Catch and Landing for Carp
It is no use that we do all the preparation to entice a fish to bite, but we do not pay attention to the strike and the landing of the fish...
CATCHING
Most anglers use the bait indicator for the sole purpose to see when the fish bites. This is true but we need to look at other important facts. Use your indicator (policeman) to get rid of the slack in your line. PLEASE do not over use your reel the take up slack due to the fact that this may pull your bait into the sediment or into snags ext. Also use you bait indicator for line management.
The most important aspect when catching your fish is the tension on the drag system. Set you drag with most resistance as possible as this will ensure proper hook set. Have you ever taken 10+ meter of line and pulled it throw water? The resistance is enormous. So use your tackle to assist you with the hook set. This will also help to lift you fish up away from possible snags.
When the fight is on, there is one technic that works. "WALK THE DOG". This means that you pull the fish with your rod aimed horizontal with the water. As any animal, fish will always fight in a opposite direction when pulled. Also this allow the fish to swim in a more normal way. Here you will have more control over the fish.
LANDING OF FISH
As you fish gets closer, pull the fish to a point of reach. You can now start to lift your rod tip. The most important thing now to remember is to ensure that you keep your net still and do not chase the fish. Remember that the fish will always try to get back to where it feels safe. This means back to the deeper water. Position your net between the fish and the deeper water and let it swim into your net.....
NB !!!
We need to start practicing more fish friendly / safety methods. We can achieve this by using a knot less net and an unhooking mat.
