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Fishing Tackle and Bait | Online Angling Warehouse

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Suppliers of quality Fishing Tackle and Bait, Fishing Reels, Fishing Rods and all Angling Accessories. Next day delivery and worldwide shipping available.

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14 Best Carp Baits (And When To Use Them!) - Tackle Scout

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What is the best carp bait? There are many great fishing baits anglers use to catch carp, including boilies, sweetcorn, pellets, hemp and tiger nuts.

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Fishing Lakes Cambridge | Waterbeach Rd, Landbeach, Cambridge CB25 9FA, UK | Waterbeach Angling Club

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Offering some of the best carp and coarse fishing in Cambridge. Waterbeach Angling Club is your local fishery offering year-round angling opportunities. Boasting four picturesque lakes in the Cambridgeshire countryside.

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Lawn Farm Fishery – Lawn Farm Fishery we have four established lakes

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Cambridge Fish Preservation and Angling Society

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We provide top class fishing on over 30 miles of river bank, five lakes, four pits and one pond. These waters provide a quality environment for all anglers, including families, match fishermen, sport fishermen and specimen hunters. We believe annual membership of CFPAS Ltd provides fantastic value and quality fishing in Cambridgeshire, and we welcome all responsible anglers. Begin your membership application here.

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Cambridge Fish Preservation and Angling Society provide top class fishing on over 30 miles of river bank, five lakes, four pits and one pond.

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In this article, we will explore method feeder fishing, a highly effective and increasingly popular technique for targeting carp. Method feeder fishing combines the use of a specialized feeder with groundbait or pellets to create an irresistible baited area for carp. We will provide an in-depth overview of the necessary tackle, baits, and techniques for successful method feeder fishing, as well as tips for locating and catching carp using this approach.

1. Tackle for Method Feeder Fishing

Rods

A 10-12ft rod with a test curve of 1.75-3lb is ideal for method feeder fishing. A rod with a progressive action will help with casting and provide enough power to control large carp during the fight.

Reels

A medium-sized reel with a smooth drag system and a large line capacity is essential for method feeder fishing. A quality reel will allow for accurate and long-range casting, as well as reliable line retrieval.

Mainline

A low-diameter, low-stretch monofilament or braided mainline with a breaking strain of 8-12lb is recommended for method feeder fishing. These lines offer better casting distance and bite detection.

Terminal Tackle

1. Hooks: Size 8-12 wide gape hooks are suitable for method feeder fishing. Consider using barbless or micro-barbed hooks to minimize damage to the carp's mouth.
2. Hooklength: A 4-6 inch fluorocarbon or coated braid hooklength with a breaking strain of 8-10lb is ideal for method feeder fishing.
3. Method Feeders: There are various styles of method feeders available, including inline and elasticated versions. Choose a feeder that suits your fishing situation and the size of carp you are targeting.
4. Quick-change Beads: These allow for easy attachment and removal of the method feeder, making it simple to switch between different feeder sizes or styles.

2. Baits for Method Feeder Fishing

Groundbait and Pellets

A mix of groundbait and fishing pellets for carp is commonly used to create the method feeder mix. Choose a carp groundbait specifically designed for method feeder fishing, which will have the right consistency and breakdown rate. Soak the pellets in water for a few minutes before mixing them with the groundbait to create a moldable mix that will stick to the feeder.

Hook Baits

Popular hook baits for method feeder fishing include:
1. Boilies: 10-15mm boilies are ideal for method feeder fishing. Choose a boilie flavor that complements your groundbait or pellet mix.
2. Pellets: Hookable pellets or pellet bands can be used to present pellets as hook baits.
3. Sweetcorn: A single or double grain of sweetcorn is a highly visible and effective hook bait for method feeder fishing.
4. Worms or Maggots: Natural baits such as worms or maggot rig for carp can be highly effective when combined with a method feeder approach.

3. Techniques for Method Feeder Fishing

Preparing the Method Feeder Mix

1. Soak the pellets in water for a few minutes to soften them.
2. Mix the groundbait and softened pellets together in a bucket, creating a moldable mix that will stick to the method feeder.
3. Test the mix by squeezing a small amount in your hand. It should stick together but break down easily when submerged in water.

Loading the Method Feeder

Fill the method feeder with your groundbait and pellet mix, pressing the bait firmly onto the feeder.
Attach your chosen hook bait to the hook, ensuring it is well presented and not masked by the method mix.
Press the hook bait into the method mix on the feeder, making sure it is securely embedded but still visible to the carp.

