Walk round any carp lake or speak to any carp angler and you will often hear the same things being said: "you need to be on this bait", or "that rig won't catch anything here" and it can often push you into fishing the same way as everyone else.
While this looks like the best tactic because carp are being caught, usually these common myths reduce the amount of carp you could be catching and by fishing differently and ignoring the noise, you may well unlock the code to your water! Here are some of the more common myths you have likely heard on the bank...
If you aren't on the fish, you won't catch
We should qualify this by saying location is vital. But on busy waters it’s not always possible to set up in a swim where you’ve seen carp showing. Thankfully, carp do move, especially on pressured venues where lines in the water and leads crashing down push them around.
Getting ahead of these fish with a well-placed trap in a quiet margin or holding area can do serious damage while everyone else is chasing bubbling silt in open water.
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You need loads of bait to catch big carp
Nope. Plenty of specimen fish have fallen for a single hookbait or from over a light scattering of boilies. In cold weather, or on pressured waters, less is often more.
Heavy baiting might work in the summer, but don't be surprised if a little-and-often approach outwits the heavy-handed spodders. Match anglers are the best at building their swims – when was the last time you saw one of them pile in all their bait for the session at the ‘all in’?
Bigger baits will catch bigger fish
While this may sound logical, it isn’t necessarily the case. Sure, a big 20mm boilie might deter some smaller fish, but it won’t automatically attract a 40-pounder. Many big carp fall to 12mm pop-ups, bits of corn, or even maggots and casters when they’re being cautious. Plus, they are naturally used to feeding on small items such as insects, bloodworm and water snails.
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You need the latest bait to catch
Carp have been caught on sweetcorn, luncheon meat, maggots and bread for decades. If your bait smells good, breaks down well and suits the conditions, it’ll catch, whether it’s the latest high- protein and amino-packed offering or something straight from your kitchen cupboard.
You always need to fish on the end of the wind
Following the wind is one of the golden rules of fish location. And yes, it’s often a good starting point, especially if there’s a fresh south- westerly wind in the spring or summer. But carp have a habit of not following the rule book!
On heavily pressured waters, the back of the wind can be a hotspot, where carp retreat for peace. In winter, a cold wind can shut things down entirely, and calm, sheltered corners come into their own. Instead of simply chasing the wind, take other factors such as water temperature, angling pressure and natural holding areas into account as well.
IF FISHING IN ADVERSE WEATHER, THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES WILL KEEP YOU WARM AND DRY!
Barbless hooks fall out
If your rig mechanics are spot on and you play the fish correctly, then this shouldn’t happen. If your venue has a barbless-only rule in place, look for hook patterns with a slightly curved point, as these tend to offer a more secure hookhold than the barbless, straight-pointed versions.
Big fish full moon
While there’s plenty of debate (and some theories worth reading), don’t let the moon phase stop you fishing. Carp eat to survive, not because Mercury’s in retrograde.
Some of the best hits happen under the ‘wrong’ moon — mainly because the angler got everything else right. And let’s face it, most of us aren’t in a position to plan our sessions solely around moon phases.
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You need to use a perfect rig to catch
Not true. A rig that works and presents well on the lakebed is more important than one that looks Instagram-ready. Simple hair rigs still catch countless carp. Make sure your rig mechanic basics are right, your hook is sharp and that the set-up you’re using is right for the lakebed you’re fishing over, rather than trying to incorporate a record number of swivels, beads and kickers into your end tackle.
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Carp don't feed in winter
They do, just not as often or as aggressively. Cold-water carp fishing is slower, but far from impossible.
It’s probably not the best time to start a campaign on a low-stock gravel pit, but find a well-stocked venue, fish sensibly and there’s no reason why you won’t bag a few carp while most other carpers are huddled indoors watching YouTube fishing videos and waiting for spring.
The further you cast, the more you will catch
On some waters, being the lake’s ‘top caster’ and reaching parts no one else can is a real advantage, but even on the renowned ‘distance waters’ there will always be carp to be found at an easier-to-reach range. Margins, island shelves and quiet corners often hold untapped potential, especially when everyone else is aiming for the horizon.
THE BEST CARP FISHING RODS WILL HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR CASTING!
