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Latest Carp Fishing Articles

Kaizen Green Net

Kaizen Green Net: Top Features and Great Value

November 15, 2024

The Kaizen Green Net is packed with features and crafted from high-quality materials, yet it comes at a surprisingly affordable price. Designed as a more… Read more

new big carp tackle shop site

New Big Carp Tackle Shop Site!

November 4, 2024

We’ll have some growing pains however we have the basics finished up enough to confidently and safely use the website. The shipping calculator now allows… Read more

Underwater Special: The Challenge with Mark Pitchers

October 31, 2024

It’s the 10 Year anniversary of The Challenge and we have a VERY special episode for you! Over the years Mark has taken on various… Read more

Danny Fairbrass

Danny Fairbrass Takes on Hungary’s Frozen Giants

October 28, 2024

When Danny Fairbrass signed up for a winter trip to Hungary’s Lake Szucsi on *Thinking Tackle*, he had no idea he’d be facing some of… Read more

Compac Rucksack 30L

Fishcare & Exciting New Korda Compac Products

September 20, 2024

This marks the release of several eagerly awaited products, each meticulously developed and rigorously tested. This has answered your needs with our much-anticipated Compac Fish… Read more

Autumn Choices : Keith Jones

Autumn Choices with Keith Jones

September 15, 2024

Autumn Choices with Keith Jones: Although I’ve had quite a productive spring and summer, as is often the case at this time of year I’m… Read more

Theale Fisheries’ Island Lake

Tough conditions at Theale Fisheries’ Island Lake

September 5, 2024

Join seasoned anglers Jake Forrester and Ben Cartwright as they tackle the tough conditions at Theale Fisheries’ Island Lake, all in a bid to secure… Read more

Targeting Grass Carp

August 28, 2024

Some love them and others…well, they love them a lot less. Whatever your thoughts of grass carp are, there is no denying that they achieve… Read more

Quick Look Review – Sonik SK-Tek Carryall.

August 13, 2024

A “Quick Look Review” of the Sonik SK-Tek Carryall! check out this video as I talk you over the solid and well made item of luggage… Read more

Oscar Thornton’s Summer Strategy

August 5, 2024

Summer Strategy: Post-Spawn Feeding Frenzy – As the spawn wraps up, I love to really treat the carp with some generous baiting. During the late… Read more

Top 5 Picks Of Must Bring Gear.

July 26, 2024

With winter now starting to show the end of its self, we all start looking at our gear and…then it happens, the light goes on!… Read more

Armolife

Trakker – Armolife Products The Armolife Multi-fuel Stove

July 19, 2024

Trakker – Armolife Multi-Fuel Stove The Armolife Multi-fuel Stove is most versatile of stoves, that can deliver peak performance even in the coldest of conditions.… Read more

40-pound

Catching his 100th UK 40-pound carp: Darrell Peck

July 10, 2024

Renowned big carp angler Darrell Peck recently achieved an astounding milestone by catching his 100th UK 40-pound carp at the spectacular Grenville Lake. Many anglers… Read more

test bait

Test Bait: Fighting a Forty Pounder

July 4, 2024

Belgian carp expert Ignace de Roeck had a quick success with a new test bait, diving into the action and topping it off with a… Read more

Korda New Products for June 2024

New Korda Products for June 2024

June 26, 2024

Exciting New Arrivals from Korda: Korda is thrilled to introduce several innovative products designed for carp anglers. Each item has undergone extensive development and testing… Read more

All Things PVA

June 20, 2024

PVA…? If you are not using PVA in your carp angling, then it is about time you should! Simple yet devastating! In this How-To /… Read more

Latest Carp Fishing Videos

Quick Look Review – Sonik SK-Tek Carryall.

August 13, 2024

A “Quick Look Review” of the Sonik SK-Tek Carryall! check out this video as I talk you over the solid and well made item of luggage… Read more

Top 5 Picks Of Must Bring Gear.