Casting and Presentation

1. Cast your method feeder accurately towards the area where you believe the carp are located. Look for signs of carp activity, such as bubbles, swirls, or jumping fish.
2. Allow the method feeder to settle on the bottom before tightening your line. The groundbait and pellet mix will begin to break down, releasing an attractive cloud of particles and drawing carp towards your hook bait.
3. Maintain a semi-slack line to allow for better bite detection and minimize the risk of the carp feeling any resistance when picking up the bait.

Striking and Playing Carp

1. Be prepared for strong bite indications, as carp often take the bait confidently when feeding on a method feeder.
2. Strike firmly but smoothly when you detect a bite, ensuring that you set the hook properly.
3. Maintain constant pressure on the fish during the fight, using the rod's action to absorb lunges and sudden runs. Be prepared to give line if the carp makes a strong run, but try to steer the fish away from snags or weed beds.

4. Tips for Successful Method Feeder Fishing

Experiment with Bait Combinations

Try different combinations of groundbait, pellets, and hook baits to find the most effective mix for your chosen venue. Adjust your bait choices based on the carp's preferences and the local conditions.

Observe and Adapt

Pay close attention to carp behavior and movements, and be prepared to change your tactics or fishing location if necessary. Carp can often move around in search of food, so staying mobile and adaptable can lead to greater success.
In conclusion, method feeder fishing offers a highly effective and versatile approach to targeting carp, with the potential for rapid and consistent results. By understanding the necessary tackle, baits, and techniques, and by being prepared to adapt your approach based on the carp's behavior and the local conditions, you'll be well-equipped to tackle method feeder fishing with confidence and success.

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Method Feeder Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Carp Anglers

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Learn how to catch carp with the highly effective method feeder fishing technique. Our comprehensive guide covers tackle, baits, and techniques.

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Welcome to Advnture, the new home of AnglersMail.co.uk
Through the warmer months high oil marine and trout pellets are wolfed down by hungry carp but their oil content makes them far less attractive and less easily digested in the cooler months. Alternative bag fillings are far more effective.

1 - Given a choice carp will eat high oil pellets much more readily than low oil carp pellets but low oil versions are the better choice when carp are less active - you just need to customise them to boost their appeal. I use the tiny 1 mm Swim Stim pellets or the Amino Black pellets from Dynamite. The black pellets have the benefit that they are much less visible to pesky diving birds.

2 - The trick is to treat the pellets as a carrier for attraction rather than relying on them straight from the bag. You'll need something to soak into them. I like corn steep liquor, molasses and CC Moore's N-Gage XP, but there's plenty to choose from, whether dedicated boilie additives like Activator from Mainline to liquid kelp, Aminol... Dark, natural food extracts are the best choice.

3 - Put a couple of large handfuls of pellets in a tough freezer bag, and add a good splash of your chosen liquid. There's no finesse or measuring on this job, just pour a good dollop in. Inflate the freezer bag, twist the top and shake the pellets and liquid around in the bag for a minute or two so they are all well smothered. It's best done the night before a session to give the liquid time to soak in thoroughly.

4 - By the next morning when you load your rucksack the pellets will have had a serious drink. You can see the difference between the pellets straight from the bag and those you've soaked - the colour is from all that lovely attractive liquid they've absorbed, which will leak out into your swim. The dark finish to the pellets spooks hammered carp less than light pellets and prevents coots and ducks spotting them so easily.

5 - Fill a small boilie diameter cobweb bag with a few pellets. I like to draw the link back through the bag and tuck the hook into the parcel, often with a KD rig and a hook bait anchored just off bottom by a shot on the hair. Even if you've been very heavy handed with the liquid and the pellets have softened slightly they are so small that they won't impede the hook point as it is pulled into the bag. Stick with dark hook baits to make the perfect cold water, bird beating presentation.

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5 top tips for carp fishing with PVA bags

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Colin Davidson explains how a small cobweb PVA bag can maximise attraction.

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The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Fishing Groundbait

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Complete Beginner’s Guide To Fishing Groundbait

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Fishing Tackle and Bait | Online Angling Warehouse

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Suppliers of quality Fishing Tackle and Bait, Fishing Reels, Fishing Rods and all Angling Accessories. Next day delivery and worldwide shipping available.

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Supplying Anglers Since 1985

Fishing Republic was founded in 1985 by Steve Gross and has since become one of the leading UK fishing retailers, with a commitment to keep angling accessible and fun for all ages. Fishing Republic is an integral part of the angling community, providing expert knowledge, quality fishing tackle, and excellent customer service. Fishing Republic has the perfect product for anglers of all kinds, whether your discipline is carp, coarse, sea, fly, or predator.

