Thread: Catching Koi Carp

Originally Posted by MB

5/0! Try size 2, not 2/0, 2.

I was mistaken. The hooks weren't 5/0 or 4/0, still learning about hook sizes. Two hooks I used were 2/0 and 3/0 but I could clearing see those hooks were too big as one carp I saw picked up the bait and hook then spit it out and swam off looking spooked. Smallest I have is 1/0 so some time in the week I'll pay a visit to my local tackle shop

Something like a size 2 livebait hook (short shank, small and strong) would be ideal, but a little hard to track down. Forget light gauge, bait catching-style hooks unless you are using a light rod and line. These are easily found. 1/0 would work.

https://www.blackmagictackle.com/pro...r-series-hooks

Been having some success. They are clever bustards though. Some hooks spook them, some don't. Some lines and set-ups spook them, some don't. Some bait drives them crazy, some sends them running. And I'm sure some can see me on the bank which sends them in the other direction.
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Originally Posted by Russian 22.

We find it to be better than pilchards and mullet. stays on the hook really well and is oily enough to attract fish. Blue mackerel and skippies are too nice to use as bait!!

we catch them with bows and arrows, or a fyke net. works a charm.

Better than mullet! Heresy! Its works ok and it's a good use for a pest fish but........Nothing is better than mullet.

I have spoken.

Bloody things are ruining the lake in Huntly I duck shoot on..plague proportions and decent size as well.

Originally Posted by Got-ya

Better than mullet! Heresy! Its works ok and it's a good use for a pest fish but........Nothing is better than mullet.

I have spoken.

well well well.... let me stock up with some koi. take me on that mint ol boat of yours and we will see who catches more fish

Sounds like fun. We will have to make a plan.

Originally Posted by Black Rabbit

If there is no rules about how many hooks you can use and what bait is allowed, then use this hook set. Tie it at the end of your line, leader, no leader does `t matter and use one ball sinker since you `r going to cast it away. Mono line is better because it sink fast and fish can `t see it. You can use your salt water gear for carp, rod over 3m long. Make bait dough and cover those hooks inside. For big carp living in deep water....well you got yourself a nice fight.

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@Black Rabbit. What do you use for bait dough? I made some pack bait with breadcrumbs and cream corn but the fish wont go near it, they'll eat bits of corn surrounding the pack bait, not even rudd are interested and I've seen them fight over sweet corn.

Originally Posted by Three O'Three

@Black Rabbit. What do you use for bait dough? I made some pack bait with breadcrumbs and cream corn but the fish wont go near it, they'll eat bits of corn surrounding the pack bait, not even rudd are interested and I've seen them fight over sweet corn.

I use sweat corn as well usually when the water is warm. It all depends on where you fish and the fish `s favorite or what `s their usual diet. I do `t think you can buy or use those finished bait in NZ. Let try this ingredient, buy some fresh corn and boil it, then put them into a jar and mix it with honey and alcohol. Put it in shade for two day or more. Now is close to winter time so you can leave it outside somewhere cool.
Carp like loose food so it can suck in easily. Get some wheat bran and mix it flour or bread but do `t put too much. Hide your hook into dough and cast it out. But this method will require you change bait often, say every 15 mins - 20 mins.

Good luck. report in when you got big fat ones.