The Secrets to Catching Big Carp Consistently

  • Posted: 23rd January 2025
  • Author: Perry Alabaster

If you’ve ever wondered how to catch big carp consistently, you’re not alone. I get asked this question all the time, and I’ve heard it in various forms. A common one from close fishing friends is, “How the F*** do you do it? I’m doing exactly the same as you!” or “How come you always catch the big ones, you jammy ****?” Of course, I take it as a compliment, and while luck sometimes plays a part, you can’t rely on luck alone. There’s a lot more to consistently catching big carp than just good fortune – it’s an accumulation of experience, techniques and hard work that gradually stacks the odds in your favour.

Going the Extra Mile for Big Carp

When I look back through some of my photos for inspiration, I realize that many of the 40lb+ carp I’ve caught were the result of going the extra mile – much more effort than I initially expected would be needed. For instance, consider my experiences fishing at the Elphicks complex. Over the years, this venue has given me some incredible fish, but getting to that point took serious dedication. Booking a session there wasn’t easy – I’d spend up to 22 hours in the car park on New Year’s Day just to secure a spot in the booking queue, so I could get the dates I wanted. Or, I’d book a winter session months in advance and hope the lakes wouldn’t freeze.

A view of a very muddy swim

Enduring the Pullens lake mud was usually worthwhile

During winter, I’d spend time preparing – tying rigs with barbless hooks, removing leadcore from my main line, and prepping my bait for all eventualities. After a late night of preparation, I’d set my alarm for 3am to ensure I’d be first in line to get the swim I wanted. Many anglers avoided the muddier spots, but I knew these swims were an advantage because they were rarely chosen. Fishing alone in silence can be a big advantage when targeting big, wary carp.

A very flooded path

I hate leaving when the big carp are feeding but sadly, I didn’t have much choice!

I remember fishing in some of the worst conditions at Elphicks – constant rain, thick mud and flooded car parks. One memorable trip was a North Lake session, where I managed a few fish, including a stunning common just under 40lb, despite being surrounded by vans leaving as the rain poured down. But I stuck it out, and the fish got bigger, rewarding me for my persistence. It wasn’t comfortable, but the effort paid off.

Perry with a big common carp from Elphicks

Learn the Habits of Your Quarry

The most valuable lessons I’ve learned come from concentrating on specific venues for long periods. By fishing the same lake repeatedly, you get to know its fish, their feeding habits and their preferences. Do they prefer large beds of bait or smaller, carefully placed traps? Do they take big or small baits? Are they found in silt, gravel, weedbeds, or near margins? Do they feed in deep or shallow water, and do they bite day or night? The more time you spend on a lake, the better you’ll understand the patterns, and that knowledge will make a massive difference in your results.

Perry with a big French common carp

France is a great place to practice landing some quite big fish

Confidence Is Key

One of the biggest secrets to catching big carp is being prepared to fish in all kinds of weather. It may sound crazy, but the number of times I’ve landed monster fish in conditions that seemed less than ideal is uncanny. When most anglers pack up due to harsh weather, it can give you the upper hand. I remember one hot afternoon on a small Essex syndicate when most anglers had already packed up, but I stayed and caught my first UK 40+lb common. It’s those days when conditions are tough that the big ones often make an appearance.

Perry with a big common carp

My first UK 40lb-plus common on one of those ‘nothing’s going to happen in these conditions’ days

I had a similar experience years later at The Dell in Essex. The weather was foggy, with pressure high and visibility low. Many anglers decided to call it a day, but I stayed and had an unexpected surprise: a beautiful, dark 50lb mirror. Even in January, when temperatures drop to below freezing, big carp often feed heavily before lakes freeze over. I’ve caught some of my biggest carp in those cold, challenging conditions.

Perry with a 50lb-plus mirror from The Dell in thick fog

A single S7 Half Tone pop-up tempted this cracking new fifty for The Dell in dense fog

Stick with What Works: Confidence in Your Gear

When it comes to tackle and bait, I believe in keeping things simple. I’m set in my ways and trust what’s worked for me over the years. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. That’s why I’ve been using the same bottom bait and pop-up rigs for over 25 years. My choice of rigs and line has remained relatively unchanged, and I stick with what I know. I’ve never ventured into the world of Ronnie rigs or German rigs – I trust my inline drop-off lead set-up and have had great success with it.

A 42lb ghost carp from the North Lake at Elphicks

North Lake’s Big Ghostie at 42lb. Part of a good winter haul on my tried-and-trusted methods

When it comes to bait, DNA Baits has been my go-to brand for over a decade. Since I first started using their products in 2012, I’ve had complete confidence in everything they offer. My personal favorite has always been the Secret 7, which I’ve relied on as my all-year-round, take-anywhere bait. The key to success in carp fishing is confidence. When you trust in your rigs, your tackle, and your bait, it brings a sense of comfort, knowing your setup will perform consistently in any conditions.

Perry with a nice mirror carp from the Quarry

Ten minutes into my first-ever Quarry season, one of the A team on the irresistible S7!

Play the Numbers Game

Confidence in your set-up, paired with knowledge of your venue and its fish, increases your chances significantly. The more time you spend fishing, the better your odds of landing big carp. It’s a numbers game, and the more consistent you are, the more likely you are to catch that monster carp you’ve been dreaming of. But remember, persistence, confidence and knowledge are the real keys to success.

Perry with a 40lb-plus January-caught mirror carp

The second fish of a January forties brace just before the lake froze

By combining experience, effort and the right gear, you’ll be on your way to catching big carp regularly. It’s not about luck – it’s about putting in the work, learning the habits of your quarry and staying confident in your set-up. Keep pushing yourself and the rewards will come.

A 50lb-plus mirror carp from Holme Fen

A lovely Holme Fen fifty – day-ticket carping at its finest

Other carp fishing related articles:

My Carp Fishing Journey with DNA Baits’ S7 by Vinny Pritchard

Secret 7 (S7) Recipe Guide: The Instant Carp Bait

5 Tips to Improve Your Catch Rate by Perry Alabaster