What's happening with carp fishing

[fishfight]

This was the slowest Carp fishing season I have experience so far.

Witness at least 50 monster carp at Hamilton area, place my hair rig in front of them and they just laugh on it.

Landed one out of 5 hours of fishing. There were at least 15 other guys fishing, some with expensive Carp equipment. No one landed Carp since I was there. some landed small silver bass. They all left by 5pm. It was the most quiet late afternoon I have witness that area. It proves many were getting skunk in the past few weeks and stop coming back . http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd294...m/carp.jpg

A teenager was using worm and was landing Silver bass , but all within 6 inches long. No Catfish and gobies as well.

I am through with Carp fishing as of now, They do not want to bite regardless where I go.

I saw a Cormorant diving in and out of the water, even he has a hard time landing one, when He finally got a 6" Silver bass by 6pm, he was happy and left the area. It seemed too big for him and I was surprise how his narrow neck could have accomodated that size fish.

How about you guys? How has your Carp fishing been this year.

[OldTimer]

I'd agree that things are different this year so far in the Southern Ontario area............. for all species.

Yes - the carp activity is unlike other years.

Low water levels, higher water temperatures, phenomenal weed/algae growth, and increased water clarity all may be responsible.

The pattern has changed and continues changing as the drought in this area extends.

I'm sure we'll need to change with it...............

[MikeH]

My own experience, plus the reports I have seen on various sites including this one indicate that the Carp in the rivers are feeding far more actively than the harbour / lakefront Carp which seem to be intent on spawning, not feeding. All my catches have been very early morning or at sunset, not much action during the day. I'm expecting things to pick up in June as the harbourfront / islands weeds are getting up high and the Carp will be in them.

[MichaelAngelo]

This has been my first year carp fishing. In terms of fish per time spent on the water, early April on the Rouge river was the best ratio for me. It's been at least 2 weeks since I've caught one... they all seem to be ignoring bait right now. I fish in the evening. Hot weather, spawning. Who knows what else

[fishfight]

5 years ago when I started targetting these carp, I land at least 30+ within a month starting from April averaging 3-4 outing. My numbers have been dwindling down since then. My last year carp adventure was still decent. This year was a big joke. I was always able to locate them even todate, they just would not bite. Regarding numbers, nothing beats Hamilton area. The area is infested with Giant monster carp right now . Especially at Bayfont park.

There were also a lot more at humber river close to the mouth, but they all refuse to bite everywhere ,water was very low this year. When Carp fishing was easy 5 years back, I would not mind aiming for them, Rod never stop moving in less than 5 minutes as I recall, since there were gobies, silver bass, sheepheads, cat fish, channel catsetc..

My rod moved once yesterday and one carp was landed. I was almost hoping that gobies moved the tip somewhat to keep me motivated. Some other anglers were taking a nap, and it was that bad.

The Giant Maiz (the size of a penny)that I used were usually more effective than canned corn, They do not come off easily and gobies cannot swallow them. Only sold at an Italian store In hamilton James street south of king street. 2 lb for under $4. They must be cooked first, then use a needle to puncture each individual corn with tiny holes, submerged them with Maple serup(or other sweetener) and some water, the tiny hole will absorb more sweet flavour. An unused Maiz can be reuse and put back to the container to reabsorb more sweet juices to be used next time. I graduated from using Canned corn and can outfish someone using just canned corn.

I packed and compress my Maiz on the hair rig with crushed old bread, then cast it. Very effective combo, only if Carp will bite. Other wise, I need to add a picture of a female carp to the hook to entice the male speacies is what I have not done so far.

[OldTimer]

(05-31-2012 03:49 PM)fishfight Wrote:  I need to add a picture of a female carp to the hook to entice the male speacies is what I have not done so far.

True Fish porno!............. Never know............. might work.

Just kidding........

Any members of the CAG reading this got some advice?

Regards,

OldTimer