Author: Big Carp News

Goo Tips by Jamie Londers

Goo Tips by Jamie Londers

Baiting Carp for Beginners: Goo Tips by Jamie Londers

Meet Jamie Londers and get ready for some Goo Tips!

Definition: Goo

“Originating from South Africa, this secret mixture of additives was used to devastating effect by their national team in carp competitions. It is manufactured by Kiana and all different colours and flavours are available, as well as two different versions – a thinner one to soak hookbaits in; and a thicker one that can be used in PVA bags, groundbait, or even smeared onto the outside of baits before casting out.”

1. Combine Flavors

Goo Tips by Jamie Londers: combine flavors

Don’t limit yourself to one flavor – mix it up for maximum food signals in the water. Experiment by combining different Goo flavors to create your own custom blend for a personal edge. Each Goo variant offers distinct acidity or alkalinity levels, scientifically proven to alter the water’s pH and trigger positive feeding responses in carp. In simpler terms, fish find it nearly impossible to resist. The dense viscosity of the Smokes sinks through the water column, while the lighter Supremes rise, creating a powerful attraction that draws fish down to your hook-bait. It’s pulling power at its finest.

2. Bake It On

Goo Tips by Jamie Londers: Bake it on

Let your Goo’d pop-ups dry in the sun. Use the thicker Smokes to coat your hook baits, then leave them in the sun to bake and form a crust. Once in the water, this layer of attraction breaks down slowly, creating a long-lasting cloud of unrivaled attraction around your bait’s orbit. This tactic, favored by successful zig anglers, ensures the Goo withstands the force of a cast and disperses gradually once in position.

3. Use PVA to Create the ULTIMATE Attractor Package

Use PVA to Create the ULTIMATE Attractor Package

Take advantage of the PVA-friendly nature of Goo by applying it directly to your sticks. This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to make a bag or stick mix with high levels of liquid attraction – a fantastic way to apply taste and smell. The Goo’s solubility, combined with its PVA-friendly composition, lets you get creative. Apply a stripe of neat Goo directly to your bags or hook-baits before casting out to further boost attraction.

4. Use the Nozzle to Inject

Use the nozzle to inject.

For a quick and easy way to create an irresistible parcel of flavor and attraction, use the nozzle to inject Goo into your solid bags. Time is precious, and with just a squeeze, you’ll have a concentrated burst of goodness surrounding your hook-bait. This forms a cloud of high-level attraction, providing both a visual element with the colored halo and an unmatched concentration of some of the finest tastes and smells in the bait scene. A proven and winning tactic that keeps it simple.

Get Goo now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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Range Finder Distance Sticks (Gardner)

Gardner: New Range Finder Distance sticks

Range Finder Distance Sticks (Gardner)

New Range Finder Distance sticks:

  • 24” ( 61cm) range finder distance sticks
  • Black anodized finish
  • Comes with luminous green detachable sight tops with plugged betalight cavity.
  • Additional black metal top protectors to be used in harder ground.
  • Hardened rubber guides for enhanced line protection.
  • Yard strap with distance ringlets set at 6’/10’/12’/13’ for every eventuality.
  • Comes with padded protection pouch.

New Range Finder Distance sticks

Get Gardner Range Finder Distance Sticks now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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Carp Fishing Masterclass Videos

Carp Fishing Masterclass Videos

The impact of Korda’s Carp Fishing Masterclasses on the world of angling has been nothing short of revolutionary since their launch. For this reasons Korda has created the Carp Fishing Masterclass Videos Series.

This remarkable series provides anglers with hours of valuable instruction from some of the most prominent and successful figures in the fishing industry. They share their expertise on a wide range of waters, both in the UK and overseas.

What makes these tips truly exceptional is their versatility, making them applicable to any fishing location for outstanding results.

Watch the videos here.

