Surface fishing for carp is undoubtedly one of the most exciting ways to catch carp, and I firmly believe any carp can be caught using this technique. The underwater environment is the carp’s home, and getting big powerful carp to make a mistake down there is a skill that all carp anglers must learn. However, getting those same big carp to be caught on the surface is a different matter, and different styles and techniques must be used to make the carp catchable off the top.
Surface Controllers and Bubble Floats
To position your hook bait exactly where you want it – whether it’s in the middle of the lake or close to the margins – you’ll require a surface controller. One of the most effective methods is the Gardner Tackle controllers; they’re very heavy and they provide a self-hooking system with their weight. You might also consider using a bubble float. A bubble float is transparent and fish are less likely to be spooked by its presence. Bubble floats can be filled with water, to adjust the required weight so you can get the distance you need. This feature also means that it comes in just one standard, all-round fishable size, so you can reduce the amount of space taken up by an assortment of different sized floats in your tackle box.
Surface fishing is an exhilarating form of fishing, during which the time flies and there is a constant air of expectation; when those big lips come up to take your bait, you must be ready to strike and set the hook yourself. There are other methods of free-lining your hook baits which depend how close the carp are. Alternatively, a hook link with a good, stretchy mono line is a good option, particularly over braid since braid tends to tangle too much. Always make sure your tackle is strong enough for the job in hand. Light hooks will snap easily under the tension caused by a big, angry carp on the line, and if your chosen water is snaggy or has a lot of weed, you must up your tackle to compensate.
Floating Poles
A floating pole is the preferred technique for match anglers fishing for carp on the surface. The pole and cup will get your bait right out to the carp with minimal effort and disturbance. Changing the length of the pole will get the carp feeding very quickly, at the exact distance you want. Placing the floaters would be perfect every time.
If the carp in your lake are just sunbathing on the surface instead of moving around the lake, then you need to be a little cleverer in getting them to feed. If it’s possible to cast out with minimal disturbance to the carp, then do so using only a hook bait. This bait could be a number of things, but you might want to consider an air-injected worm which is wiggling about; most carp would immediately sense it, which would therefore make it more attractive than simpler, inanimate bait.
On most waters, if the carp are just sunbathing in the summer heat it’s usually best to just leave them alone if none of the mentioned tactics work. However, keep an eye on them and have a floater rod set up, so when dusk comes you can produce a take when the carp eventually begin to move, hopefully in the direction of your bait.
Bottom fishing for carp in summer
In the hot summer months you should be looking for shallower parts of your lake, because these tend to be the most productive, particularly when there is a warm, southerly breeze pushing the water into a bay or a corner of the lake. The shallower parts are always the most attractive for carp, and it’s there that the water will be at its highest temperatures and carp will be more inclined to feed and be active, especially at night. Bars, reed banks and lily pads are the hotspots on which I would concentrate, and overhanging trees and vegetation provide shelter for wary carp making these areas good to cast your hook bait to. This is where the carp can be found if they are not enjoying the high water temperatures, in an effort cool down and for safety. A gravel or hard, shallow spot in these areas are the best spots to place your bottom hook bait, with boilies and pop-ups being the ideal bait.