How to Fish for Carp in Eastern Connecticut

The author with a 10-lb. carp

There are few more thrilling moments that you can experience while fishing in eastern Connecticut than hooking into a big carp. Fish of up to 15 lbs. are not uncommon in the eastern part of the state, and they will give you all you can handle, so use the tips provided here to make sure you catch--and keep--your carp.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing tackle
• Nightcrawlers
• Fishing net

Instructions

1. Fish for carp in rivers during the summer months, when the water levels are low. Carp congregate around cover such as sunken logs and boulders, often in groups of half a dozen or more. They will frequent the same areas of a river year after year, patrolling the bottom of the riverbed looking for food. Seek them in spots such as backwaters and slow-moving currents, lagoons and along the riverbanks.

2. Go to the Quinebaug River. The Quinebaug runs from the Massachusetts border south through Connecticut before it dumps into the Shetucket River near Norwich. One of the best carp spots on the entire river is in the small town of Canterbury. There are two locations in town from which you can easily access the Quinebaug. One is at the new state boat launch near Butts Bridge and the other is right off of Route 14 near the Plainfield line. The Shetucket has carp as well, as do some of the larger streams in the area.

3. Use nightcrawlers for bait. Carp fisherman use all sorts of concoctions to attract these big fish but most of them are quite involved and difficult for a first timer to make and use. The trusty nightcrawler will do the job just fine. Rig your line with a number four hook with three large split shots about 18 inches up the line. You will be able to cast a decent distance with this set-up. Make sure you have at least a 10-lb. test line on your reel. Carp will snap a line when they make one of their patented runs upstream if it is too light. A spinning reel with strong line is the best tackle for carp if you want a good fight.

4. Prepare to get wet. The best way to fish for carp is to go right into the river after them. Put on a pair of old sneakers, some shorts, and wade right in. There are some logistical problems with this approach but they can be solved. If you purchase a small two-man inflatable boat or raft, you will be able to blow it up at the boat launch, secure a rope to it and be able to tie it to your waist as you make your way upstream. This enables you to place all your equipment in it and not have to keep stopping along the shore to put it down and then fish. Be certain to have a large fishing net with you.

5. Find a likely spot and then cast downstream into it. Often you will know a good carp hangout because you will actually see them. They will swim around in their favorite areas, and your presence will not spook them. Once you find a carp hotspot, cast out and let your line sit. Carp are like vacuum cleaners in that their mouths suck up food. And when they take your bait, you will know it.

6. Once you hook a carp, let it take some line. A small carp, 6 lbs. or less, may not be able to dictate the terms of your meeting, but a big one will. You cannot just reel him in as he will snap your line quickly and be gone. Play the fish, giving line and tiring it out. Keep the line taut and reel in when you can, but not too fast. When the carp is tired, which can take up to 10 or 15 minutes, you can attempt to net it. Netting the carp will not be a piece of cake, either, as they will not be very happy to see it coming towards them. Always try to scoop the net up from the bottom of the fish so that it cannot see it. If you are with a friend, tell them to approach it this way. If you are alone, you will have your hands full netting a big carp. Sometimes it is best to steer it towards shore and try to beach it.

Tips & Warnings

• The Connecticut record for a carp is 39 lbs. They don't grow that big in the eastern part of the Nutmeg State, but they can get close to 20 lbs.