Fishing Republic stocks the best and most reliable fishing brands on the market such as Westlake, Daiwa, Shakespeare, SHIMANO, Prologic, Dynamite, Trakker, and many more, providing thousands of the highest standard fishing products including rods, reels, bait, luggage, furniture, and terminal tackle offering durable, long-lasting quality, ideal for any fishing occasion. With amazing discounts on fishing products throughout the year, Fishing Republic remains committed to offering quality fishing gear for incredible value.

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Fishing Republic | The Place to be for Fishing Rods, Reels, Clothing and all things Tackle!

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Fishing Republic is among the largest of UK fishing tackle shops. Passionate about angling, we are committed to bringing you the best choice and value across the whole sport. From fishing rods, reels and clothing from over 100 of your favourite brands.

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Welcome to the Angling Direct Store Finder! Are you looking for a new fishing spot or need to restock on some tackle? Let us help you locate the best local bait and tackle shops in your area!

Find Fishing Tackle Shops Near Me

Here you can answer 'where is the best fishing shop near me?' by simply entering your postcode from your address and the miles you are willing to travel from your home or current address.

You can also search by address by entering the city and country into our Store Finder. Click search for our map to zoom in on your area and present to all your nearby fishing tackle stores.

Define the radius in which you want to search

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With our store finder, it's easier than ever to find all of the supplies you'll need for a successful outing on any body of water. Whether you're into carp fishing, fly fishing, sea fishing, or just about any other type of angling - you can find the best fishing tackle from brands like Fox, Nash, Daiwa, Korda, RidgeMonkey, and more! Make sure that you have the right fishing gear before heading out. It can make all the difference.

You will notice that each of our stores mentions on the left-hand side offer further details such as store opening times and key features of our fishing shops. Some of our fishing tackle stores offer pole centres, Angling Trust coaches, and recycling bins for your old fishing lines.

You can also research each store further by clicking on their individual store pages.

Take a look at our store locator to find the store nearest you and start your fishing adventure now!

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Largest fishing tackle shop online in the United Kingdom. Great choice of fishing rods, fishing reels and all sorts of fishing equipment. Fishing gear for Carp, Coarse, Match, Fly, Sea, Predator, Specialist fishing from world's top brands such as Daiwa, Shimano, Hardy, Greys and Chub, Preston Innovation, Fox, Shakespeare, Penn, Korda and many other.

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Willow Grange Tackle & Bait is in Ely and is set in a 2,500sqft industrial unit, we hold a vast array of all of the top brands in Angling and have the biggest range of bulk bait in East Anglia which includes being a Bait Centre for Mainline, full range of Sticky Baits, full range of Coppens pellets, also Pigeon feed and bulk sacks of Peas, pulses, seeds and so much more. We also have over 6000 products from all the major brands in the fishing industry.

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Willow Grange Tackle & Bait - Willow Grange Tackle & Bait

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Welcome to Willow Grange Tackle & Bait. We are one of the region's top tackle shops with every coarse angler catered for!

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Willow Grange Fishing Tackle & Bait
Ely Rd, Chittering, Cambridge CB25 9PL01353 649573Website FB

Benwick Sports Angling Centre Unit 22 Northfield Road Business Centre Soham, Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 5UE01353 721009Website FB

St Ives Tackle Unit 6, Houghton Hill Industries, Houghton, Huntingdon PE28 2DH, United Kingdom01480 468196Website FB

Mill View Fishing Tackle Mill View, March Cambridgeshire PE15 8SY01354 660566Website FB Angling Direct Peterborough Unit 3, Fengate Trade Park, Newton Way, Boongate, Peterborough PE1 5PJ, United Kingdom01733 551053Website FB

Cambridge Carp Cabin 32H London Rd, Cambridge CB22 3FJ, United Kingdom01223 833844-FB

Webbs Fishing Cabin
196 Newark Ave, Peterborough PE1 4NP, United Kingdom01733 566466-FB

Fishing Republic Unit 4, Beehive Centre, Coldhams Ln, Cambridge CB1 3ET, United Kingdom03443 876771Website FB

F J & F J Farrington 2-4 Ferry Ln, Chesterton, Cambridge CB4 1NT, United Kingdom01223 461361--

Stanjay Sports & Trophies 7 Old Court Hall, Godmanchester, Huntingdon PE29 2HS, United Kingdom01480 453303Website FB

Ouse Valley Specialist Angling 25 Huntingdon St, Saint Neots PE19 1BG, United Kingdom01480 386088Website FB

Reel Tech 12 Honeymead Rd, Wimblington, March PE15 0NT, United Kingdom07827 315318Website FB

