A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Carp Fishing: Expert Advice

  • Posted: 5th February 2025
  • Author: Karl Forrest

Carp fishing is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but for beginners, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so much information available, knowing where to start can be tricky. Whether you’re just getting into fishing or looking to transition from general coarse fishing to targeting carp, this guide will set you on the right path.

Start with the Basics: Float Fishing for Silver Fish

Before diving into carp fishing, it’s a great idea to start with a simple float rod and a pint of maggots. Head to a commercial fishery with a good stock of roach, rudd, bream and perch. Watching a float disappear beneath the surface for the first time is a mesmerising experience that teaches patience and discipline – two essential qualities for any angler.

Start with short sessions of just a few hours to build your skills and confidence. Early mornings and late afternoons during the summer months are ideal times to fish, and keeping things simple will help you enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

A shot of a float, shot and hookbaits

Start with the very basics – a float and a pint of maggots – and enjoy catching silver fish like roach and rudd

The Evolution of Carp Fishing

Years ago, carp fishing was a mystery, with very little information available. Anglers relied on word-of-mouth, trial and error, and legendary books like The Carp Strikes Back and Casting at the Sun to fuel their passion. The rise of magazines such as Carp-Talk helped bring the carp fishing community together, showcasing big catches and inspiring a new generation of anglers.

Image of a book, The Carp Strikes Back

An iconic book that was one of the few sources of information back in the day, but things are very different now

With today’s abundance of online resources, getting into carp fishing has never been easier. However, this vast amount of information can also be confusing. That’s why visiting your local tackle shop is a great first step – they have the knowledge and experience to guide you toward the right set-up for your needs. Also, don’t forget to get your rod license before you start fishing! Read this for more information: UK Fishing Licences for Carp Fishing: Explained

Setting Up for Carp Fishing

Once you have your chosen set-up, practice tying rigs and preparing bait mixes at home. The anticipation of an upcoming session is part of the fun! If you struggle with tying rigs, don’t worry – pre-tied rigs are readily available, and the DNA Baits YouTube channel is packed with helpful tutorials to get you started.

An image of the DNA Baits YouTube channel

The DNA Baits YouTube channel is packed full of information

Choosing the Right Venue

Your choice of venue plays a huge role in your success. Start with a well-stocked lake, such as Todber Manor’s Wadmill Lake, where you’ll have a great chance of catching your first carp. Visiting a new lake for the first time? Bring a friend along for a fun day out. A bit of banter never hurt anyone!

Upon arrival, speak to the bailiff to get insights on how the lake is fishing. Walk around the venue and choose a comfortable swim with a clear feature, such as an island or reedbed. Talking to other anglers can also be incredibly beneficial – most are friendly and willing to share advice.

An image of a mirror carp in the snow

Start somewhere where a bite is always on the cards, regardless of the weather

Fishing Techniques for Beginners

When you start carp fishing, focus on fishing close in. This technique is similar to float fishing and helps you keep your baiting accurate. A few catapults of DNA Baits S7 or The Bug 12mm boilies can work wonders. For extra attraction, glaze your boilies with DNA Baits Amino Smoke.

As you gain experience, learn how to use a throwing stick and spod rod to introduce bait over a larger area. Many carp are caught close in, especially on well-stocked venues. When the lake is quiet and you’re not interfering with other anglers, practice your casting skills – this will build confidence and help you learn how to feel the lead down.

An image of The Bug boilies

Start with a tried-and-trusted bait like The Bug

Big Amino Smoke

The Amino Smoke is amazing, confidence-boosting liquid for your bait

Keep It Fun and Enjoy the Journey

Don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect right away. Carp fishing is a journey, and learning is part of the excitement. Start with short, frequent sessions to maintain your enthusiasm and gradually build up to longer trips.

With time, patience and practice, you’ll develop the skills and confidence needed to become a seasoned carp angler. Enjoy every step of the process, and most importantly, have fun out on the bank!

Good luck on your fishing adventure!

Karl with a nice common carp

Carp fishing is a journey, and learning is all part of the fun

More related articles from DNA Baits:

Winter Carp Fishing: Tips and Tactics for Success by Karl Forrest

Carp-Fishing Edges: 5 Tips to Improve Your Catch Rate by Perry Alabaster

How to Catch Carp From Busy Day Tickets by Mike Bartlett