ReelPractical If you’re new to carp fishing, it’s easy to assume the biggest factor in success is changing rigs and bait often. Most of us have been there. We spend hours researching rods, reels, rigs, and bait, convinced that the next purchase will finally solve the problem Then we go fishing and still catch nothing. The … Read more
Few freshwater fish generate stronger opinions in the US than the common carp. Ask ten anglers what they think about carp, and you’ll probably hear words like “trash fish,” “invasive,” “destructive,” or “bottom feeder.” At the same time, carp are one of the most sought after sport fish across much of Europe, where anglers invest … Read more
When people ask me where they should actually put their money when it comes to carp gear, a quality landing net is always near the top of my recommendations. The right landing net not only makes landing large fish easier, but it also helps protect the carp during one of the most stressful parts of … Read more
One of the best things about carp fishing in the US is that beginners can catch impressive fish surprisingly quickly. One of the most frustrating things about carp fishing is that beginners often make the same avoidable mistakes. Many of these mistakes have nothing to do with expensive equipment or complicated rigs. They usually come … Read more
Walk along the bank at some popular carp spots and you might see bivvies, barrows, multiple rod pods, tackle boxes, chairs, alarms, receivers, bait buckets, shelters, cameras, and enough equipment to fill the back of a truck. Then you’ll occasionally meet someone quietly catching lots of fish with only a backpack and two rods. That … Read more
Ask a group of American anglers to name the best freshwater sportfish and you’ll probably hear bass, trout, walleye, or even catfish long before anyone mentions carp. Carp grow large, fight incredibly hard, exist in public waters across much of the country, and can often be targeted without expensive boats or specialized equipment. Yet despite … Read more
Many anglers encounter grass carp long before they intentionally try to catch one. -They may spot enormous torpedo like fish cruising through shallow water, moving slowly along weed lines, or feeding near aquatic vegetation. At first glance, these fish often look similar to common carp. The assumption is understandable: if they are carp, the same … Read more
One of the best things about carp fishing is that opportunities exist across much of the country. Unlike some species that are limited to specific regions, carp thrive in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and canals throughout the United States. Carp are also rarely pressured in the US because they have a reputation for tasting bad … Read more
If you’ve watched enough carp fishing videos on YouTube you’ll eventually see someone using a bait boat. These RC powered boats are using to drop bait and carp rigs at precise, long distance locations. Some anglers use them to place rigs hundreds of yards from shore. Others use them to deliver bait quietly into areas … Read more
Finding a good carp rod in the United States can be surprisingly difficult. Much of the dedicated carp fishing equipment available online is designed around European fishing and not easily available in the US. This leaves many American anglers end up adapting catfish, surf, or heavy freshwater gear instead. I originally purchased the Sonik XTractor … Read more