Ches' tackle and bait Unit one, ches' tackle and bait, Algores Square, Algores Way, Wisbech PE13 2TQ, United Kingdom01945 588410-FB

Premier Floats & Tackle 29 Primrose Hill, Doddington, March, Cambridgshire. PE15 0SU01354 741330Website FB

Wisbech Gun and Tackle Market Pl, Wisbech PE13 1DP, United Kingdom01945 739188-FB

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With carp fishing being as popular as it is, it can sometimes be a struggle to head to a water full of confidence that you may actually catch a carp, especially on heavily fished waters. However to help you in your quest for a big carp while fishing, we have decided to come up with 20 carp fishing tips to help give you an added edge over the angler in the next swim. Check out our list of carp tips below and let us know what carp fishing tip best suits you!
FREEZER OR SHELF-LIFE?
Both types of boilie work well when carp fishing but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Freezer baits contain few preservatives and so are 'fresher' but won't keep once defrosted making these best for one or two sessions at best. Shelf-lifes can be kept in the resealable bag for ages but aren't as fresh. However, they remain effective for longer than freezer baits and so are a better choice for the occasional carper.
CARP FISHING LINE
Old-fashioned mono reel line is supple and forgiving, but there are two other options that have somewhat niche uses.

Braid is no good for fishing for carp at distance but at close range and in snags it is brutal stuff that won't break, while fluorocarbon is almost invisible underwater and sinks well, ending up pinned to the lakebed. This makes it very useful in gin-clear water or on hard-fished venues.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOOK FOR CARP

Carp hooks do various jobs. For surface fishing or when using pop-ups, go for a wide gape hook. For fishing a bottom bait, little can beat a long shank pattern.

Curved shank hooks are brilliant for wary carp that may otherwise eject another pattern as they pick it up. So think about the fishing you are going to do before choosing your hooks.

CARRY DIFFERENT BOILIES

Of all the sizes available, 14mm and 16mm boilies are the most popular - but carp see a lot of them and can associate them with danger.

The way round this is to scale down to a 10mm bait, either as a single or double offering. At the opposite end of the scale, a bigger 18mm or 20mm hookbait will give them something different, and a real mouthful.

See more carp fishing bait here:

FIRST LOCATE YOUR CARP

Where will the carp be when you arrive at the lake? Several factors have to be taken into consideration.

A good starting point is the north-east corner of a lake. This will get the sun and also avoid the worst of any colder winds. Reeds and weeds are fish-holding spots, and a noticeable drop-off in depth offers an area where carp can move up and down in the water.

Check out 20 of the best carp fishing runs waters
CHECK THE LAKEBED
Every lake is different when it comes to what's on the bottom. It could be gravel, sand, silt or mud and all substrates have their pros and cons. Cast a lead around the peg with braided mainline and slowly wind it back, feeling for different sensations as it comes back.
PERFECT YOUR RODS
Tremors and taps on the rod-tip will indicate gravel, whereas silt will feel like pulling the lead through cotton wool as it sticks in the muck. A smooth retrieve spells a sandy bottom.

Carp fishing rods are sold with varying actions and it can be hard to know which one to pick. A rod with a fast action makes a great casting tool but can lead to hook-pulls at the net... a through-actioned rod struggles to send leads a long way. The happy medium is a middle-to-tip-actioned rod that will let you throw a long way but be soft enough to ensure that fish don't come off.

For more rods take a look here:

SWITCH TO FAKES

Carp of all sizes love maggots, but so do small fish. If your water responds to a maggot attack, don't use live ones on the hook as these will be smashed by roach and bream. Instead, carry a pack of fake rubber maggots and thread four or five of these on to a hair rig. They look just like the real thing and won't be shredded by nuisance fish.
CHANGE BOILIE SHAPE CAST TO THE HORIZON
Sometimes a round boilie won't catch, but something as simple as altering its shape will get a take. Take a boilie and carve the edges off to create a square or irregularly-shaped bait. Better still, invest in a tub of barrel-shaped dumbell boilies.

You need to choose a rod with the correct action in the first place. Balance and rhythm are the human element to casting further, and that means having a strong footing to cast off. When casting, have one hand (the one holding the rod and reel) pushing forwards while the second hand lower down the handle pulls back. This creates the whipping motion and the leverage needed to power the lead out.

Adding a few maggots to the hook turns a standard pop-up boilie into something a little bit different that may just grab the attention of a carp or two on hard days. To do this, thread the pop-up on to the hair and then nick on the maggots before sliding the boilie down.
WASH OUT YOUR BAITS
Changing how your bait looks on the lakebed can go a long way to producing a fish. A common trick is to 'wash out' a boilie.

