GTA carp fishing tips

[OldTimer]

I have found that bells and such tip top devices for strike indication are really a pain, and can tangle in your line at the most inopportune moments costing you time, line +, and maybe a fish.

I’m not a pro or expert “carper” by any means – but I do try it at least once or twice a year during the dog days– for the variety. Over time I’ve caught a few fair size carp (20 lbs +). I enjoy doing this with light tackle to make it much more of an “adventure”, and a great way to learn how to fight a big fish on light line. I think the light line also gets more strikes.

I use a small rectangular piece of Styrofoam for a strike indicator. Put a small shallow slice in it and place it on your line between the reel and the first guide on the rod. Then open the bail on your spinning reel so the fish will feel little resistance (the foam weighs almost zip). When you do get a strike – you will see the foam rise as line goes out - and then the foam will release from the line when it hits the first guide (good visual indicator in bright white). A short piece of light fishing line attached to the foam and tied to your rod holder or forked stick will save you losing it. In a strong wind I supplement this setup by pinching a very short loop of line just under the edge of an elastic band that’s wound on the rod shaft - to minimize line coiling off the reel. I actually learned these methods years ago, while still fishing roe-bags off the Owen Sound grain silos pier for Rainbow Trout and Splake.

I just use a sliding sinker set up with a #4 hook.

I have tried making and using a few of the recipes for bait. Yes they do work – but wow – way too much for me to use up, and it ends up in the garbage eventually.

Corn works, ……..corn with vanilla extract seems to work better for me. However, I find it hard to keep on my hook.

The simplest bait thing I’ve found (and I do like keeping things non-complex) that does work, is taking some fresh bread slices with me …………………. make a ball out of the middle of the slice (eat or discard the crusts – they will decompose) – wad it around the hook shaft – and then give it a shot of artificial vanilla extract for scent and flavour. Stays on pretty good once you get the knack of wadding it. Perfect = Bait and a wee snack too…………