 

Match Fishing: Bream and Skimmers on the Feeder Tips

Let’s catch up with Andy at the popular Midlands location, Meadowlands Fishery. He’s here to share his insights and techniques for fishing with an open-ended feeder to target skimmers, roach, and bream. Andy will walk you through his groundbait mixture and the setup he uses. He’ll also provide valuable advice on casting, his feeding strategy, and the step-by-step process for assembling a winning haul of silvers during a match.

Get DynamiteBaits products now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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Tom Dove is a huge advocate of using corn

Unleash Your Inner Bait Whisperer: The Golden Grains

Sweetcorn – it’s more than just a classic; it’s a timeless legend in the world of carp fishing.

“No matter the season, those golden grains are an irresistible temptation for our finned friends. When Simon Scott boldly declares it as the “best carp bait of all time,” you can’t help but sit up and take notice.”

Unleash Your Inner Bait Whisperer: The Golden Grains: Sweetcorn’s versatility stretches beyond the obvious, and over the years, its applications have multiplied. Let’s dive into the uncharted waters of corn, exploring some innovative uses you might not have considered.

Tip 1: Dress Up Your Hookbaits

This tactic has taken Europe by storm, with many big carp catches attributed to it. When you’re baiting heavily, the challenge is getting a quick bite. By adding a colored plastic corn grain to your hookbait, you’re boosting its allure. When carp arrive for their feast, that pop of color often prompts a swift pickup. This tip also works wonders with single hookbaits, offering a flavorful and eye-catching alternative to a dull bait.

sweetcorn hookbaits

Tip 2: Outsmart the Crayfish

Crayfish are increasingly causing headaches in our fishing spots, nibbling away at baits until there’s nothing left. Particle baits slow down their destructive feast, and when paired with a hookbait of two grains of Fake Corn, you’ve got a crayfish-resistant setup.

Tip 3: Make It PVA-Friendly

Sweetcorn can be easily transformed into a PVA-friendly bait, as can other particles. Normally, bait submerged in water during storage can cause problems when using PVA bags. But fear not, drain most of the liquid from your tin of corn, add a generous amount of salt, and let it rest for a few minutes. The salt transforms the remaining water into a PVA-friendly solution, making your job a breeze.

sweetcorn pva friendly with salt

Tip 4: Achieve Bait Balance

Plastic sweetcorn can counterbalance a sinking hookbait’s weight. For instance, when using tiger nuts, topping your nut with a buoyant corn grain will initially make it sink quickly. But by carefully trimming the nut, you can achieve a slow, tantalizing sink. The result? An attention-grabbing, critically balanced hookbait that carp will find hard to resist. This technique is a favorite of the experienced angler Tom Stokes.

Plastic sweetcorn can be used to counterbalance the weight of a sinking hookbait

Tip 5: Dive into the Goo

The GOO is your gateway to enhancing the allure of any bait, whether it’s for free offerings or hookbaits. The GOO adds layers of attraction – color, smell, and taste – to anything it touches. Experiment with flavors like White Squid combined with White Banoffee Corn for winning results.

goo pop-up corn sweetcorn

Tip 6: Blend It Right

Liquidized corn is a versatile hookbait that fits various scenarios. Blending it into a slop creates a potent mix for spoding over zigs, pairing it with a trimmed yellow pop-up or foam as your hookbait. Alternatively, simply adding liquidized corn to your mix creates an enticing cloud in the water column, maximizing attraction without filling up the carp. It’s an underutilized approach that anglers like Jonny Old swear by.

blend your sweetcorn

Tip 7: Add a Dash of Naturals

Tom Dove champions corn, particularly as a stand-alone bait in weedy conditions. Its lightweight allows it to flutter down onto the weed. By pairing it with a small yellow pop-up on a chod rig, you ensure presentation in the weed, creating an effective trap. In one of his great achievements, Dovey introduced chopped worm to his corn, elevating the attraction and pulling power of his setup.

Unleash Your Inner Bait Whisperer: The Golden Grains: add chopped worm to your sweetcorn bait

Unleash Your Inner Bait Whisperer: The Golden Grains

Sweetcorn isn’t just the greatest carp bait; it’s also budget-friendly. You can grab kilos from the supermarket’s frozen section for a few bucks. Given its high attractiveness, you don’t need a ton to get bites.