July 26, 2024

With winter now starting to show the end of its self, we all start looking at our gear and…then it happens, the light goes on!… Read more

All Things PVA

June 20, 2024

PVA…? If you are not using PVA in your carp angling, then it is about time you should! Simple yet devastating! In this How-To /… Read more

Carp Fishing Trip

Father and Son First Carp Fishing Trip (Video)

March 14, 2024

Join Lee ‘Mozza’ Morris in an exciting new series as he introduces his son Llewyn to the world of carp fishing for the very first… Read more

winter fishing

Winter Fishing (Video Masterclass)

February 27, 2024

As the clocks prepare to fall back and darkness encroaches, many anglers might assume that winter fishing prospects dim along with the daylight at Norton… Read more

Carp Fishing Winter Tactics

Carp Fishing Winter Tactics (Video)

February 20, 2024

Carp Fishing Winter Tactics by Gardner/Carl Udry. Carl Udry is a Team GT-Speero angler and he shows how his tactics change as we start to… Read more

Carp VLOG 1 – Mohawk River, NY Carp Fishing Vlog with Evan Cartabiano

December 6, 2023

Mohawk River, NY Carp Fishing Vlog with Evan Cartabiano: A short carp after work fishing session on the Mohawk River in Canajoharie, NY. Tactics, rigs… Read more

The Carp Anglers Group New Member Packet

December 3, 2023

The Carp Anglers Group New Member Packet can be found here: https://www.bigcarptackle.com/cag-new-membership-pack-gardner-edition List of Gardner Tackle items in the pack: Hair Needle Green Fine Bait… Read more

Join our Big Carp Tackle Shop Loyalty Program!

You earn 1 point for every $1.00 spent on purchases in the store. Customers with store accounts at bigcarptackle.com are automatically enrolled. If you do not have a store account yet, join the Program today by creating your account

Latest Carp Fishing News

Kaizen Green Net

Kaizen Green Net: Top Features and Great Value

November 15, 2024

The Kaizen Green Net is packed with features and crafted from high-quality materials, yet it comes at a surprisingly affordable price. Designed as a more… Read more

Compac Rucksack 30L

Fishcare & Exciting New Korda Compac Products

September 20, 2024

This marks the release of several eagerly awaited products, each meticulously developed and rigorously tested. This has answered your needs with our much-anticipated Compac Fish… Read more

Quick Look Review – Sonik SK-Tek Carryall.

August 13, 2024

A “Quick Look Review” of the Sonik SK-Tek Carryall! check out this video as I talk you over the solid and well made item of luggage… Read more

Armolife

Trakker – Armolife Products The Armolife Multi-fuel Stove

July 19, 2024

Trakker – Armolife Multi-Fuel Stove The Armolife Multi-fuel Stove is most versatile of stoves, that can deliver peak performance even in the coldest of conditions.… Read more

Korda New Products for June 2024

New Korda Products for June 2024

June 26, 2024

Exciting New Arrivals from Korda: Korda is thrilled to introduce several innovative products designed for carp anglers. Each item has undergone extensive development and testing… Read more

Longshank Beaked Hook

Longshank Beaked Hook Enhancements

March 22, 2024

Danny Fairbrass, known for his innovative approach to angling gear, has refined the already successful Longshank X pattern of hook to the Longshank Beaked Hook,… Read more

Latest Carp Fishing Product Reviews

Gardner HydroSink Braid: A Review June 6, 2024

Gardner HydroSink Braid is a fast sinking braid with low stretch and great handling characteristics. It is a combination of Dyneema and Kevlar with a Teflon coating which is certainly a top of the line (pun intended!) combination. Unlike many lines on the market, the breaking strain of the line is rated at knot strength, not some lab test with no knots that can’t be replicated in the real world. This means that you can… Read more

Heli-Safe Tubing Kit
Overview of the Innovative Heli-Safe Tubing Kit January 8, 2024

Heli-Safe Tubing Kit System stands as an exceptional product, widely embraced by anglers globally. Now, owing to a strategic refinement, an even broader audience can reap its benefits. Previously, its application in certain waters faced substantial limitations due to bans on leadcore and leaders. Setups not conducive to being fished ‘naked’ on the main line prompted a quest for alternatives. Despite these challenges, the Heli-Safe remains the ultimate system for those keen on a helicopter-style… Read more

Kiana Carp Goo
Products How to: Kiana Carp Goo – Scopex and Buttercorn December 5, 2023

BAITING INSIGHT: Kiana Carp Goo The timeless Scopex Kiana Carp Goo, once championed by the angling legend Rod Hutchinson, has now been given a captivating twist by Kiana Carp. In their latest innovation, two exceptional Goos have been crafted, enhancing the already remarkable fish-catching capabilities of this classic attractor. Super Scopex Supreme – Kiana Carp Goo The Super Scopex Supreme stands out with its lively hues, presenting a subtle orange tint in the bottle. This… Read more

Kaizen Platinum Rods
Kaizen Platinum Rods Review December 1, 2023

Korda Kaizen Platinum Rods – The Kaizen Platinum range has been under development for more than four years, and came about as Korda felt that they could develop something even better than what was already on the market – despite this being the first foray into rods – using the extensive knowledge and experience of the Team Korda anglers, plus the product development staff at Korda HQ. Kaizen Platinum Rods Danny Fairbrass himself has a… Read more

Our Editors

Brian Wingard, Editor
Brian Wingard, Editor

I have always enjoyed fishing for all species and still do to this very day. I started out fishing for bluegill and other small fish like everyone else surely did. Growing up in Pennsylvania we are known for our trout waters and I have spent many of days wondering the streams in pursuit of trout.

