Set + Perca Ultra Light Swinging Bite Indicator as a super set
A must have for every carp angler.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/92484.85.585
Richworth Shelf Life Boilies
These boilies are unique. Only the best ingredients, highly effective amino acids and attractive additional attractants have been used in their production.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/85705.85.585
Perca Carp Pellets
Perca Carp Pellets have a fish meal base and are ideal for use as feed and hook bait. Catapults and trowels are perfect for getting the feed into your swim.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/84667.85.585
Tiger Nuts
Carp are real nut crackers. The tiger nut is a type of ground almond, that has a strong aroma and sweet taste. They are rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/67575.85.585
Perca Carp Bag Mix
The Perca Carp Bag Mix is the optimum lure for specimen carp.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/92388.85.585
Perca Carp Throwing Stick
An incredibly light, affordable fibreglass throwing stick. The rough grip ensures a secure hold on the stick.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/85049.85.585