So, as you venture into the world of carp fishing, remember that the humble sweetcorn, with its golden allure, has countless tricks up its sleeve. It’s a true angler’s ally, offering not just nostalgia but innovative techniques that keep the carp coming back for more.

can of sweetcorn

Tom Dove is a huge advocate of using corn
Tom Dove is a huge advocate of using corn

Get our excellent Sweetcorn products now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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wide gape X

Spotlight: Wide Gape Hooks

Spotlight: Wide Gape Hooks – The Wide Gape hooks have a storied history spanning over two decades, assisting anglers in landing numerous large fish. It’s a pattern that has stood the test of time and will likely remain a perennial favorite.

This hook was one of Damian Clarke’s early ventures in product development and was among the first hooks introduced by Korda, along with the Longshank. Later, enhanced versions in the form of the X and XX were added for added strength.

The Wide Gape hook was born from a fusion of different hook designs used by Damian and Danny Fairbrass. The primary inspiration came from the Maruta Kinryu, a Japanese hook with a wide gape and an Iseama-shaped bend, similar to other popular Japanese carp hooks like the Owner spade ends.

Spotlight: Wide Gape HooksInitial drawings were hand-drawn by Damien and Danny on paper before being professionally rendered and sent to a hook manufacturer for sampling. The received samples closely matched their vision, leading to the launch of the Wide Gape pattern. While the original design remained largely unaltered, the range expanded to include barbless models, heavier-duty variations, and sharpened Kamakura versions. There’s even a Basix range version with a slightly different eye.

wide gape hook original drawingsDespite its long history, the Wide Gape hook remains the top choice for many anglers in various fishing scenarios. Carp angler Darrell Peck, for instance, has used this hook in its various forms to land significant catches both domestically and abroad.

For anglers like Darrell Peck, landing the fish they hook is crucial, making the Wide Gape hook their preferred choice. Damian Clarke, despite trying various Korda patterns over the years, still favors the Wide Gape, particularly the upgraded Wide Gape X version, suited to the waters and carp size he targets.

Spotlight: Wide Gape Hooks:

original wide gape hook
The original Wide Gape hooks feature a slightly in-turned eye, a short shank, a heavily forged bend, and a razor-sharp beaked point. It was Korda’s first hook, introduced with a Teflon coating, a novelty in the UK at the time, which still protects against rusting.

wide gape hook

This versatile hook is suitable for various bottom bait and pop-up presentations, including the spinner rig, and comes in barbed or barbless versions in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.

Wide Gape X:

wide gape X
The Wide Gape X is identical to the original version but boasts a heavier wire gauge, suitable for challenging UK situations such as snaggy or weedy waters, and overseas angling. It maintains the sharp beaked point, heavily forged bend, short shank, and slightly in-turned eye. Available in sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, it’s only offered in barbed.

Wide Gape XX:

wide gape XX
For extreme fishing conditions abroad or targeting larger carp species like Siamese in Thailand, the Wide Gape XX with thicker gauge wire is the right choice. It retains the original’s sharp beaked point, heavily forged bend, short shank, and in-turned eye.

Kamakura Wide Gape:

kamakura wide gape
While the original Wide Gape was sharp for its time, some anglers desire even sharper hooks. The Kamakura-sharpened version is available in barbed and barbless versions in sizes 4, 6, and 8. These hooks are incredibly sharp but have a thin point, best suited for situations without crayfish or nuisance fish.

Kamakura Wide Gape X:

kamakura wide gape x
Following the success of Kamakura Wide Gape hooks, a sharpened version of the ‘X’ model was introduced. It offers an incredibly sharp point and extra strength, available in barbed or barbless versions in sizes 4, 6, and 8.

