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Latest Carp Fishing Articles

Dynamite Bait Factory Tour

September 20, 2023

On a recent trip to England we had the chance to meet our old friends at Dynamite Baits and take a tour of their facility.… Read more

Summit Tackle Distance Sticks!

September 19, 2023

Being accurate is a crucial part of any seasoned angler’s fishing technique. Our distance sticks have grooves that means your line hugs the sticks to… Read more

NEW PRODUCT! Rippton Bitekeeper Pro Bite Alarms

June 12, 2023

Rippton Bitekeeper Pro Bite Alarms: Just added some cool little alarms to the website. The Rippton Smart Fishing Gear Bitekeeper Pro alarm sets. They are… Read more

Worms For Carp

February 26, 2023

How to add worms to a hair rig (of any sort) and some tips for using them in a solid PVA bag. Read more

The History of Carp Fishing and its Evolution

January 8, 2023

The History of Carp Fishing and its Evolution: Carp fishing has a long and fascinating history, and has evolved over the years into the popular… Read more

Carp Fishing: USA vs UK

Carp Fishing: USA vs UK

January 4, 2023

Carp Fishing: USA vs UK: A sport practiced both the United States and the United Kingdom, but there are some key differences in the way… Read more

Carp fishing championships and competitions

Carp Fishing Championships and Competitions in the United States

January 4, 2023

Carp fishing championships and competitions: Carp fishing is a popular recreational activity in the United States, and there are a number of carp fishing championships… Read more

Dec 14 2022 Happy Hour

November 23, 2022

From our Facebook live videos we try to do every Wednesday at 2pm CST. November Carp of the Month winners and drawing for January Sponsors. Read more

Latest Videos

NEW PRODUCT! Rippton Bitekeeper Pro Bite Alarms

June 12, 2023

Rippton Bitekeeper Pro Bite Alarms: Just added some cool little alarms to the website. The Rippton Smart Fishing Gear Bitekeeper Pro alarm sets. They are… Read more

Worms For Carp

February 26, 2023

How to add worms to a hair rig (of any sort) and some tips for using them in a solid PVA bag. Read more

Dec 14 2022 Happy Hour

November 23, 2022

From our Facebook live videos we try to do every Wednesday at 2pm CST. November Carp of the Month winners and drawing for January Sponsors. Read more

Under the CT River

May 1, 2022

Under the CT River – Part 1: Common carp, koi, fantail, and other fish. Read more

Setting Up a Gardner Lead Clip

February 14, 2022

The lead clip lead arrangement is simple and effective and hence widely used. In this video I demonstrate how to set it up and discuss… Read more

Rod Hutchinson Big Kipper II Sleep System

May 23, 2021

  Rod Hutchinson Big Kipper II Sleep System Rod Hutchinson Big Kipper II Sleep System,  Big Kipper II Systems combine all the advantages of the… Read more

How to Spool Up – PB Products | Control Mono

April 28, 2021

Heading out for the season ahead with new line on your reels is without question a safer option. It not only offers lot more confidence… Read more

Quick Look Review – Sonik SK-Tek Carryall.

March 7, 2021

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

Quick Look Review – PB Products “THE ROCK”

February 25, 2021

Not having enough time while on a session to tie up new rigs due to hook points not being sharp enough is never a good… Read more

Top 5 Picks Of Must Bring Gear.

February 23, 2021

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

Summit Tackle – Colosseum Euro Pod Kit

February 21, 2021

  Overview: The euro pod kit has been designed and manufactured in the UK, The euro pod kit comes with, 1 x Colosseum pod and… Read more

Rod Hutchinson DMX Rods

February 21, 2021

Rod Hutchinson DMX Rods The new technologies and materials gradually filter down from the aerospace and Formula One industries to the fishing tackle industry. This… Read more

Rod Hutchinson Lounger Chair

February 21, 2021

  Rod Hutchinson Lounger Chair Overview: Rod Hutchinson lounger chair, the perfect blend of comfort and functionality. The backrest can be adjusted to three levels… Read more

Sonik Tournos XD 10,000 Reels – Review.

