Carp Fishing Holidays and Rigs

'Bombs' are a good starter. Buy a few in the range less than 1oz. to start. Maybe 3-6 they do get lost. Securing them to the line is done by either a sliding loop knot or 'lead' shot. Put the weight on before tying on the hook!

Bait. This is the pandoras box! Everyone has their ideal mix of hook bait. We're not using ground bait today, and some lakes do not allow it anyway. Google it for more info. Most folk use 'boilies', a name derived from a stage in their manufacture. They are quite simply stiff balls of baitmix flavoured with all sorts of goodies, that carp love, allegedly! Try a small bag of 2 or 3 different types. There are new varieties every season each purporting to be the best. Fish get bored easily you see, they like new flavours, they get 'wise' over time to bait flavours, especially in smaller lakes.

Inexpensive baits are probably on your shelves at home. Sweet corn, luncheon meat, pepperami, yep! carp love it! Try anything, even ham and bread will work, and apply it directly to the hook. You will more than likely pick up some roach with sweet corn and a small hook. Most lakes stock other fish as well as carp. Roach are also expert in stripping soft larger carp bait, such as luncheon meat cubes, hence the use of the harder boilies.

An essential 'tool' required is a baiting needle. This is needed to thread the boilie onto the hair, essential. I always keep a spare. The bait stops, a simple rod rest and we're ready to go! Nearly. A landing net is probably the next most expensive item after the reel and rod and the almost the last item to purchase. You can do without, but personally I wouldn't go fishing without one, but that's just me. I've lost too many fish which slip the hook 6" from the bank.

Assuming you are going to catch at some point, a disgorger and/or a pair of artery forceps, I keep both, are necessary to remove the barbless hook without damaging the fish. Some fish will throw the hook in the landing net, saving you the job, try not to kneel on it!. The disgorger is slid down the line and hook and gently rotated in the direction of hook whilst pushing gently down. I prefer the slim long forcep technique, primarily because I'm used to handling them.

You will attain your own preference with experience and type of hook placement. You can then pose with your fish for the photo album before quickly returning your prize to the water, either by hand, I prefer this, or via the net. Doing it by hand ensures the fish has fully recovered before releasing it. Make sure your hands are wet before handling the fish, they usually will be, but gloves or excessively dry hands may remove the fishes protective mucus coat. Fish also have a knack of swimming back into the net the wrong way! So now we're off!

Choosing a location to fish is down to personal choice. Usually one is introduced to fishing via an acquaintance, friend or family member who uses a certain favourite 'spot' and already fish.