My dad would take me carp fishing on the river in the summers and I was too little to really try due to the size being caught. I remember my first run on the river using 20lb test line resulting in a line snap that sounded like a gun shot going off. Due to people leaving trash those spots were now no trespassing so I pursued catfish as I got older along with bass. Right before my dad passed away we found a spot on the river that was public and we talked about going there for carp.

He died a few months later and as I was collecting my thoughts at the lake I felt a peace come over me and two birds flew right in front of me and that was follow by a large tail coming out of the water. At first I thought it was a catfish but realized it was a carp. Over winter I learned as much as I could and found myself in the spring going to the spot we had talked about on the river. I pulled in my first carp of 15lbs and it was an emotional experience on a lot of levels for me. I have enjoyed carp fishing ever since that moment.

After a few years went by I realized more people should give this a try for how fun it is and also how challenging carp can be to other species of fish. I started writing blogs, articles and most importantly YouTube videos. I feel I have reached a lot of new anglers who may not have someone to learn in person from and it is a truly great feeling knowing you helped someone whether it be a simple question or the fact you helped them land their first carp. I also have helped improved anglers catch results and some have really become addicted to the sport as a result.

Dean Brookes, Editor
Dean Brookes, Editor

Originally from the North West of England I’ve fished since the age of 8 for various species. However, I’ve always been drawn to the bigger specimens and the lure of monster fish. I currently live in Massachusetts.

I’m primarily a short session angler and you’ll find me mostly fishing night sessions. Over the last 5 years I’ve caught over one hundred 30lb+ carp with over a dozen over the 40lb mark. I’m currently a Fox International Consultant and have also been the Editor of North American Carp Angler for 2 years and a Big Carp News Editor for over 4 years.

Erick Maybury, Editor
Erick Maybury, Editor

Carp fishing has been one of the more paramount parts of my life since the age of 13. At the current age of 34 I would have figured the routine, fascination, and allure to this interest of mine would have diminished long ago. If it wasn’t for the fact that the sport has treated me so well it would have.

Whether it’s the spirited individuals I fish with to the sometimes quirky trends and ideas the sport emits I can say with certainty I am pleased to have been a part of it from early on. Seldom fishing short sessions I find my home on long sessions preferably fishing new and difficult waters allowing me to see all that can eventuate in my time spent fishing, I understand and appreciate the reliable and more familiar swims and locations; yet the flame is not there with the banal. Fortunately I have a small but likeminded group of carp fishermen to surround myself with these days. You can be the reclusive hermit who’s only known by word, or an extraverted social media personality but without a support system this sport can leave you high and dry.

Currently I am backed by Solar Tackle and Big Carp Tackle, while I have never believed carp fishing is a sport that entails you to have to fish with others, or have a company to back your pursuits; however I am grateful of the comradery Both Big Carp Tackle and Solar Tackle have provided me with over the last year or so.

Evan Cartabiano, Editor
Evan Cartabiano, Editor

Fishing has been my passion since I was two and I caught my first carp when I was eight. Now over twenty years later I am still fishing for carp and my passion for angling has lead me to an advanced degree in Fisheries Ecology and a career as a fisheries biologist.

This formal education in ecology has proven to be very useful in understanding aquatic ecosystems and ultimately understanding how carp behave and why. There is a wealth of information in scientific journals and some of it has direct application to carp fishing. I have been writing for Big Carp News since 2013 and have enjoyed taking this knowledge and turning it into articles that I hope help people to catch more fish and understand why things might (or might not) catch fish.

My own fishing is focused on the short session for two reasons: 1) I work full time (yes, being a fisheries biologist is still work!), and 2) I have a young family that requires my attention. Therefore, most of my sessions are overnights with the occasional weekend fishing trip with the family. My choice of tackle and tactics reflects this with the focus being getting on the fish as quickly as possible and getting them feeding as the clock is always ticking.