This means fading its natural colour by leaving it soaking in water for a few days. The result is a pale bait that looks as though it has been on the bottom a long while and is safe.
KNOW YOUR LEADS
A standard pear-shaped lead will work for most carp fishing situations but not all.
TRY ZIG BUGS
Pears are fine for all-round work when casting up to 80 yards but to go longer, an elongated distance lead will help you hit the mark. A flattened pear leads comes into play in silt or on lakebeds covered in debris. It will sit on top of the muck rather than sink into it.

Surface fishing provides exciting carp sport in summer, and Chum mixers or floating pellets are normally the go-to baits for many carpers.

However, Nash Zig Bugs have really made an impression over recent years. These represent insects that carp will see on the surface throughout the year.

DEPOSIT YOUR FEED

PVA bags for depositing feed around the rig come in mesh or solid versions. Solid bags will cast a long way with the lead buried inside and the feed packed tightly to produce a streamlined missile. Mesh comes into play for fishing as a stick of feed that breaks down quickly and forces the particles out through the holes almost immediately. It can't be cast that far, and so is better for shorter chucks.

TIGHTEN THE CLUTCH

Don't fish with the clutch set too light. This will let a carp power off rather than come off the hook, but you won't be able to exert any pressure.

Instead, fish with a tighter clutch. This will immediately give you the upper hand and stop that first run - from then on you can slacken the clutch or even use the reel's backwind facility if preferred to a degree that suits you and the swim you are fishing in.

FEED CRUSHED PELLETS

When floater fishing, instead of firing in 8mm floating pellets from the bag, grind some up and break others into halves or quarters.

When fed, this range of bait sizes will see some float and some sink while releasing smaller particles into the water. This can work well when the fish have shied away from whole pellets.
STRIP SOME BRAID MAKE USE OF THE POWER OF PARTICLES
Braid hooklinks lack stretch but will sink and stay on the bottom. If you want the best of both worlds, try coated braid with the outer coating stripped off - these are supple but still sink.

Too many anglers think that boilies and pellets are all they need on the bait front. That's true to an extent, but it can get expensive when baiting up in bulk. Particles are perfect for prebaiting or for piling in as a large hit at the start of a session and because they are relatively small, they keep fish grubbing around in the swim for longer. Parti-Blend is a super mix of seeds and pulses that covers all bases, while hemp, maize, sweetcorn and maple peas mixed together make another knockout feed.

GET ZIG DEPTH RIGHT

How far do you set the hookbait to be off bottom when fishing a zig rig? Start with the bait at around three-quarters depth and then move it up or down by a foot at a time every hour or so until you get an indication.

CHUCK A SINGLE OUT

In the winter months carp fishing can be quite hard going with the species starting to switch off from feeding on large amounts of food. This is why it's a good time to change tactics and cast out a single boilie on a rig of your choice towards showing fish or spots that you believe will deliver. This is one of the best ways to get a quick bite in cold conditions.
HOW TO PRESENT YOUR BAIT OVER WEED
One of the biggest questions that gets sent into the Angling Times office is how do I present a bait over weed when carp fishing? Well we have the answer for you and that is PVA bags they are a life saver in situations when you can't guarantee that your bait will be well presented on the bottom. A PVA bag will protect your hookbait all the way to the bottom and ensure that it is well presented for when the carp come sniffing over it. Another positive to this method is that you know that you've got a nice pile of bait surrounding your boilie to help entice the carp over.

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With carp fishing being as popular as it is, it can sometimes be a struggle to head to a water full of confidence that you may actually catch a carp, especially on heavily fished waters.

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How would you like to learn more about carp fishing and take a step closer to landing that elusive 20lb fish?
Or maybe you're struggling to work out which rig you should use for a certain situation?

We're here to talk you through everything step-by-step so you can feel confident about how you fish - and why.

Carp fishing can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be challenging for beginners.

In this article, we will provide a whole host of tips for beginners and experienced anglers.

This includes choosing the right tackle, bait selection, rigs and locating carp.

1. Locating Carp

Carp can be found in most UK lakes, rivers and canals, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of locating them.

Look for features carp are likely to inhabit, such as deep or shallow drop offs, weed beds and reeds.

In warmer months, carp can often be seen near the surface, so look for areas where the water is calmer and avoid choppy areas.

Our first carp fishing tip is to invest in a quality pair of polarised sunglasses.

Polarised lenses remove surface glare on sunny days helping you to see further under the surface.

Most are made from glass or plastic, using colours such as brown, yellow and grey.

Find a comfortable pair of sunglasses, and you'll find you can see much more activity.

