Chill Out With Carp
Photos: © OutdoorTom.com
We’ve always found it interesting that carp are often overlooked as targets for freshwater anglers here on Long Island. Really, what’s not to like? They can occasionally top 30 pounds in some of our larger sweetwater habitats, are smarter than many anglers think when it comes to picking up a bait, and there’s no other local freshwater fish that comes close to matching them for pure power at the end of the line. Toss in their ability to thrive in waters that are muddy, weedy and even somewhat low in oxygen, and you’ve got a challenging battler that’s not only readily available, but certainly worth the effort of pursuit.
The largest member of the minnow family, carp are prolific, which is one prejudice some anglers hold against the species. Indeed, a single adult carp can lay up to two million eggs during their spring spawn, which usually commences in early May as water temperatures reach 62 degrees. These are simply scattered, unprotected, across the bottom, most falling prey to panfish species including sunfish, perch, crappies and the like. During this period, which usually lasts about two weeks, these bruisers don’t feed much but you’ll often seem them rolling on the surface, which can tip you off to the size and abundance of the population on any specific water. While carp have been known to live up to 50 years in captivity, two decades is probably the max for wild fish in local waters.
One of the best things about carp fishing is that getting started is relatively simple. There are lakes, ponds and rivers in every quadrant of Long Island that host significant populations, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a place to set up. If you need a little help locating an access spot, however, you can always go on-line and check the DEC’s Places To Fish page (https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/freshwater-fishing/places-to-fish/long-island-nyc). Here, you’ll find a description of accessible lakes and ponds on Long Island which includes a listing of the species available at each location to help narrow your search.
Photos: © OutdoorTom.com
While carp may be most noticeable in the early spring, they continue to bite far into the fall, with October through December actually being prime time on many waters as the weeds die off and make it easier for anglers to present their baits. The usual set-up for catching them is a sturdy spinning outfit spooled with 12- to 15-pound-test mono or 30-pound-test braid, and this will do fine for late fall fishing as well. For those just getting started with carp fishing, a bag of white bread is all you need for bait. Simply take a piece, remove the crust, and use the soft middle to form two or three densely packed quarter-sized bread balls. Impale one of these on #1 sproat- or octopus-style hook tied directly to the main line. In most instances, it’s better in Long Island’s shallow lakes and ponds to skip adding any weight so your bait will settle gently on the bottom or lightly in the weeds where it can be picked-up by your quarry with little tension on the line.
Other carp baits worth investigating are whole kernel canned corn and store-bought carp “boilies.” The latter can be individually strung on the hook so that the shaft and bend are covered but the barb is left fully exposed. The latter can be impaled similar to using a bread ball.
As opposed to spring and summer action, when carp generally inhale a bait and power off, the late fall carp often sees only a slight twitch of the line as your clue to get ready. Wait a second or two and the line should move off slowly, indicating it’s time to drive home the hook with a smooth, sharp tug. Because late fall bites are usually gentle, it’s a good idea for bank anglers to set their rods in a low-to the ground horizontal rod holder (a forked stick will do in a pinch). This helps limit the amount of wind pressure on the line and prevents anglers from moving their baits too much as often happens when rods are hand-held for this endeavor.
Photos: © OutdoorTom.com
Those fishing from boats can follow the same basic procedure, laying rods flat across the deck or against the gunnel (within easy reach so you can grab it before it flies over the side should a big fish strike). In this instance, however, you might want to add a small float to the line. This works well in water depths of six feet or less where you can fish at anchor. Add the float high enough above the bait so that your offering will rest on the bottom with a little bit of slack in the line. Then just keep an eye on the float. If it begins to bounce or move in any direction, take up the slack and sink your barb. Be aware that float movement is often very slow in cold-water situations, so you need to be focused if you choose this route. It also helps to use a seven-foot-plus rod since you can only reel up to the float before casting.
Once hooked, big carp unleash some serious power, so ensure your reel’s drag is set appropriately. We suggest tightening it just a little more than the usual one-third of a line’s breaking strength to help prevent any beasts from reaching nearby blowdowns or tangles. As your quarry blasts off, hold on tight, allow it to take drag, and don’t rush reeling it in as it will need a little time to tire. Naturally, you’ll want to bring along a landing net if fishing from a boat or kayak as wrestling a double-digit monster over the side can be quite a tussle.
In sum, the late fall season offers a solid shot at hooking-up with Long Island’s biggest freshwater competitor. If you are new to the game, invest a little time refining your technique on a familiar lake or pond that’s close to home before searching out additional waters with greater genetic potential. Be aware, however, that it only takes a little success to develop an addiction to battling these freshwater beasts.
- Bryce Poyer
