Carp Hooks

I recently placed my semi-annual bulk carp fishing supplies order.  

I like the Gamakatzu line of carp hooks, but since they weren't available I ordered these Gardner wide gaps. I used the Gardner hooks last year a lot and they do not bend easily. 

I do have a lot of Korda hooks already and I recommend you order the "X" version of Korda hooks because the basic version are not strong enough and will often bend when you wish they wouldn't.

Outside of the rod you use and water you're fishing in, the hook is near the top of a list of critical items needed to catch carp consistently. 

Choose your hooks wisely.

The Longest Day Fishing Fundraiser Benefitting Alzheimer's Association

Here's the link to "The Longest Day" Alzheimer's Fundraiser on Jun 21st. 

We will fish and raise money for a great cause. Join the team at the link below, donate, or just stop by and say hello. 

Donate, Sign-Up or Join Our Team

Anyone interested in teaming up on it with me? You can join the team via the link.

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It's Wednesday, June 21st, the longest day of the year. 

It's a great cause. You'd be hard pressed to find someone older than 25 years old who hasn't been touched by this disease in some way (grandparent, aunt, parent, sibling, etc).

T-Shirts are $20 and available at time of registration.

My wife sent this to me from the Alzheimer's Association. 

It's a great cause. You'd be hard pressed to find someone older than 25 years old who hasn't been touched by this disease in some way (grandparent, aunt, parent, sibling, etc).

We could even do a East Michigan vs. West Michigan challenge if there's interest in doing it. T-Shirts are $20 and available at time of registration.

Let me know if you're interested. If we get 5 or 6 who are and settle on a venue, I'll set up the group and share the link.

If you prefer to set up your own team directly, here's the link:  The Longest Day Sign-Up

Ann Arbor Botanical Gardens

Some koi at the University of Michigan botanical gardens.

There's also a cool bonsai exhibit to see too.

How to Edit Carp Fishing Photos

It's amazing what a simple cell phone and a free photo app can do to edit carp fishing photos.

Here's a demo of some editing I did this afternoon using Snapseed with a very typical carp that can be caught in most any public fishing area where I live.

You can take a very average fish and below average photo to make something interesting and convey a different mood to create something more interesting.

This is the original photo from my Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphone.

I used a Snapseed filter as a first step.

I used Snapseed to brighten the colors and crop it to remove distracting objects.

I used a different filter to tone down the bright colors. Then I adjusted the crop a little more.

I brightened my face so it was lighter.

Most of the time I would have been quite happy with photo #3, but in the end I think #5 is my favorite.

It's easy to overdo it, but on cold days when its too cold for carp fishing playing around with photos is fun.

Veteran's Day Carping at Lake Erie

I had the day off for Veteran's Day and decided to enjoy the last bit of decent weather before fishing prospects deteriorate for winter.

I caught these 9 carp. Most were little guys, but on November 11th with 62 degree weather and very little wind conditions were excellent.

Having a good, solid outing before winter somehow makes the winter months, when I'm not carp fishing, a little easier.

Personal Best Detroit River Carp

I've been focused on catching a new personal best Detroit River carp this year. In fact, for the past 3 years, I've been on a quest to catch big carp from the Detroit River. My goal of 30 pounds is now within reach.

In early summer of 2021 I landed a 26 pounder. Yesterday I bested that carp by a pound and a half! 

Out of the thick, morning fog, and in 34 degree temperatures, this 27 lb 8 oz entered the landing net. 

This fish took the hook bait timidly at first, but immediately bolted for the main river channel once I tightened the drag on my reel and lifted up on the rod.

A few minutes earlier we landed this nice catfish.

You never know what you might catch when fishing the Detroit River. There are good chances to land any of about 15 to 20 species of fish with catfish, carp, walleye, sheepshead, silver bass, perch, rock bass, smallmouth bass, pike, muskie and more are readily available. 

I met a gentleman who caught a 7' sturgeon while catfishing from a popular public pier. The gentleman stood 6'6 and the sturgeon was significantly longer (taller) as lay next to it. 

Note: If you do catch a sturgeon carefully land it and return it to the water quickly. Targeting sturgeon in Michigan has regulations governing that activity. Become familiar with those guidelines.

Detroit River Carp Fishing - October Edition

I caught this Detroit River Carp 2 minutes after casting my 3rd rod this morning. It turned out to be the only fish today. 

I think the cold front also cooled off the carp bite for today (in the river anyway).

Two Black and White Carp Photos

Here are some black and white carp photos from the weekend.

Small Carp Wanna Eat Too

 

Sometimes we lock in on catching bigger carp when we're fishing and experience disappointment when a small one arrives in the net.

But small carp get hungry too. Most of the time, the smaller carp fight much harder that the big guys and gals.

Here are two smaller carp from Friday.

Carp Fishing Necessity - Rain Gear

Some unexpected weather rolled in this morning creating some challenges but I still managed a couple of Detroit River commons.

One of my best fishing investments ever is the rain gear I'm wearing in these photos. The $70 jacket and pants are about 8 years old and are there when needed. I always carry these in my carp wagon, no matter the forecast.

My Newest Carp Hooks

 Besides Gamakatzu, I like these next best.

They run small, so a 4 is like a 6 in Gamakatzu.

Fall Carp Fishing Rocks

I love fishing on days like today. 

Here are some of the bigger fish.

The largest was 22#'s which is about the top in that spot unless you get very lucky. I've caught bigger there but it's not easy. 

It looks from my phone gallery that I caught 16 total fish. I could only fish a single rod. The bites were just too fast. 

All but one was caught on the same rod.

Ultimately, I had to stop because fishing alone, pulling fish through heavy weeds, taking photos, etc. took it's toll on me.

I was getting bites before I even sat back down in my chair.

At one point I just landed the largest of the day and John Mellencamp's "Hurt So Good" was playing on my MP3. It was certainly fitting.

I kept hoping for a 30 pounder but it didn't happen today.

Detroit River Carp in a Weedy Session

Carp fishing on the Detroit River is fun. The river is so big it can sometimes seem the odds are astronomical. 

With some practice and perseverance carp can be caught from any of the public parks along the shoreline.

The weeds were a nuisance, but I took it as a challenge. 

Here are some photos from the reward.

I enjoy black and white carp fishing photos. There is something so simple about them that it's satisfying.

Detroit River Carp Fishing

I caught this low teens common carp at the Detroit River recently.

 

The public parks along the Detroit River have plenty of fishing access.

Two Carp at Lake Erie

After taking a few off from fishing I headed back out on Saturday morning.

Unfortunately, the algae bloom on this water is in full swing. It's actually unhealthy to allow people or pets to be in the water. Luckily, fishing requires minimal water contact. 

But, I've noticed that the bite slows down during algae blooms.

I did manage a couple fish in the 19 hours of fishing.

I really like the colors in the photos. I give credit to the blue shirt I'm wearing.