Here are our recommended polarised sunglasses for locating carp:

If you approach a lake with a vantage point, this can also help you spot cruising carp or spot surface breaks or feeding bubbles.

Finally, fish finders can also be a useful tool for locating carp.

By scanning the water for carp-shaped icons, you can get an idea of where they are in the lake.

You can also use your fish finder to see how deep the carp are holding, which can help you decide where to cast your line.

We recommend the Deeper Chirp Plus 2.

If you already own a Deeper, or are thinking about buying one, we've selected a useful video that offers tips and tricks to using a fishfinder to locate carp.

In our view, locating the carp is one of the best carp fishing tips you can learn.

2. Find Out Venue Information

Learning lake information is one of those carp fishing tips that can really give you the edge!

When you first arrive at your chosen carp fishing venue, it's always worth having a chat with any other anglers who are fishing.

They may have some useful information about where the carp are being caught and what bait is working best.

If there's a bailiff or other authority figure on site, they will also be able to tell you all you need to know about the current carp fishing conditions.

If you can't get any local information, another great way to find out what's going on is to check carp fishing forums online.

There you can find lake information, tips and tricks and bait suggestions from other anglers who have already fished the venue.

When it comes to carp fishing, local knowledge really is key!

So make sure you chat to as many anglers as possible when you first arrive at your chosen carp venue - you never know who might have the inside scoop!

Bonus Carp Fishing Tips #1: Type your lake into Google. You may be able to find a lake map which can help you think about the layout, features and depths.

3. Read The Lakebed Terrain & Depth

When carp fishing, one of the most important things to do is to find out what terrain you are fishing over.

This includes gravel, sand and silt, which all provide different conditions for carp.

You will want to use a marker rod to understand the lake bed and the terrain.

Small bumps indicate gravel, a smooth drag is probably sand, whereas if you find it slow moving, this could be silt.

Weed or snags are easier to pinpoint, as you will find your marker lead may get stuck or be difficult to pull in.

If you do use a marker rod setup to learn about the terrain, you may also want to find out the depths of a lake, which is likely to vary.

Drop-offs, shelfs, clean spots and gravel bars are all common areas carp are likely to feed in.

Pay attention to this rather than just casting anywhere.

Check out our recommended marker rods to help you gauge the terrain and depth.

4. Check Weather Conditions

The weather is a very important factor to consider when carp fishing, so it pays to check local weather conditions prior to fishing.

When the pressure is high, the carp do not feed as much and can often be found in the upper layers of the water.

In this situation, zig rigs are perfect for carp fishing.

Wind can also be a carp's enemy, as carp love and regularly react to a wind, even if it's a cold one.

They won't necessarily move into the windward corner but they will almost always move from their current position when a new wind arrives.

It's the direction of the wind that has the biggest impact on the weather as a whole.

Overcast, mild but windy conditions are what I'd call fantastic fishing weather and these are the days you want to be on the bank.

Fish will often follow a wind. So if you're looking to carp fish in ideal conditions, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out!

Bonus Carp Fishing Tips #2: There are plenty of fishing apps you can use to track the weather and wind speed and direction.

5. Move Swims By Keeping Mobile

Fishing can involve a lot of waiting around for carp to come into your swim, ane even longer to pick up your bait.

However, carp can be unpredictable and tend to move around a lot.

This means that if you're not mobile, you might miss out on catching carp if they are not in your swim.

By packing light and being able to quickly set up and move to new swims, you'll have a better chance of landing carp.

One of the biggest challenges when carp fishing is trying to find carp in a large lake.

They can move around a lot and hide in deep water or among the weed beds.

If you're not mobile, you might not be able to move to where the carp are and end up missing out on catching them.

Packing light is another key factor when carp fishing. You don't want to be carrying a lot of equipment with you and slowing yourself down.

If you are fishing a day session, packing only the essentials allows you to move and set up in new swims quickly.

6. Prebaiting Hotspots
Pre baiting is one of the most important carp fishing tips you can learn.
By pre baiting spots around the lake, or in your chosen swim, you are essentially telling the carp where to find food.

This will, in turn, bring the carp closer to your bait and increase your chances of landing a fish.

There are a few different ways to go about pre baiting, but one of the most popular methods is to scatter a mix of boilies and pellets.

Alternatively, you can 'ball in' a mixture of carp baits like bread, , corn, and pellets, and then add some water until everything binds together into a ball.

Either way, make sure you spread your bait around evenly and give the carp plenty of time to find it.

The key to carp fishing is patience, so make sure you take your time and don't rush things.

If you can, try to visit your chosen spot a few times to check on any activity or feeding signals before actually casting in your rod.

