How to Hold A Carp: 6 Tips for Your Best Catch Photos
Catching a big carp is an accomplishment in itself, so whenever you finally get the chance, you’ll want to take an amazing picture with it.
While this might sound simple, there are actually many things that you must take into account before immortalising that moment.
At DNA Baits we’re experts in all things carp-related, so we’ll share some tips with you so you can safely handle your carp and take a picture you’ll be proud of.
Tips for a Holding Carp & Taking A Great Photo
In many cases, when you handle a carp ready for a photo, so long as it is kept on a soft, padded unhooking mat, the carp will remain calm. However, even when that’s the case, some measures must be taken to ensure the fish is kept safe during this memorable occasion.
Remove Any Jewellery You Have On
Although watches and other jewellery are a great fashion statement, it’s important to remember that they can also harm carp when being handled.
Before trying to pick up your catch for a photo, you should make sure you have removed any jewellery or potentially sharp objects from your hands. This will guarantee the carp’s safety.
Keep the Carp Moist
This is one of the most important things to remember when you’re trying to take a photo with a carp. Keeping the carp moist will ensure the fish is a lot more relaxed and kept in pristine condition.
Ideally, you’ll want to douse the carp in lake water every 30-60 seconds or so, depending on the time of year, to ensure that it remains properly hydrated while outside its habitat.
Get Your Hands to the Lake’s Temperature
Since carp are cold-blooded animals, they are easily stressed by the difference between the temperature of our bodies and theirs. In most cases, your hands will be considerably warmer than the water of the lake the carp inhabits. The best way to solve this is to plunge your hands into the lake water for a few seconds to cool them down.
This will directly translate into the carp being more relaxed, resulting in them being much easier to handle so you can take your photo.
Hold the Carp Properly
While properly holding a carp might sound simple enough, there are actually some very specific processes that you’ll want to follow to ensure that you’re doing it right.
First, you’ll want to place one of your hands next to its pectoral fin and very delicately pinch it between your middle and index finger. The right amount of pressure is that which allows you to hold the carp securely, but without hurting it.
Then, you’ll want to take your other hand and slide it on the underside of the tail area of the carp. Enough to reach a position where the fish is balanced properly and you have a firm grasp on it.
Lift With Your Legs
In the United States, more than a million people sustain back injuries every year due to lifting heavy objects improperly, and that number can likely be proportionally translated to other countries.
This is why it’s really important that you make sure that, once you have a firm hold of it, you lift the carp with your legs and not your back. Once you’ve picked the fish up, you can sit down and rest your elbows on your knees to help you carry the weight and pose for the photo more comfortably. Remember, looking out for your safety will ensure that you can keep fishing for carp for many more years to come.
How Long Can Carp Stay Out of Water?
All anglers should ensure carp are returned to the water as quickly as possible. Make sure you prepare your photography equipment before taking the carp of the water. When the carp is out of the water, make sure it is kept carp safe and secure on a padded unhooking mat, keep it moist, and return the fish within a few minutes.
Taking an Amazing Carp Photo
Catching a huge carp is a big accomplishment. Hopefully these tips will be helpful and allow you to care for your catch when taking your trophy shots. If you have any questions regarding our products, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01977 681841, or email us at info@dnabaits.com. Here at DNA Baits, we’re experts in all things related to carp fishing, and we’ll be happy to clear up any doubts you may have.
