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Do you want to learn how to catch a grass carp in a pond? If so, you have come to the right place! In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know in order to be successful in your quest to catch a grass carp. We will discuss the fishing methods, which bait to use, how to set up your fishing gear, and how to spot these elusive fish.
Table of Contents
How To Catch A Grass Carp In A Pond
1. Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a fishing method often used by anglers to fish for grass carp. Cast your line and leave some slack in the line. When the line begins to tighten, set the hook and hold on to the line. Grass carp have the tendency to make long runs when it is hooked. The little slack in the line will help to keep the carp on the line.
2. Baiting
One fishing method used by anglers to catch grass carp is baiting an area for grass carp. Anglers usually put bait like corn, about 5 to 10 cans, in the water about 10 to 20 feet from the shore. Don’t bait an area that has a brush, other vegetation, or structures that can prevent you from getting the fish.
Soak the corn in water for a number of days to get it to ferment before you dump it into the water. Live earthworms and bread dough balls are other bait that can be used to bait grass carp.
Grass Carp Fishing Equipment
1. Medium-Heavy Fishing Rod
To learn how to catch a grass carp in a pond, you will need a medium-heavy fishing rod. A 7-foot fishing rod is a type that should be used.
2. Small Hook
A small hook should be used to catch grass carp. If they feel your hook, grass carp will throw your bait. When learning how to catch a grass carp in a pond, a small hook is the best hook to use.
3. Reel
A reel that has about 200 yards of the line will work for catching grass carp.
4. Landing Net
A safety net is your backup plan. It is good practice when learning how to catch a grass carp in a pond to take a safety net with you for grass carp fishing. Also, use it when fishing for grass carp even after you have more experience catching grass carp.
5. Fishing Line
Use a light line with about a 6 to 8-pound test to get a feel of the fish’s actions. This will help you to notice a tug on the line when you are learning how to catch a grass carp in a pond.
Grass Carp Fishing Bait
Grass carps are herbivorous fish. They eat mainly aquatic plants at the bottom of ponds and lakes. Here are some of the main items that can be used as bait to fish for grass carp.
1. Sweet Corn
2. Cherry Tomatoes
3. Watermelon
4. Earth Worms
5. Dough Balls
6. Bread
7. Lima Beans
Grass Carp Fishing In A Pond Tips
1. Start fishing for grass carp in lakes and ponds. Grass carps are a non-native species brought to the United States from Asia. They were brought to control the growth of aquatic plants in reservoirs, fish farms, and other areas. You can learn more about how to fish a pond from this article.
Today, they are in ponds and private lakes to control vegetation. Always ask permission from the landowner before you start fishing on someone’s pond.
2. Use a 7-foot medium-heavy, fast-action rod. It provides the sensitivity needed to feel the bite of the grass carp. Additionally, use a medium spinning reel with a medium gear ratio. Maintain a loose drag to allow the fish to run without line breakage.
3. It is important that you use the right tackle. You will need up to 20-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon rigged with a 1/0 or 2/0 size live to a bait circle hook.
4. Implement chumming. About 4 days before you go out to fish an area, throw corn in the shallows of the water to attract the grass carp. The fish will come to that area expecting more corn. On the day you go out to fish the water, grass carp will be in that area expecting more corn.
5. Spoiled corn, bread dough balls, and live earthworms are some of the most successful bait for grass carp.
6. Let the reel spool freely. If there is any resistance, grass carp will drop the bait. Let the line remain slack until they eat the bait, then slowly reel the slack in and set the hook.
7. Grass carps are cautious and can easily be spooked. They can see outside the water and are very suspicious of movement or sound. Walk and speak quietly and lightly as you approach the river. Dress so that your colors blend with the area. Additionally, cast gently. A BB split shot or slip sinker is the best option.
8. You can stalk the fish if the pond or lake is clear to the point that you can see and watch them take the bait.
9. Areas of the lake and ponds with a lot of vegetation are the best spots to look for grass carp.
10. When the sun is overhead and the waters are warm is the best time to fish for grass carp. They will move to the top to find something to eat or just enjoy the warm weather.
11. Be alert and remain calm. Grass carp will put up a vicious fight when it realizes it is hooked. You should just remain calm and buy for time so it wears itself out. This is why quality equipment is so important for grass carp fishing. Make sure there is no hole for it to escape. Maintain a firm grip and keep watching it. When it gets tired, get your net and get it.
12. Patience is key. You have to develop the patience to fish for grass carp. If they become spooked, you will have to wait for a period of time for them to relax and let their guard down again. They will not come running to your bait when you put it out there, even if they are hungry. They will observe it, sniff and nibble it to check it out before giving it a bite. Remain calm and be patient.
13. Cast carefully. Slowly and gently cast to avoid a big splash. Avoid fast reeling or other water disturbances. Practice casting until you are comfortable with it if you are a beginner.
14. Grass carp can be very destructive to an ecosystem and it is sometimes intentionally introduced into an area to control the weeds like in a pond.
The Bottom Line
How to catch a grass carp in a pond may seem challenging but it is very exciting and rewarding. In this article, we discussed how to catch grass carp in a pond. We hope that these grass carp fishing tips will help you catch more grass carp and be a better angler.
You can be more successful when fishing for catfish with tips for this article on catfishing tips. You can also read how to fish for koi, and how to bowfish.
