On the trail of Carp!
Angling for Carp has attracted many supporters over the last few years, due most likely to the many changes that have taken place in this form of angling. New baits and new methods have been developed to improve Carp catches. Boilies, bite indicators, rigs, etc. are the keywords of modern day Carp specialists. For a few years it was unthinkable that fish of 30 lbs or more could be hooked and landed. Today, with modern equipment and clever bait, such catches are possible. It is not only the specialists who catch such Carp; as a beginner, using the new methods, you can improve your chances of success.
We would like to present you with a short introduction to the modern world of Carping. Present day Carp bait is made from dough, which is formed into balls and then cooked. The bait is called ‘boilies’ as the dough is boiled. The bait comes in a large variety of flavours and scents, so you can select bait that is distinctively individual. In order to get Carp used to the change in feed, it is best to groundbait for a few days. They will become accustomed to the feed and will not frighten so easily. Moving on to the rig. A British specialist thought up something special; it is called a hair rig. It is a method which ensures that Carp are hooked in the lip. The system consists of a trace, a hook, and a soft, thin line. The hook is attached to the trace, as is the piece of thin line. A loop is tied at the end of the thin line. The boilie can then be attached onto the thin line, with the aid of a boilie needle, and then secured using a boilie stopper/silicon tube. Then just twist the line, with boilie attached, a few times around the shank of the hook, and you have an effective hair rig.
The advantage of this system is that Carp will suck the boilie in and then spit it out; this is when the hook will lodge in the Carp’s lip. Now let’s take a look at rods and reels. Modern day Carp rods have a class between 50 – 120 grams. Some manufacturers, however prefer to show the class in lbs. In order to simplify the matter a 2 lb rod has a 56.75 gram class. The calculation is weight in lbs x 454 / 16. The reel should be filled with as much line as possible. This is because Carp do not stay just by the bank; they could be far out in the water and you need the line to cast that distance. As many anglers wait over night, the use of electronic bite indicators has increased. Some of the other items used are: rod pods; umbrella tents and throw-overs; a comfortable carp bedchair; and a large net, in order to make landing fish at night easier. If you are interested in hooking and landing a 30 lb Carp then here are a few equipment suggestions:
Kogha Crownlake Carp
Technically mature, optically enticing, these rods will appeal to many carp pros.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/093929.85.585
Kogha Legend Carp
A powerful, 3-piece carp rod, which is very adaptable and can be used for heavy float fishing, as well as legering with boilies.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/090587.85.585
Kogha Catcher
The Kogha Catcher is a practice-orientated reel with 10 high quality ball bearings.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/092213.85.585
Perca Carp Line
A top line for carp fishing. The perfect amount of memory enables you to bring large specimen safely to shore.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/097210.85.585
Perca Ultra Carp Bite Alarm Receiver Set
The set consists of 3 professional bite alarms and a sounderbox receiver.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/092146.85.585
Carp Tent II
The ultimate tent for the specialist who plans more than one night of angling pleasure.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/074412.85.585
Kogha Super Pod
The four legged construction provides perfect rod alignment.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/093323.85.585
Kogha X-TREE-ME Carp Chair
The X-TREE-ME Carp Chair is of a lightweight construction, can be adjusted for comfort, and is fitted with mud feet to prevent sinking into soft grounds.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/104020.85.585
Kogha X-TREE-ME Ultra Plus Sleeping Bag
A very warm and comfortable sleeping bag. It is effective down to temperatures of -25º C.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/104018.85.585
Kogha Supreme Deluxe Thermal Rain Suit
This Rain Suit is completely windproof and waterproof.
http://shop.askari-fishing.co.uk/092204.85.585-XL