11 Steps to Start Carp Fishing

Even if you've never fished before, you can learn how to fish for carp and get started carp fishing with a few simple steps. I will teach you how to catch carp with corn in a pond, lake or river.

Carp Fishing Tackle

1. Buy a fishing rod

An inexpensive medium action rod of 8' to 9' will be affordable to get you started. A few ideas to help you research include these possibilities:

• Ugly Stik GX2
• Whuppin' Stick (I have 2 of these myself that I use as "travel rods")

2. Buy a fishing reel

You use almost any reel and make it work by loosening the drag, but for beginners a baitrunner reel will be highly desired. Some potential choices:

• Okuma ABF-55 (I started with 3 of these myself)
• Penn Fierce II
• Daiwa Regal

There are other choices that will work just fine. Almost any 5000 - 8000 series reel will work. 

3. Buy fishing line

Monofilament is inexpensive to get started (15# test), but braided fish line works better for me (50# PowerPro). With less "stretch" braided line provides more control once you hook a carp.

4. Buy the required hooks, swivels, leads

A size 4, 6 or 8 hook will work, but if putting the corn directly on the hook size 2 or 4 is likely a little better. I use a size 8 swivel rated at 20 pounds or better. A "bolt rig" is great, but you can use a regular "smooth" or "flat" lead with some bread molded around it and tuck the hook lightly in the bread making it easier to cast. 

I prefer an inline lead. Fox brand makes leads that are available online. Sizes from 3 oz to 5 oz will provide for waters ranging from calm lakes to flowing rivers.

5. Buy a suitable landing net

You need to get a net capable of landing a 15 pound or larger fish and hoisting it up without breaking. I recommend a flat bottom Ranger brand net with rubber coating (available at some Dick's Sporting Goods stores). My favorite is a Tournament Series muskie net with the 84" telescoping handle. Big nylon nets are cheap, but will cause more harm to fish. Focus on a rubber coated net with a smaller opening in the webbing no larger than 3/4".

6. Use a yoga mat or old pillow stuffed in a trash bag to lay the fish on for unhooking

When you get more serious you can buy a padded landing mat from an online carp tackle vendor for $25 - $35 that works well.

Carp Fishing Bait

7. Buy a can of corn and a baiting needle

You can put kernels of canned corn directly on the hook and catch fish, but learning to tie a "hair rig" is fairly easy and very effective. You can improvise instead of using a baiting needle with various crafting or needlepoint items. A baiting needle will save you a lot of frustration.

Boiling "field corn" aka "deer corn" and flavoring with salt, cayenne, anise or vanilla is a step up from canned corn and field corn stays on the hair rig or hook easier. There are also commercial flavored baits available online such as those offered by Trilogy Carp Baits and a few others.

Use a pot big enough to make chili in. Fill it 1/2 full of field corn and the rest with water. Add some salt. Add some cayenne if desired. Cook on medium low heat until the corn puffs up. Check for tenderness and continue cooking, adding small amounts of water until tender. It's truly easy as heating water. I mix this corn in my pack bait.

Or, you can also try to make homemade boilies.

8. Buy some panko bread crumbs or oatmeal

I like to buy this in bulk at Gordon Food Store near my house. You can get 3 pound bags off the shelf or order 25 pound bags for bulk purchases. I usually by 50 pounds at a time (2 bags). I use this as a base in my pack bait (aka ground bait). 

You will need a wetting agent like syrup or cream corn. I prefer cream corn from Aldi. The cheaper the price, the better.

9. Mix in some boiled bird seed

I usually buy this at Wal-Mart in 10 pound bags. Boil it on the stove top in a pot until it expands and softens up. Store the boiled bird seed in resealable bags and place in the refrigerator.

10. Use some deer attractant powder or peanut suet

This is a "secret" tip that I've giving you as a reward for reading my blog and taking an interest in carp fishing. A little goes along way, so you can use a cup or less of each. It will also help "bind" the pack bait better.

Carp Fishing Rigs

11. Learn to tie a knotless knot aka "hair rig".

YouTube is a good place to learn how to tie a hair rig for carp fishing. You can make it complicated or keep it simple. I prefer to use my main line braid for my hair rigs also, but you can also use different rig tying materials or shrink wrap to make the rig stiffer and help prevent tangles when casting.

North American Carp Angler has some knot tieing tips from time to time in the magazine as well.

Conclusion

This shopping list may sound a little "pricey". But taking into consideration the savings you get from bank fishing as compared to fishing from a boat, it's really a nice bargain. 

For many, fishing is a great way to unwind after the work week. It’s a meditation and a popular destressor allowing you to get off the couch, out of the house and into the great outdoors.

By learning to fish for carp, you can save $80,000 right out of the gate. A new bass boat runs $30,000 more and add another $50,000 for a new tow vehicle. And that's before you put any fuel in the boat or the truck!

By shore fishing, you are ahead of the game before you even start. And, it may save you on a psychologist's bill down the road. :-)

As an alternative to buying new gear, consider shopping around at yard sales or borrow from a friend to "try before you buy," and save money.

You can get started with a little or a lot of money. It's up to you.

(I also wrote a How to Catch Carp blog post you may enjoy.)

Disclosure: This post contains links to products sold by affiliate companies. If you decide to purchase a product, I may receive a small commission. The decision to purchase is entirely yours.