This will give the carp plenty of chances to find your bait and increase the chances of a successful catch.
Our recommended pre baits are:
Learn how to create a pre bait mix with this video from Sticky Baits.

7. Learn To Feel The Lead Down

How you present your carp rig goes a long way to carp fishing success!

As we share more of our carp fishing tips, this is a great way to boost your angling.

One of the most important factors is ensuring that you 'feel your lead down' so you know how your rig is presented as it sinks to the bottom.

As carp are bottom feeders, they usually tend to pick up a bait off the bottom, so it's important that your rig is in the correct place for them to take it.

If you're not sure how to feel your lead down, the video below may help you.

You could always learn from a more experienced angler or just getting out there and trying it for yourself!

Starting off by using a marker lead as these offer more of surface and weight to help you 'feel' the weight down.

8. Keep Your Hooks Sharp

If you are carp fishing, it is important to make sure your hooks are razor sharp.

A dull hook will not penetrate the fish's mouth easily and will often just slide off, leading to a missed opportunity.

One way to check if your hooks are sharp is to run them over your thumbnail.

If they catch, they are sharp enough. If they don't, you can either replace them or sharpen them with a file or sharpening stone.

Making sure your hooks are razor sharp is one of the most important carp fishing tips there is, so don't neglect this essential step!

9. Fishing Line Selection

So, we are up to number 9 in our carp fishing tips guide, and we hope you are still reading!

There are a few different types of fishing line that you can use when carp fishing, and each has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks.

The three most common types of fishing line used for carp fishing are mono reel line, braid, and fluorocarbon.

Monofilament is the most popular type of fishing line for carp fishing.

It is supple and forgiving, making it ideal for casting in windy conditions.

However, it is not as strong as braid or fluorocarbon, so it is not suitable for fishing in heavy snags.

Braid is a type of fishing line that is made up of multiple strands of thin wire.

It is very strong and durable, making it ideal for fishing in heavy snags.

However, it is not as forgiving as mono reel line, so it is not suitable for casting in windy conditions.

Fluorocarbon is a type of fishing line that is made up of plastic fibers.

It is nearly invisible underwater, making it ideal for fishing in clear water. It also sinks well, which makes it ideal for fishing on the bottom.

In conclusion, each type of fishing line has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, so you should choose the type of fishing line that best suits your needs.

For long distance carp fishing, braid just won't work, but is key for fishing close in amongst snags as it will not break.

On the other hand, fluorocarbon is almost invisible, so if the lake you are fishing is gin clear, or is the lake has a lot of angler pressure, this would be a great choice.

Make sure you pack a selection of fishing lines with you. You can't go wrong by investing in a spare spool or two loaded with braid and fluorocarbon.

10. The Right Rod For The Task

If you're into carp fishing, then you know that having the right equipment is essential for a successful outing.

One of the most important pieces of gear is your carp rod.

But with so many different types and actions available, it can be tough to know which one to choose.

A carp rod with a fast action makes a great casting tool, but it can also lead to increased hook-pulls at your net, which is not so good!

A through-actioned rod, on the other hand, struggles to send leads a long way when distance fishing.

Therefore, selecting a middle-to-tip-actioned carp rod that will let you throw a long way, but be soft enough to minimise hook pulls as you attempt to land your catch.

Rod length also plays a part, and it's always advisable to go for a carp rod that fits your style, lake size and your surroundings.

I prefer a shorter rod, perhaps 10ft - or even as short as 6ft if I need to delicately poke in-between swims with dense woodland or bushes.

If I am fishing a huge reservoir or gravel pit, or I need to consistently put heavy spombs out, then my 13ft rods will make an appearance!

These carp fishing tips are designed to offer advice, rather than fact.

Here is a selection of recommended carp rods for a range of tasks:

11. Don't Ignore Fishing The Margins

One of my favourite methods is to have at least one rod set along the margins.

It can be an explosive 'up close and personal' battle, which I love!

There are a number of reasons why carp fishing in the margins can be so productive.

When carp are cruising in open water, they can often spot anglers from a long way off and become spooked.

However, when they are near the margins, they are much more likely to feed as they don't have the same level of visibility.

Additionally, carp often feed more heavily close to cover as this provides them with some security.

Carp fishing in the margins can be a great way to catch fish that are feeding heavily and it can be a lot of fun too!

Bonus Carp Fishing Tips #3: If you notice overhanging trees or inaccessible areas along the margins, you could always pop on your waders and drop in your rig. Just remember to have a friend with you, or use a stick or storm pole to test the depth before wading in too deep!

12. Don't Avoid The Weed

Carp fishing in weed can be a challenging but rewarding experience.