Spotlight: Wide Gape Hooks – Basix Wide Gape:

basix wide gape
The Basix Wide Gape is a versatile hook designed to eliminate the need for additional components. It features an aggressively in-turned eye, allowing it to flip naturally. Made from ‘X’ gauge wire, it’s suitable for use in the UK and abroad. The black nickel finish and a longer-lasting point make it perfect for multiple fish without frequent changes. Available in barbed or barbless versions in sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8. These hooks are cost-effective and a great choice for beginners or anglers on a budget.

Buy Wide Hooks now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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The History of Carp Fishing and its Evolution

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 recreational activity it is today.

The origins of carp fishing can be traced back to ancient China, where the fish were first domesticated and raised in ponds as a food source. Carp were also popular in ancient Rome, where they were considered a delicacy and were often served at banquets. In Europe, carp were first introduced in the 14th century, and quickly became a popular food fish.

Carp fishing as a recreational activity began to emerge in the 19th century, when the development of artificial baits and the use of hooks made it possible to catch carp using sportfishing techniques. In the early 20th century, carp fishing began to gain popularity in the United States, and the first carp fishing clubs were formed.

As carp fishing grew in popularity, a number of innovations were introduced that helped to shape the modern sport. In the 1950s, the use of carp rods and specialized reels became more widespread, and the development of carp-specific baits like boilies and particle baits helped to improve the success of anglers. In the 1980s, the use of carp bait boats became popular, allowing anglers to deliver baits to specific locations with greater accuracy.

The History of Carp Fishing and its Evolution: Millions of People

Today, carp fishing is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and is considered one of the most popular forms of recreational fishing. It has a strong and dedicated community of anglers, and a range of organizations and clubs dedicated to the sport. Carp fishing has also gained recognition as a competitive sport, with a number of championships and tournaments held annually.

There are several factors that have contributed to the rise in popularity of carp fishing as a recreational activity. One is the challenge and skill involved in catching carp, which are known for their hard fighting and wary nature. Another is the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors, as carp are often found in picturesque lakes, rivers, and streams. Finally, the growth of social media has helped to connect carp anglers and build a strong online community, with a range of forums, blogs, and social media groups dedicated to the sport.

Overall, the history of carp fishing is a long and varied one, with a rich cultural heritage and a bright future ahead. From its humble beginnings as a food fish in ancient China, to its current status as a beloved recreational activity enjoyed by millions of people around the world, the story of carp fishing is one of evolution and growth.

Keep up with all the news around Carp here at Big Carp News.

Carp Fishing: USA vs UK

Carp Fishing: USA vs UK

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 it is practiced in each country.

The type of carp that is being pursued is one of the key variations. The most sought-after species in the United States is the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), although in the United Kingdom, fishermen primarily target the mirror and leather carps (Cyprinus carpio carpio). It is important to note that while mirror and leather carp are endemic to the United Kingdom, common carp are native to Europe and Asia. When hooked, common carp are renowned for their fierce battling and acrobatic leaps. They can reach great sizes and frequently weigh over 20 pounds. Those with mirror-like scales and a sleek, streamlined physique, on the other hand, are appreciated for their appealing appearance and are known as mirror and leather carp.

Carp Fishing: USA vs UK – The tools and methods

The tools and methods used in carp fishing are another distinction. Anglers frequently use spinning or baitcasting rods and reels in the United States to entice fish with a variety of live and artificial baits. Those who fish for carp in the UK, on the other hand, frequently choose specific carp rods and reels and place more value on utilizing natural baits like boilies, corn, and bread. Anglers who target carp in both nations employ a range of techniques, such as stalking, floater fishing, and utilizing bait boats to carry bait to precise places.

Carp Fishing: USA vs UK – Habitats

The habitats where carp can be found also vary between the two countries. In the United States, carp can be found in a variety of freshwater environments, including lakes, rivers, and streams. Popular carp fishing destinations in the United States include the Great Lakes, the Missouri River, and the Colorado River. In the United Kingdom, carp are most commonly found in large, commercial carp fisheries which are specifically stocked and managed for the purpose of carp fishing. These fisheries often have well-maintained swims (fishing stations) and facilities for anglers, and may offer a range of services such as bait and tackle sales, boat hire, and tuition for beginners. Popular carp fishing destinations in the United Kingdom include Linear Fisheries, the Walthamstow Reservoirs, and the Great Ouse.

