How to catch grass carp like a pro. Learn tips and tricks for finding and catching grass carp from their favorite foods to using the right tackle.
Do you know how to catch grass carp? After reading this article, you’ll be reeling in one of these fun-fighting fish in no time! Grass carp can weigh anywhere from 40 to 110 pounds and are known for putting up a tough fight, making them a favorite fish species of many anglers. Here are seven tips on how to catch grass carp.
- Start with stocked lakes and ponds. Grass carp are a non-native species that were imported into the U.S. from Asia in the 1960’s to control aquatic plants in reservoirs and fish farms. Today, grass carp are stocked in many private lakes and ponds to control excess vegetation. Ask permission from landowners before fishing, as they are often happy to have help controlling the grass carp population.
- Gear up accordingly. Use a 7-foot medium-heavy, fast-action rod. This provides enough sensitivity to feel the bite while still giving a powerful hookset ability. Use a medium spinning reel with a medium gear ratio. Keep the drag fairly loose to allow the fish to run without breaking the line.
- Use the right tackle. You’ll need up to 20-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon rigged with a 1/0 or 2/0 size live bait circle hook.
- Load up on veggies. Have you ever fed a fish a salad? That’s exactly what you need when you learn how to catch grass carp. Herbivores by nature, their favorite meals include lettuce, celery, watermelon rind, green beans, lima beans, and even fresh grass clippings. Want to know how to catch a grass carp in a pond? Cherry tomatoes are the secret weapon.
- Try the corn trick. Several days before fishing an area, sprinkle a few cans of corn in the shallows to attract grass carp. You can also mix canned corn with bread crumbs to make bait balls that grass carp will love
- Allow the reel to free spool. Grass carp will drop any bait that offers resistance. The line should remain slack until they eat the bait; then, reel the slack in slowly and set the hook.
- Tread lightly. Grass carp are extremely wary creatures and easily spooked. Wear colors that blend into your surroundings, walk lightly, and cast gently.
Now that you know how to catch grass carp in a pond, get your fishing license and go catch one for yourself! Learn more about the grass carp and where you can find them near you.
