Carp fishing is an exhilarating and demanding endeavor. The thrill of catching one of these babies makes it worth the effort. Essential equipment for the well equipped carp stalker includes a powerful rod, like a 3.5 pound test 6 feet long and a forked mount with an indicator system (a small piece of Styrofoam stuck on the line between the reel and the first guide so that line movement will knock the Styrofoam off with a popping sound) to let you know when there is a fish on the line. You can use any spin casting or spinning reel (leave the reel open so the carp can run with the bait) – or better still is a dedicated carp reel, and 120 yards of 12 pound test line, lots of size 2-6 hooks, a carp landing net with a heavy-duty handle and mesh, small sinkers (Carp drop the bait at the slightest resistance so use sinkers and bobbers sparingly.), and for fishing at night or long periods of time, take a fishing bivvy and a bed.
You will need a lot of your chosen bait. The bait menu is large since carps like sugary-tasting and crispy tidbits. If possible, get out there early and pre feed your favorite bait for several days. The carp will be back for more when you bring your rod and reel along. Do not worry about over feeding as they are almost insatiable and they have relatives nearby. Cast your bread on the water and watch the carp congregate. O.K. Now you have an audience. It is time to bait the hook and cast near, not ON, the fish. Remember carp are smart and scare easily. Be patient. Grab a chair. Any lumps of paste that stick on the hook are fair game for carp: biscuits, chic peas, bread, corn meal, canned corn, shredded wheat, deli meat, Kool-Aid, Wheaties, marshmallows, Doritos, re-hydrated corn, store bought bait boilies, oatmeal, wheat germ, peanut butter, strawberry-flavored juices, rabbit feed, hamburger, dog food, pulverized seeds, or chicken feed.
