Carp Care – An Easy Guide

Carp are long lived creatures that while hardy can easily suffer damage from poor handling.

1. Landing a Carp

Carp fight long and hard. A good sized net with a small, soft mesh will help make landing your carp much easier. If your net mesh is too big then it can result in the carp’s fins being torn and damaged.

A carp’s dorsal fin has a sharp, stiff ray on the leading edge with barbs which can get caught in a net. If this happens do not pull on the net as you’ll cause more dam age. Simply ease the net material over the barbs to release it.

A long or telescoping handle helps when landing fish from wharfs or high banks. Carp are heavy so when you have the fish safely in the net don’t try and lift the fish with the handle. You can break the net! Simply slide the handle through your hand until you can grasp the net frame and the net material before lifting.

Once the carp is safely in the net the next step is to protect the fish.

2. Protect the fish

Unless you plan on weighing your fish then the best option is to keep the carp in the net in the water. Carefully remove the hook, make sure the carp has recovered sufficiently and then release it without the need to lift it or take it out of the water. A quick photo can also be taken and the fish released while still in the water.

If you want to weigh or photograph the fish then make sure you have everything ready BEFORE taking the fish out of the water. If you have to move or carry the fish then a weigh bag or retention sling will help. A heavy duty laundry or other bag that will not tear easily is an inexpensive option.

Always carry the fish low to the ground. Never stand up holding the fish as it could be fatally damaged if it jumps or wriggles out of your hands!

An area of level soft grass or better still a protective mat (see below) on level ground that will prevent the carp from flopping around on rocks or dirt is essential. The goal is to avoid the fish from losing its protective slime or scales.

A basic carp mat (left) costs around $10 – 15. More sophisticated mats and cradles will offer even better protection. Have a bucket of fresh, cool lake or river water ready. It is vital to wet & cool the protective mat before placing the fish on it, especially if it has been in the sun. Pour cool water over the fish to keep it from drying out or getting too hot.

3. Weighing your Carp.

NEVER weigh a carp by hooking the weigh scales hook under the gills or holding it using a Boga-Grip!

Only lift-up & weigh the carp in the safety of a custom weigh or retention sling. Even a large laundry bag or a landing net can be used. Just make sure it cannot slide or fall out! Only lift the fish until it is just off the ground. And remember to zero your scales with the weight of the weigh sling, net or bag before placing the fish inside.

A tripod, weigh bar or weigh crook will make lifting your carp, especially if it is a trophy sized fish easier and safer.

4. Photographing your Carp

It is best to choose an area to take photos and have your camera set up and ready before you start fishing. That way you will be ready to photograph your fish and return it to the water as quickly as possible and with the least possible stress

Always kneel down to hold the fish for a photo. Avoid standing while holding the fish or carrying it back to the water in your arms. Always carry the fish in the net, a retainer or weigh bag as this prevents the fish accidentally falling and being critically injured.

Mobile phones offer a great way to capture a photo of you and your prize catch.

5. Releasing your Carp

When you are ready to release your fish hold it gently in the water until it has recovered sufficiently to swim away strongly.

Remember - Trophy sized carp can be decades old. So please handle them carefully and release them.