I spend a lot of time when I can’t fish on research of potential swims using all available information to figure out as much as I can ahead of time. I also enjoy taking my children fishing and teaching others about fishing, particularly carp fishing. What it boils down to is this: I’m obsessed with fishing. I am currently lucky enough to be backed by Gardner Tackle, Century, and Rod Hutchinson.

Joel Harber, Editor
Joel Harber

Hello everyone! My name is Joel I was born in the UK and now I am living and fishing in the USA. Thank you for taking the time to stop off here at Big Carp News! Over the years my passion for carp angling has grown and with that so has my love of creating content geared towards the growth of catch and release carp angling. while on this journey, I found that I also really do have just as much passion for showing others and helping them to learn about the sport, offering educational awareness on all things carp!

Frank Kessler, Editor
Frank Kessler, Editor

I have been fishing for carp since the age of 8. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where my passion began. I became attracted to carp ever since my first run and remember that same weekend losing a fishing pole in the pond I was at. The fight and size of these fish drew me even closer to the carping scene. Ever since then I have been dedicated in the pursuit of these great fish and my passion grows every day!

I moved to Houston, Texas in the summer of 2005 and met Richard Somerville who had that very same passion. Richard was one of my influences in pursuit of Carp in the wild waters and introduced me to the EURO style of carping and giving me many tips. He also introduced me to tournament fishing and we spent many days and weekends on the bank together fishing large waters in Texas in pursuit of Carp & Buffalo. Sadly Richard passed in 2013 and he will always be remembered as a top angler and great friend. I continue to pursue these great fish and dedicate my future catches to him!

These days I really enjoy just spending time on the bank with friends and relaxing after a long week of work. I am getting into the tournament scene more often and first started at the Texas Carp Challenge hosted by American Carp Society (Dave Moore) back in March of 2006 where I first met Dave. Since then I have met many great anglers who have help guide me along the way. I fished many tournaments since then and enjoy the challenge of these and meeting anglers from all over the world.

I look forward to working with Rod Hutchinson and promoting the great products throughout the US market. I have been using the flavors since Richard Somerville first introduced me to them back in 2006.

Iain Sorrell, Editor
Iain Sorrell, Editor

After growing up fishing in Great Britain Iain now lives in Avon, CT and mostly targets the local lakes and rivers throughout New England. A renowned short session angler Iain is recognized for the capture of hundreds of twenty and thirty pound carp. While he rarely carp fishes more than 200 hours a year he still manages to bank an enviable number of big fish.

A focus on preparation, observation and well planned baiting campaigns has allowed Iain to target the optimum feeding times to maximum effect. The result being that most of his carp are caught in incredibly intense 6 hour sessions. His largest carp in the USA to date include a 43.04 from the St Lawrence River in 2011 and a 46.04 Mirror in 2013

John Finney, Editor
John Finney, Editor

I am originally from Hertfordshire in England and began fishing for carp in the late 70s on local day ticket lakes. After a decade in the pursuit of my passion I took a 25 year hiatus, moving to Colorado in 2001. In early 2012 my carp fishing addiction was rekindled, not only with rod & reel but with a video camera to capture all my endeavours on the bank side.

I am a passionate advocate that carp fishing can be affordable and available for all to enjoy, be they young or old, whether an experienced angler or someone just taking up the sport. I enjoy chatting about carp fishing, tackle and tactics and sharing all the information and experience I can to assist others in achieving their own carp fishing goals.

For the past 6 years I have chronicled my adventures in over 100 carp fishing related videos on my YouTube channel, “CarpQuest”. I am very active on social media and work hard to promoting catch & release carp fishing here in the USA. I have written articles for FishExplorer, Big Carp News, Born to Fish Media and North American Carp Angler.

I am honored to be a member of the Deeper Sonar Heroes team in North America. I am currently testing a range of tackle and baits from Nash and the Trokar Magnum hooks from Eagleclaw.

Zach Testa, Editor
Zach Testa, Editor

Zach has been an angler since before he can remember. One of the earliest photos of him is when he was 18 months old, holding a rod and bluegill. As a multi species angler for the first half of his life Zach became a dedicated and slightly obssesed Carp angler in the early 90’s.

In helping with the formation of The Carp Anglers Group alongside his grandfather, Bud Yancey, Zach has continued to focus on Carp angling before it was popular in the US. As a 10 year combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps he was offered a position to work at Big Carp Tackle and has been following his passion since transitioning from active duty in 2015.

American Carp SocietyVisit American Carp Society – The Home of American Carp Fishing