Carp fishing is a diverse and exciting activity that is enjoyed by many in both the United States and the United Kingdom. While there are some notable differences in the species targeted, gear and techniques used, and the types of waters where carp are found, both countries have a thriving carp fishing culture, with dedicated anglers and a wealth of resources available for those interested in this rewarding hobby. Whether you are a seasoned carp angler or just starting out, there is something for everyone in the world of carp fishing.

Big Carp News is a great source for all things related to Carp Fishing.

Carp fishing championships and competitions

Carp Fishing Championships and Competitions in the United States

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 and competitions held throughout the country each year. These events provide an opportunity for anglers to test their skills against some of the best carp fishermen in the country, and often offer significant prizes for the winners.

Carp Fishing Championships and Competitions: Most prestigious

One of the largest and most prestigious carp fishing championships in the United States is the American Carp Society (ACS) National Championship. This annual event is held at a different location each year, and attracts top carp anglers from across the country. The ACS National Championship is open to all members of the American Carp Society, and features a variety of categories for anglers to compete in, including a team competition, a ladies’ competition, and a juniors’ competition.

Another well-known carp fishing competition in the United States is the Carp Cup, which is held annually in Illinois. This event is open to both amateur and professional anglers, and features a variety of categories including a team competition, a ladies’ competition, and a seniors’ competition. The Carp Cup is known for its large prizes, with cash and sponsored prizes totaling over $50,000.

Regional Competitions

There are also a number of regional carp fishing championships and competitions held throughout the United States. These events are often organized by local carp fishing clubs or organizations, and offer a chance for anglers in a specific area to compete against each other.

Overall, carp fishing championships and competitions are a popular and exciting aspect of the sport in the United States. These events provide an opportunity for anglers to showcase their skills, meet other passionate carp fishermen, and potentially win significant prizes. Whether you are a seasoned carp angler or just starting out, there is likely a carp fishing competition near you that you can participate in.

Munch Baits review

Common that fell victim to a 14mm Cream Seed pop up on a recent trip to Michigan 

Munch Baits review – I was brought on to the Munch Baits US team back in April of this year, I’ve now been exclusively using the products since then.

I wanted to allow some time to try out a range of the products before I wrote a review of my experiences so far. I don’t believe in magic bait, I personally believe in variety and quality products that allow you to change your approach during a session a long with selecting the right location.

Pop up and Wafter range

US venues will always be unique in that we don’t truly know what’s in them, Munch has a large array of particles, boilies, pop ups, wafters, stick mixes and liquids in a variety of flavors which will have you covered in any and all situations that are presented to you. Large amounts of us fish with packbait, I’ve now used all of the syrups in my packbait with great results. Sweet stim, Pink fruit and citrus blend have all yielded fish beyond my expectations. I’ve also used all of the stick mixes mixed in to packbait along with using it in PVA as these are typically the preferred methods state side.

Bait Boat with pink fruit stick mixed with panko, oats and corn

I have to admit I’ve started to lean more favorably to the cream seed range and use the 14mm washed out pop ups most of the time. But, an effective bait which I always keep in my arsenal on US waters are tiger nuts, Munch offers these in a 3kg tub, I sort through and pick out the larger ones for hook baits and keep those to one side. They have landed me two personal bests this year in the shape of a 37.6 common and 42.1 Grass carp.

37.6 Dale Hollow Common
Munch Baits review
42.1 Grass Carp on the Syrup tigers

If you’re looking for a product range here in the states that has you covered in every situation, look no further than the Munch Baits range, which can be found here at Big Carp Tackle. You can also find Munch baits USA on Facebook and Instagram, feel free to share any catch reports using the range to be featured.

Munch Baits review
14mm cream seed pop up on a ronnie rig

For the full range available at Big Carp Tackle please follow the below link.

Munch Baits Range

Thanks,

Chris.