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Post by Brian on Jun 10, 2011 21:56:30 GMT -5
Hey guys,
I need some advice on how to hook a carp I've been fishing for. I have no problem attracting the carp to my fishing location. However, the fish just swim back and forth past my bait and will rarely strike. When they do, it is usually a short strike. Any advice on how to encourage better hits? I'm using homemade carp bait and 1/0 size hooks with 60 pound test line.
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Post by frenchy on Jun 10, 2011 22:00:58 GMT -5
homemade bait???..that might be your problem, maybe try a different bait
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Post by Greenedog on Jun 10, 2011 22:43:49 GMT -5
I'm definitely no expert when it comes to carp, but you may be using too large a hook. I caught my 25 pounder on a little number 6 bait holder hook with the berkley corn pushed up on the bait holding barbs and the hook exposed. On a side note.....I forgot to mention that the berkley "corn" I caught my carp on was at least 3 years old and I poured some vanilla extract on it to give it some flavor. I also chummed with real corn before casting out. Good luck!
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Post by brutom on Jun 11, 2011 4:24:38 GMT -5
Like Troy said, I'd go with a much smaller hook, such as a size 6 he used.
Just regular canned sweetcorn is about as good a bait as any, and a number six bait-keeper style hook would hold a couple kernels up on the shank and off the point for better hook setting.
Might try a simple slip-sinker rig with about a 6" leader below the sinker.
Good Luck!
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Post by Brian on Jun 11, 2011 17:26:50 GMT -5
thanks everyone. I'm gonna try a smaller hook next time I go out. I just hope that doesn't lead to bluegill hitting my line. Probably gonna be going again next week some time so I will update then.
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camocolt
Junior Member
Let's Go....Mountaineers!
Posts: 53
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Post by camocolt on Jun 16, 2011 10:34:20 GMT -5
What ever kind of home made bait your using, make sure it has A LOT of strawberry flavor in it. Also, they can see your line. use about 15 lb. berkley big game and set ur drag right that should get it done. One last note, I prefer 2 use larger hooks such as 2 and 3/o. Im not sure why but it seems the smaller the hook the more get off. Idk if its a coincidence but thats fishing for ya
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Post by Brian on Jun 21, 2011 11:50:20 GMT -5
Well, was out again for the carp I am targeting and took corn with me this time. Chummed the area with the corn and bread and the carp (as usual) came right into my fishing area and swam back and forth. Managed to hook it for a second, but it ended up snapping my line. I am using 60# test. Not sure if there was a nick in the line or not.
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Post by Brian on Jun 22, 2011 13:04:08 GMT -5
^^CORRECTION^^
The line I have on the reel is 30# test. It still snapped like a twig when the fish pulled on it. At least I got it to bite. Anyone ever have any luck with premade dough as bait.
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camocolt
Junior Member
Let's Go....Mountaineers!
Posts: 53
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Post by camocolt on Jun 22, 2011 18:31:39 GMT -5
The only difference in premade dough and making it on spot is the premade will stay on the hook better. Also, 15 lb. berkely big game always does the trick. Just set ur drag right. One last thing, does the reel ur using have a baitclicker?
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Post by Brian on Jun 23, 2011 22:39:46 GMT -5
Its just a spinning reel so no baitclicker. How would you suggest to set the drag? Really low or somewhere in the middle? The line I am using is Berkely superline. If it snaps again, I'm definitely going to replace it.
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camocolt
Junior Member
Let's Go....Mountaineers!
Posts: 53
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Post by camocolt on Jun 24, 2011 9:42:32 GMT -5
The drag depends on wht pound test ur using. I think if you use strong line they can see it, therefor i'd use it at night. But if ur using 12 to 15 lb. set it in the middle. And when the carp starts stripping drag DON'T fight it. let him do what he wants or the line will break. U'd be suprized wht 15 lb. test line can do. Just remember its all in the drag.
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sam
Full Member
Posts: 113
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Post by sam on Jun 24, 2011 15:40:32 GMT -5
Smaller hooks and Wheatie balls !!
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Post by Brian on Jun 24, 2011 16:41:51 GMT -5
I think the drag is where my problem is. I'm used to fishing for 2-3 pound bass and bluegill where the drag isn't as important. I'm gonna lower my drag next time I get out after it and see how that works. Thanks for the advice guys.
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Post by Greenedog on Jun 24, 2011 16:55:38 GMT -5
Good luck Brian! I agree with the camocolt's drag comments. 30# Test should be enough to pull in almost anything. Just set the drag so that you can pull it out with your hand, that should be close enough to where you want it. Heck, Chase's PB carp was on a med light spinning combo with 8# test! He kept pressure on the fish, but he had the drag set so that if the fish wanted to make a run it could. It took 30 minutes to get in, but he got 'er done! 23 pounder, it's probably the same one that Dad caught last year and I caught this spring!
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Post by B-rad on Jun 24, 2011 17:45:20 GMT -5
TIP-use a bow that will make it easier to get in:-p
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