Fish Care and Carp Photography
Fish care and photography are two areas where every angler has their own preferences. Over the years, I’ve developed my own way of handling things – an approach shaped by decades on the bank and a deep respect for the carp we’re privileged to catch.
I started carp fishing back in the late seventies, and I can honestly say fish care simply wasn’t a thing back then. If the carp was lucky, you’d find a patch of grass to unhook it and take a quick snap. Looking back now, it’s a wonder any of them survived. I remember the first time I saw something remotely close to proper fish care: a bloke turned up at the lake with an old baby changing mat his wife was throwing out. He thought it might be useful for carp, and in fairness, it was a big step up from a patch of grass!
Modern Fish Care: Putting the Carp First
Thankfully, things have come a long way since those days. My approach now is focused entirely on keeping stress and time out of the water to an absolute minimum. Once I’ve netted a fish, it immediately becomes my priority. I don’t leave it in the net while I re-cast or sort my rods. That fish gets 100% of my attention from the moment it hits the mesh until it’s safely swimming away again.
The first thing I do is place the net in a net stand and disconnect the hooklink. This gets the rod out of the way and also means that, in the very unlikely event the fish escapes from the net, it won’t be dragging my gear around the lake. It might be overkill, but I prefer to think ahead.
I immediately place the net in a net stand so I can extract the hook
Deciding on a Photo Opportunity
Next, I have a good look at the fish and decide whether I want a photo. I’ve fished solo for a long time, and for years I returned plenty of carp without taking any pictures – mainly because I didn’t have the right kit for self-takes. These days, though, I tend to photograph more of my captures. As a DNA Baits team member, it’s the least I can do to help support the brand that supports me. Sending in regular catch reports with quality photos helps showcase the effectiveness of the bait, and I’m proud to do my bit.
The Self-Take Setup That Changed the Game
For photography, I use a Canon 2000D mounted on a tripod, with a time-lapse intervalometer plugged in. This piece of kit has genuinely transformed my self-take photography. I set it so the first photo is taken 20 seconds after I hit the button, followed by a shot every 3 seconds. It gives me plenty of time to get settled behind the cradle and ensures I get a good sequence of photos.
An intervalometer makes self-take photography so much easier
When I’m fishing at night, I use two compact LED lights mounted on bank sticks. Paired with the camera’s flash, they provide more than enough light for crisp, clear night shots – even in the pitch black.
LED lights, combined with the camera’s flash, help give me a nice, crisp shot, even in pitch black
My Full Fish Handling Routine
Once the camera set-up is sorted, I do a test shot to check the framing. Then I get my scales ready, wet the sling, and zero everything. I also lay out the weighing staff and a water bucket next to the cradle so everything is right at hand.
I’ll then go down to the water, collapse the net and gently slide the fish into the sling. From there, it’s lifted into the cradle, unhooked and then I trigger the intervalometer and hold the fish for the photos. After the shoot, I treat any visible marks, weigh the fish, and return it safely to the water. The entire process is smooth and efficient, and most importantly, puts minimal stress on the fish.
This one was taken at 1am in September
Final Thoughts on Carp Welfare
This routine works really well for me. The fish spends very little time out of the water or in the sling, and everything is done calmly and safely. That’s what it’s all about.
One final note: no photo is ever worth risking the welfare of a carp. You might only look at the picture a handful of times, but that fish has one life. Treat it with care and respect – it’s the least we can do.
Recommended Kit for Fish Care & Self-Takes
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Canon 2000D DSLR
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Time-lapse intervalometer
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Compact LED bank-stick lights
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Weighing staff, sling and cradle
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Water bucket and net stand
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