In order to be successful, you'll need to know the right tackle to use, techniques and rig selection.

Weed contains a plethora of natural foods for the carp such as snails, crustaceans, larvae and various insect nymphs.

Carp also feel protected and secure in the cover of weeds so they can be more inclined to feed.

When carp fishing in weed, it's important to use a heavy braid line and fluorocarbon leader.

This will help you get your bait through the weed and down to where the carp are feeding.

You'll also need to use heavier tackle than you would normally use when carp fishing to minimise the chance of your line or rig breaking in the event of a snag or tangle.

When carp fishing in weed, it's important to remember that carp are a very wary species and will often spook easily.

So, you'll need to be patient and take your time when trying to catch them.

We would recommend unpacking your spod rod from your holdall, and a big pit reel.

You will need to become familiar with setting the drag on your reels, as carp will often dart away, or simply stay put.

Maintain pressure because you could be in for a long hard battle!

Aim to get the carp out of the weed into open water as this offers the best chance of landing it.

13. Lead Choice

There are a range of carp leads available, but which lead should you choose to fish with?

Generally, a pear lead will cover most situations up to around 80 yards.

Beyond that, you should select a distance lead, which are streamlined to help you achieve that distance.

If you are fishing on top of silt or debris, then a flat pear lead won't sink into it. It will just sit on top so you are fishing more effectively.

Here are a selection of the most common leads:

14. Don't Underestimate Single Baits

During the winter months, carp are much less active.

This means that they feed less, and switch off to large amounts of bait.

Chucking out a single to showing fish, or promising spots could yield a bite in much cooler conditions.

In the colder months, I prefer topping my hookbait with maggots, as this offers extra movement and can turn a blank into a good session if you have located the fish!

15. Chopped Boilies

When carp fishing, it's important to use a variety of baits to keep the carp guessing.

One simple way to do this is by chopping up your boilies .

This can be done in several ways - you can cut them into small pieces, or you can cut them in half using a boilie chopper.

Either way, this will add some diversity to your bait and may lead to more bites.

Carp are often familiar with whole boilies, so chopped-up baits can be a great way to confuse them.

This is a simple tactic that can be used in both your spod mix and as a hook bait.

It's a great way to add some excitement to your carp fishing and keep the carp guessing!

16. Zig Rigs

Carp fishing in hot weather can be difficult, but using zig rigs can increase your chances of success.

Adjustable zig rigs allow you to find the perfect depth for carp, and can produce bites quickly when other tactics are not working.

Zig rigs are a great way to catch carp when they are up in the surface.

So if you're looking to catch carp in hot weather, be sure to try using zig rigs!

We've put together the ultimate zig rig diagram guide to help you get started.

17. Use PVA Bags

One of my favourite methods is to use PVA bags, because it is a very simple and efficient way to catch carp!

By using PVA bags, you can cast your rig directly to the carp with confidence that it won't get tangled.

I like to have several bags ready tied so that I can re-bait as needed.

I've included a video that shows you how to tie PVA bags and what rigs to use.

Carp have been caught using this method many times, so give it a try and see how well it works for you!

18. Particle Fishing

Particles are such a great bait because they are full of natural goodness and carp are familiar with feeding on hemp and corn across most UK lakes.

There are a few reasons why adding particles to your carp fishing mix can be so successful for you.

Firstly, the carp will find it much easier to feed on the different shapes and sizes of bait that the particles provide.

Secondly, the carp will be attracted by the cloud of particles in the water, which will make them visible from a distance.

Finally, carp are often fussy eaters, so using a variety of different particle baits will help to keep them interested in your mix.

Particle isn't as expensive as other baits such as boilies either.

So, if you're looking to catch more carp, try adding some particles to your mix - you won't be disappointed!

Here are some recommended particles you can use:

If you are interested in the best way to mix up particles to add to a spod mix or PVA bag, we found this video which provides some great tips!

Carp Fishing Tips: Final Thoughts

From bait selection to sharpening your hooks, we hope this list of 18 carp fishing tips help you to get more from your angling.

Most importantly, make sure you pack the right tackle for your trip, enough bait, and a selection of different types such as boilies, pellets and particles.

Finding the fish is the biggest battle, so make sure you walk around the lake and keep an eye on any potential fish activity.

A good pair of polarised sunglasses will help you with this.

Secondly, once you have found a promising swim, take your time to learn what is in front of you.

This involves feature finding and marking out depths.

Everything else, such as bait and rig choice should come after!

Thanks for reading, and please visit us again!

Last update on 2024-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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18 Carp Fishing Tips (Expert Advice For Beginners) - Tackle Scout

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