Any carp fisherman here?

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Hair rig?

Whats your rig and how do you fish it?

We use long shank hooks, kind of thread the kernels on the entire hook, be sure to cover the point and barb as their mouth are really sensitive, slip sinker and tiny split shot to keep the slip sinker about 18" from hook, fished on the bottom. Keep the reel bale open, i.e. free spool so there's no resistance. Minimize the slack in the line so we can see any taps our pickups and let them run a bit before setting the hook. It's a blast when you see than line ripping off the reel when they pick it up. I've fished for them like this for almost 60 years. My dad did it for years before that. While we have caught them through out the day, it is especially fun at night and into the wee hours.

My Grandma taught us how to clean, and prepare the small ones. Key is to cut out the mud vein. When taken from clean bodies of water they are actually really good eaten. Despite what many people think. We've converted many skeptics over the years;)

They were actually introduced here for their food value. Still a staple in Asia.

And anyone that thinks they aren't "game" fish haven't hooked a big one. They will pull and fight as long and hard as anything out there. And they will find any weaknesses in one's gear. Best to use stout gear.

Yes.... I love carp fishing!
Pat
 
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Lol Pat, "way" back as kids we walked down to the Des Plaines River off Romeoville Rd. for cats and to lesser extent carp. The river was always fast at the bridges and a lot of snags in the water. So on the walk, we picked up any car wheel weights we found to use for sinkers (we didn't have easy money to lose on sinkers in the river) that would not roll down river. Our rigs were just a hook tied on six inches below the sinker. Our bait was typically crawfish we seine (they love the "soft shells") and crawlers from the yard or under rocks at the river. Cast in up river, settles about straight out, set the line tight, weight the trusty 606 Zebco and pole with rock, and go seine.
 
LOL... I hear ya Dave. Did the same thing! Countless days exploring the Desplains river where I grew up in Maywood with my buddies. Also spent many days and nights along the Salt Creek. Cobbled together all sorts of "rigs". And who didn't have that trusty old black plastic Zebco!? Love it!

I tell, just siting here thinking about it has me grinning. Some of the best times ever.

Thanks for the memories!
Pat
 
Thanks for the memories!
Same here Pat!:)
Over off 53, near the old "Rock Lake Fishing" (did ya' ever sneak in there?) there was a creek (with lot of frogs) and some marsh area. When the mash flooded from the river, the carp would get stuck in the reeds and you could pick 'em out by hand.
And who didn't have that trusty old black plastic Zebco!?
Had 202's and a 404 at one point. My 606 had the metal covers and was sold as a combo. It took a beating! Can't remember what I did with it after moving back to Chi where I bought my fist open face Heddon 205R.
Here's what the 606 was......
Vintage Zebco Model 606 Reel Front Cover Early model Part NOS (C1) | eBay
 
I grew up catching carp, here’s the secret if no ones mentioned it. Use regular oat meal. That’s right oat meal. Pure it in your hand dry, walk over to the river with your fist closed and dunk your hand in the water. Just let enough water to slow hit the oats. Pull your hand out and the make a oat meal ball. Smoosh a number 2 eagle claw hook in the middle of it. Then make the ball nice and tight around the hook. You will know after a few attempts how hard or soft to make the ball. Then if you want to really drive them crazy. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on the ball afterwards. Trust me on this it works.
 
I believe at the zoos they use dog food to feed them.

I prefer cats over anything. They put up a good fight and their meat is sweet. Caught these earlier this year on livers....

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Just spent another few hours targeting the carp.

These suckers are big. They are jumping out of the water. 3" of fish out the water and i cant see the entire fish. The dam things are everywhere.

What the way to hook em when they are jumping?
 
As a kid we used worms. Right on the bottom. Caught em for fun. in the red river in winnipeg. 10 pounders constantly
The fun ones are sturgeon. 3 footers will stick to the bottom forever. A real delicacy smoked. but at this point,the river where i live its illegal to keep them. But the population is coming back. Sturgeon has been off limits as long as i can remember.
 
Just spent another few hours targeting the carp.

These suckers are big. They are jumping out of the water. 3" of fish out the water and i cant see the entire fish. The dam things are everywhere.

What the way to hook em when they are jumping?
Spear or bow and arrow. I made a bow fishing rig one time and never used it.
 
My friend likes to catfish on the Mississippi here at night. His largest was last month, 29 1/2 lbs Catch and release
 
Did any of you guys ever watch the episode of Babe Winkleman went he was out at the Colorado River fishing for Sturgeon and after he hooked one he got on a one man floatation devise and was getting pulled up and down the river. Lol
 
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...3 footers will stick to the bottom forever....
First one I ever caught (C&R) was below the dam, Chippewa River, Eau Claire WI. Felt like I was dragging in a log...………. until it got about 20' from shore...… My friend laughs and says, "ha, that's just a little one!"
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