picky carp

[mainbutter]

So there's a pond area nearby with quite a few carp in it, you can see them swimming around from a few places and they start jumping in the evenings.

I have had absolutely no luck getting them to go after corn or crawlers. I can put it right in front of their noses and they just swim away.

Another problem I have in this area is a heavy population of sunfish. They tend to steal away my bait, or if I'm using a small enough hook they will just get themselves hooked and make me take time to get them off. Kind of annoying when I'm not trying to go after them(though sure is a fun place if you are after sunnies)

Any suggestions on how to get one of these carp to strike? I had some luck on a local river with a jighead and artificial grub, so I will be trying that today I think.

[HossFisher]

Have you ever tried bowfishing? You wouldn't have to deal with the sunfish and not to mention its a a blast!

[mainbutter]

first of all this place is on campus, and it's very against campus policy to carry any kind of weapon around.

Second of all, I don't kill fish I don't eat(or use for bait), and I wouldn't be eating these carp, really just looking to do some CPR.

[wildcatcreek]

I've noticed that carp are pretty sensitive. If you can see them, than the odds are that they can see you too. They are also very sensitive to noise. I always try to be as quiet and sneaky as I can when fishing for carp. Also, try watching the barometer, and fish when the pressure is low or dropping.

[DEADhead]

mainbutter, I'd either go the boilie route to avoid the sunfish, or try and get these carp to take a fly. My guess is that these fish see a lot of stuff put in front of their faces and it may take something different to turn them on. Also, with this time of year, the carp could be spawning, in which case it is very difficult to elicit a bite.

[dufek]

might wanna check out [Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you.] they got some recipes and other goodies to try..

[HuskerBen]

One tip I picked up a long time ago was to wear dark or neutral colored clothing. Don't wear anything bright. They see it.

As for what to feed them, I'd say just keep trying different things. It can take a while to dial them in. And sometimes, they just aren't hungry. Frustrating, but it's part of the game.

[beatuplund]

I've never met a carp that didn't enjoy corn. But as mentioned here, carp are very sensitive in sight and sound. Try casting the corn further out, where its less likely they can see you. Also try chumming to get their confidence up and spark their feeding behavior. Good luck.

[youngie22]

try below the small waterfall on the west side of the pond near the athletic field. seem to have had good luck near there.

[Neighbor_guy]

When the preasure is on and it sounds like it may be, i go different. I tie a can of baked beans to a kite string, punch a bunch of holes in it with an old fassioned can opener and toss it in. Then fish with baked beans or sweat pea's. Target the area around or down current of your can.

Sounds crazy, but it is not corn, bread balls, or crawlers. Make sure you remove your can when you leave. (thus the kite string) If that doesn't work, you can always try grasshopers or crickets, but then you will be right back with the sunfish.