"Carp! Who the heck fishes for carp? They're garbage fish! If I get one of those slimy things on my line it's going to be fertilizing the bushes!"

How many times have you heard this? Sadly, it seems to be the common attitude of many North American fishermen. Sorry to say, but what an ignorant attitude to have!

Fortunately, for carp and carp anglers, the attitude of many popular North American fishing shows and organizations have changed their views on this unappreciated and underestimated sport fish. Carp fishing is now finally making an official appearance in Canada and the US. We all know that people have been fishing carp for years, however, it just wasn't something you talked about and it definitely wasn't considered trendy. Some people even felt embarrassed when they had caught a carp, fearing ridicule from others for catching such an undesirable specimen. I have personally witnessed people throwing carp onto the banks to die!

In the UK and Europe however, carp fishing is one of the most popular types of freshwater fishing, generating hundreds of millions of dollars per year from tackle, bait, equipment and license fees. Not to mention the money spent on traveling to far off destinations to pursue these goliaths. It's not unusual for Europeans to travel to places like Lake Cassien in France, just to sit in a bivvy (tent) for 5 days, waiting for a bite from that 80-pound monster. And yes, they also travel all the way to Canada, just for the chance to hook into that fish of a lifetime.

Many lodge and resort owners in Ontario have begun to cash in on the amount of foreigners coming to Canada to fish for carp. Many of you are probably thinking, "they're nuts!" On the contrary they are actually very smart. These few select vacation spots are actually tapping into a virtually untouched resource. Big carp are plentiful here and in comparison to the stocked European fish, they are also comparatively easier to catch. The ability to catch these monsters in good numbers is in part due to the tackle and equipment that the British and other Europeans have developed over the years. Heavy fishing pressure on British and European ponds and lakes has been a contributing factor in developing such highly scientific gear. With the tough fishing conditions they face, it always pays to be able to present the fish with something new or to be able to detect a fish when it so much as sniffs at your bait. This is where state-of-the-art electronic bite alarms, rod pods and hair rigs come into play. We all know you don't necessarily need all this high-tech gear to catch a carp here in Canada. However, to be able to catch big carp in good numbers, this gear really can help, especially the hair rig, which I consider to be the ultimate carp catching rig in any situation. Here are some tips on fishing corn and other particle baits using the famous hair rig.

I believe the hair rig was invented in the UK. Some may dispute this and to tell you the truth I'm not 100% sure. The hair rig is basically a leader made from soft braided line. The finer and stronger the line, the better. The braid is less likely to be detected by the carp than mono and feels more natural. This can be fished behind a bell or egg sinker. Use a plastic bead to protect your knot.

Many people are confused as to why the bait is actually slid onto the tail beneath the hook. The reason is actually quite ingenious and is based on the feeding habits of the carp. After locating a meal with either sight or smell, these clever fish are actually quite cautious before simply inhaling the food. They tend to mouth it before their vacuum- cleaner-like mouth sucks it in. Food has to be sucked in this way as teeth on carp are situated in the back of their throat. This is where harder food such as shellfish and corn etc. are crushed before swallowing. Having the bait free from the hook allows the fish to go through this mouthing & tasting process without detecting the hook. However, once the bait is accepted and sucked in, it's too late! If the fish moves away or detects the razor sharp hook, he will be stuck with it. Upon moving away, the sinker will be sufficient to drive the small sharp hook into its soft mouth. If the carp tries to expel the bait, the direction of the hook will, 9 times out of 10, stick in the mouth. It is one of the most successful hook-up rigs you will ever use. The piece of silicone tube on the hook is the secret to keeping it facing in the right direction.

To get the bait onto the "hair" you will need a bait needle. These can be made from fine wire or can be purchased from specialty stores. A good-sized crochet needle will work too. Simply slide your bait of choice onto the needle and then hook the bait needle onto the loop on the hair rig. Holding the hair rig tight, slide the bait up the needle onto the "hair". Then slide a stopper through the loop.

As far as bait goes, I generally use corn and boilies. I recommend Del Monte canned corn as I find the kernels are generally larger and firmer. You can even add sweeteners to your Del Monte corn and soak it overnight. If you are fishing a silty bottom and want to get your corn up out of the mud, slide a piece of foam (the same size as the kernels) on the bait needle between them. This technique can be applied to the boilies too. You can also use a pop-up (floating) boilie with your regular boilie to make it rise up. If your bait is too buoyant, don't panic. Simply attach a small split shot approximately 2 inches up from the hook. Making your bait a little buoyant allows the fish to better locate your offering in mud, silt or leaves.

I use a bait catapult (slingshot) to get my ground bait out to where my hook is. Placing a couple of handfuls of free offerings of the bait you are using can really help put the odds in your favour. Carp will generally move around the shoreline of a lake or pond in search of a meal. Getting them to stop and feed in your area greatly increases the chances of hooking into a fish. I usually take 2 to 3 cans of corn with me and at least one whole can will be used strictly to keep the fish feeding in my area. Don't over ground bait though. Just shoot a couple of handfuls out around your hook bait before and after you catch a fish or two. Don't ask me why, but Green Giant canned corn seems to work the best.

There are many high-tech set-ups out there that British and European anglers use. I use some of this equipment and although it is actually great fun and highly effective to use, it is not absolutely necessary when you're getting started. Shimano and Fox International make these products and are actively promoting the sport of carp fishing in Canada.

Initially, all you really need is a good quality 8 to 12 foot medium action rod, matched with a good quality spinning reel. The reel must have a good drag system and the capacity to hold at least 200 yards of 15 to 20lb braided or monofilament line. The longer rod will help in fighting the fish from shore when it takes a long run. As you progress into the sport, you will definitely want to check out some of the fantastic European equipment and techniques that are available. Hey, and don't forget your net! Those carp can be tough to land without one. When fishing, the rod should be placed in a V-shaped rod holder and shouldn't be bumped or moved. Make sure you take up any slack line after your cast. Be patient and let the fish come to you. As soon as you see the rod tip twitch, pick up the rod gently and sweep your rod up to set the hook. But due to the small hook, don't be too aggressive.

If you haven't tried fishing for carp, I highly recommend it. They pull like a freight train and can grow in excess of 40lbs here in North America. Spring is the prime time to hook one of these battlers. Once the waters start to warm up (approx. 60 F) in most lakes and rivers, the carp begin to move in close to shore and in shallow bays to spawn. In many of the bays and tributaries around Lake Ontario they can be observed rolling and splashing in an almost lustful frenzy. They seem almost oblivious to what is going on around them, with only one thing on their minds. Big fish can be taken at these times very close to shore. I've seen fish get so excited that they actually rolled onto the bank. Don't get frustrated if you see fish rising but don't get bit right away; just be patient and they will bite eventually. And when they do, hang on!

Carp deserve the same respect as all other sport fish. Like all other non native species that have been introduced into Ontario, carp now belong here. Just because they are bottom feeders doesn't mean they are not a worthy opponent. Give them a try and I'm sure you'll have a blast. Use these techniques and I guarantee you'll land some fish! Don't underestimate these fish either, they are smarter and have a better memory than any other freshwater fish in Canada.

For more information on carp equipment and techniques, click here

Author: Shaun Rickard