Do You Need Bigger Baits to Catch Big Carp?

  • Posted: 20th January 2025
  • Author: Dave Watson

When it comes to carp fishing, one of the most debated topics is whether bigger baits are necessary to catch big carp. Many anglers swear by oversized offerings, while others find success with smaller, more subtle approaches. Based on my angling experience over the past 18 months, I’ve come to a clear conclusion – and it might surprise you. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve learned fishing exclusive venues like Sandhurst, Boathouse Fisheries, and Combley Lakes on the Isle of Wight.

The Rise of Big Carp in the UK

The UK has seen a surge in big carp over the last few years, thanks to better baits and feed programs at popular venues. For me, a 30lb carp is impressive, a 40lb fish is extraordinary, and a UK 50lb carp is the ultimate prize. These fish are smarter than ever, having been exposed to every tactic imaginable, so standing out requires the right strategy.

An image of some Fox digital scales reading 50lb 4oz

A UK fifty is the ultimate prize

Success at Sandhurst: Small Baits for Big Rewards

Sandhurst is a well-known carp fishing venue that holds over 20 carp exceeding 40lb at certain times of the year, as well as a rare 50lb fish. I’ve fished this lake on and off for four to five years and achieved incredible results using smaller baits. For some reason, the carp here prefer smaller offerings – both loose feed and hookbaits.

An image of Dave's small-bait Sandhurst mix

Small feed items and a small hookbait

My Go-To Tactics at Sandhurst

My typical approach involves 12mm Bug and S7 boilies, combined with matching crumb, sweetcorn, and DNA liquids like Liquid Food or Calanus Hydro. In warmer months, I enhance the mix with spicy additions like Hot Hemp Oil or Sweet Cayenne Pepper liquid. For hookbaits, I use small wafters, often barrel-shaped, either matching the hatch or in a standout pink colour.

Sweet Cayenne Pepper liquid

I love using Sweet Cayenne Pepper on my small feed items

I’ll also attach a small mesh bag of Crayfish Mini Mix pellets to create an enticing, concentrated attraction around my hookbait – just enough for one mouthful. This set-up has proven highly effective, helping me land numerous big carp, including the current lake record, Bubble Tail, at 50lb 4oz, as well as mirrors up to 44lb.

Dave Watson with a 50lb 4oz common carp called Bubble Tail

The amazing Bubble Tail at 50lb 4oz

Dave Watson with a 44lb mirror carp from Sandhurst

A back-up 44-pounder

Testing the Tactics Elsewhere

To determine if this approach was venue-specific, I tested it at Combley Lakes on the Isle of Wight. This was my first time fishing there, and with little information about effective tactics, I decided to replicate my ‘Sandhurst mix’. The main lake holds several 40lb carp and even a 50lb fish, making it an ideal testing ground.

The result? Once again, small baits delivered the goods. By sticking to my tried-and-tested tactics, I was able to tempt big carp right from the start of the session. It reinforced my belief that small baits can effectively target large, wary fish in a variety of settings.

Dave Watson holding a 50lb-plus mirror from Combley Lakes

A 53-pounder from Combley proved my methods were no fluke. It also equaled the lake record and earned me a new personal best!

Busting the Big Bait Myth

When I first started carp fishing, I was told that large baits – 18mm bottom baits and 15mm pop-ups –were the key to landing big fish. My experience has shown the opposite to be true. Simple, small baits on tight beds of feed items have consistently outperformed larger offerings.

Even on private syndicates, where the pressure is lower, this approach has worked wonders. While I can’t share photos from these non-publicity waters, I’ve landed carp up to 43lb using the same small bait tactics.

The Verdict: Do Small Baits Catch Big Carp?

Absolutely, yes! If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Small baits have proven time and again to be a highly effective way to target big carp. Whether you’re fishing a high-pressure venue or a quiet syndicate, consider incorporating these tactics into your angling approach in 2025.

Good luck out there, and remember – sometimes, less really is more!

A water shot of Dave Watson with a large common carp

Sometimes, less can equal more!

Other related carp fishing articles:

5 Tips to Improve Your Catch Rate by Perry Alabaster

My Three Favourite DNA Products to Catch Carp by Luke Church

How to Catch Carp from Busy Day Tickets by Mike Bartlett