Getting into Carp Fishing

Carp Fishing for Beginners

When you are starting out carp fishing, it can be as hard or easy as you want to make it. Walking through the door of your local tackle shop for the first time can be extremely daunting. There are so many different companies out there supplying bait, terminal tackle, luggage, and rods - where do you start?

First and foremost, I would advise you to select a brand that ticks all the boxes with regards to offering everything you need to get you started. It really is just about getting out on the bank at this point. Cygnet Tackle already offer an impressive range of products and have a whole host of new products hitting the shelves including terminal tackle, luggage, and fish care. It's easy on the pocket too.

Rigs

When it comes to rigs, don’t try and run before you can walk. I would recommend a simple hair rig and possibly a pop-up rig depending on the venue you are fishing. It's an easy trap to fall into, playing with various rigs, but essentially at this stage, it is just about getting fish on the mat and, once you're a little more confident, you can delve further into other rigs should you feel the need too.

Choosing a Venue

Venue wise, keep it simple. Ideally, start somewhere that is well stocked, not choked to the surface with weed and is a comfortable size. You want to be catching as many fish as possible and learning the basics, that so often get taken for granted, like casting accurately, playing fish and carp care. Trust me you will be better for it in the end, not that we ever stop learning!

When I started out, I spent my first year fishing a local water that was heavily stocked with carp ranging from 5lb through to 20lb. It was here that I learnt the importance of knowing what I was fishing over and finding the depths with the use of a marker rod. I improved by making mistakes and it is a time I look back on fondly. One trick I did learn when fishing such waters is that often the fish come right into the margins, and I would always be sure to have a rig just lowered in off the rod tip.

Tips

• Take advantage of the great advice available on social media. There are lots of posts aimed at beginners right through to your seasoned carp anglers. Check out the Trakker, Aqua and Cygnet Facebook and Instagram channels for example.

• Check out the Trakker and Cygnet YouTube channels. They provide videos that cover a variety of useful hints and tips from tying a simple knotless knot right through to caring for your bivvy.

• Take advantage of any local open days or shows. This is a great way to speak with experienced anglers and try out some products before you purchase them.

• A must is a good pair of Polaroids. Personally, I would recommend the Trakker wrap around polarized sunglasses.

• Take notes, all the time, such as what times of the day were the most productive, what baits worked particularly well, what were the weather conditions? These things are all relevant for your next visit and may well be the difference between you catching one fish or ten.

Remember that we all started somewhere and just getting started is sometimes the hard part. But, don't be afraid to make mistakes and above all enjoy every minute on the bank!