How to Fish Carp With a Float
Carp are considered a delicacy in some places and a destructive nuisance in others. But when fishermen, whether they mean to or not, hook into carp, they are in for a fight with one of the strongest fish around. For that reason, more and more anglers choose to target carp specifically. There are a number of ways to catch them, but one effective method is to use a float.
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Instructions
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How to Fish Carp with a Float
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Choose the proper tackle. The float should be small enough that a carp can pull it beneath the water without much resistance. A long fishing rod will give you more leverage when you set the hook. The weights you choose should be heavy enough to hold the bait at the bottom of the lake or river, and the hook large enough to hold the corn, night crawler or whatever other bait you choose.
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Slide the float onto the line then attach sinkers and a hook that carries your choice of bait.
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Ensure your bait sits at the bottom of the lake or river when your float is on top of the water. Carp most often feed on the bottom, so make sure that is where you keep your bait.
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Cast your float and bait into shallow areas where you see carp rooting around. You can easily tell when carp are in the area because they stir up bottom sediment. Carp are in these shallow areas to eat or to spawn.
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Wait several seconds after your float goes down to set the hook. Carp are notorious for nibbling a bait without actually taking it, so waiting a few seconds will ensure the carp has both the bait and the hook in its mouth.
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Tips & Warnings
Since you will be fishing in shallow water, stay quiet and wear clothing in subdued colors that blend in with the sky. Try a variety of baits. Corn and night crawlers are popular, but some anglers also use old deli meat or oatmeal, for example.
Make sure you have an up-to-date fishing license.