February 8, 2021

The Sonik Tournos, like all other items from Sonik, boast outstanding quality to value. Along side it a list of features almost as long as… Read more

PB Products Gator Braid

August 12, 2020

To Braid Or Not To Braid! Without question braid has a steadfast place in angling, and respectively, given the right fishing situation It will offer… Read more

All Things PVA

July 31, 2020

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

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Latest Carp Fishing News

Dynamite Bait Factory Tour

September 20, 2023

On a recent trip to England we had the chance to meet our old friends at Dynamite Baits and take a tour of their facility.… Read more

Dec 14 2022 Happy Hour

November 23, 2022

From our Facebook live videos we try to do every Wednesday at 2pm CST. November Carp of the Month winners and drawing for January Sponsors. Read more

The St. Lawrence Carp Marathon: An Experience Like No Other

July 27, 2021

On Monday July 19th 2021 some of the most highly skilled anglers from all over the country gathered in Waddington, NY to draw pegs for… Read more

The Journey To Thirty

July 12, 2021

No, I’m not talking about my age, although I am getting close to 30..I’m talking about the elusive 30lb+ carp. It seems that, depending on… Read more

Coming This Spring – Trakker’s PROPEL & DEFY (Spod/Marker Rods 10ft)

February 2, 2021

OVERVIEW These 10ft versions are perfect for use in a multitude of angling situations – from boats where a longer rod can be cumbersome and… Read more

Announcing the Big Carp News Podcast

July 31, 2020

Welcome to the Big Carp News Pod Cast! We are delighted to share this content with you! Bringing you a number of podcasts over the… Read more

Latest Product Reviews

Gardner Critical MASS Putty: Review May 16, 2022

There are a lot of tungsten putties on the market, but they are all not the same. The Gardner Critical Mass Putty is really a premium product, and not just some repackaged product that is sold by many. It is sticky and holds well to hook links and swivels. It is ideal for counterbalancing pop-ups with or without being molded over a shot or for sinking hook links. One of the best features about it… Read more

Avid Lok Down Buzz Pod June 15, 2021

I’ve been using the Avid Lok Down Buzz Pod for over a year now, I’ve found that I’ve used it more and more due to its convenience. What would be the scenarios you would use it? I personally use it in place of a pod, when you get into the warmer months and the ground is too hard for a bank stick to push in, and when you are fishing concrete or other places you… Read more

Ridgemonkey Modular Bucket XL and 15 Liter Collapsible Bucket June 9, 2021

Everyone has those few items that you ‘can’t leave home without’ when setting off fishing. A few of those items for me are the Ridgemonkey Modular XL bucket and a couple of the Ridgemonkey collapsible buckets. Where to start, there are so many positives for me with these items as I’ve now had them over 3 years on every single outing. The modular XL bucket is a 30-liter bucket with two trays that fit inside… Read more

Compact Setup June 1, 2021

Most of you like me don’t always have 24 hours + you can dedicate to a session. If I’m honest most of my time on the bank varies between 2-8 hours at a time. Life, family, work commitments etc mean that I frequently don’t plan sessions out but rather go when a few hours present themselves. 4 years ago I decided to invest in a setup that I could grab together quickly that was compact,… Read more

Daiwa Emblem 45 SCW QD-OT May 19, 2021

Over the winter I was in the market for 3 new reels to pair up with my long-distance rods for the new year, over the last few years I’ve started to favor Daiwa for my reels, just personal preference. For this year I settled on the Daiwa Emblem 45 SCW QD-OT. The OT edition add a little extra flare as they come with the gold spools, wooden handle knob and one touch folding handle. I’ve… Read more

A Quick Look At The 12ft Rod Bag From Forge Tackle March 29, 2021

To the majority of anglers our rods and reels are amongst the most valuable assets in our collection of gear. Thats why it’s smart to invest in some form of storage to protect our beloved rods. The Forge Tackle 12ft Rod Bag offers ample protection and storage that will surely fit the needs of todays carp anglers. Lets take a look. Right on par with the rest of the luggage available from Forge, this rod… Read more

Daiwa GS LTD 4000 March 20, 2021

If you’re like me, and you use retractable setups for short sessions, small venues and you’re in the market for a new reel, look no further than the Daiwa GS 4000 Ltd which can been found over at Big Carp Tackle. I’ve been using this reel myself now on my 9ft scope setup for over a year, I love the reel so much I just purchased a 3rd for my dedicated float fishing setup paired with a 10ft… Read more

Solar – A1 (3 rod) pod – In Review March 15, 2021

Today we are going to be taking a look at the A1 3 rod pod and a few of the items that Solar Tackle offer in the A1 range. For many years Solar Tackle has been producing the industry standard for rod pods, with the Globetrotter and the hugely versatile Worldwide within their stainless-steel range. However, in this review we are focusing on the A1; Solar’s first foray in strengthened aluminum bank ware. It’s not… 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

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

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

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
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

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

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.