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All, I've fished ALOT! I've only been to one of those places. Hard to judge isn't it? Phone

Dales, For those who "enjoy" fishing and are looking for a bit of "spice" we have "gambling venues". You spot up a couple hundred bucks along with 25 - 30 other fishermen. Then test your skills, baits, techniques, etc. against the crowd. A good angler can make $800 a day. Problem is - 5% of the anglers take 80% of the money - consistantly. There is such a thing as a "good carp angler". For some reason the amateurs show up - day after day. It is less than noble - blood and guts. The difference between zander and walleye - you eat walleye. We have lots of "pike" and I'm not sure which scientific fish we DO have? IMO it would be "best" if they were not disturbed by angling. They eat small carp, leave them be! Steve, Anyone who can "chuck fluff" can smoke tobacco from a bowl with a stem. Try as I may, there was no time in my life I could master such a fiddly sport. It was, for me, frustrating beyond your imagination. Phone fun thread

stooby, Size, while in many aspects is important, it is relative to conditions (or the subject). For my own set of standards, since I no longer travel great distances, a 9 lb. fish is a specimen. Specimen should be defined in the mind of the angler. Sometimes the largest fish of a particular species in the venue is 10 lbs. Then a 9 lb fish is a MONSTER. Did you really catch a monster? (Don't be modest!! ha ha) I too want to congratulate you on your patients and angling skills. When you get up near a 3 to 1 difference line to fish weight the angler plays a huge role in landing the fish. Over that, well, you may have had a bit of luck also. Phone

Dales, Seriously, you fail to recognize there are TWO styles of carp fishing, First, you are indoctrinated with Euro/UK carp fishing. Sam Walton would role over in his grave should he have a look at carp fishing in Europe and the UK. Second, there is the "natural" way. Here are your options should you accept the challange: Your carp rod(s) A chair (Euro bed chair if you insist but remember you will be sight fishing. A can of sweetcorn or field corn (Maize) plus ONE other bait. (I'll send you the list of 67,723 options - choose ONE) Kit (a packet of hooks (hair rig hooks if you choose but remember they are snagging devices) a bucket (with assorted assessories (like a hard cider and pair of pliers) Until you are "better conditioned" - NO flipping camera or landing net. Catch a few for your self worth in the beginning. Yes, you may wear camo if you insist. So, you want to cast further than my "setup" allows. Fine, to increase casting distance I'll allow you an additional bit of bait. A fast breaking method ball, no larger than a golf ball packed around your hook bait for casting distance. Still not far enough? Ice cubes with holes in the center threaded onto the main line work great for additional casting distance. You are simply "conditioned" to something gastly and are calling it "carp fishing". Too bad really. Phone Phone

Dales, Nothing more boring than zander (walleye) fishing. The "UP" side with zander is they are top drawer eating fish. And really, the only pike worthwhile is the Musky and catching one of those babies is dangerous. They too are boring in the sense they are called the fish of 10,000 casts. Trust me, freeline for carp - no chum, no bivy, just lots of BS. You can have whatever you can carry in one trip. The whole lot cannot weigh more than 1 stone. Phone

paul, Describe you "end rig" from the main line to the end. With a success rate of 1 fish in 10 hook-ups there is definately angler error serving as a major part of your problem. Still, are you saying 9 out of 10 times you are coming in without a hook? Phone

Dales, We use pooch guns made from 2 1/2 inch plastic sewer pipe. It's hard to get the method balls the same weight - thus the same distance. But once in "range" not a problem. The "shot gun" affect/effect can be obtained using range cubes. Here again, overall weight determines distance. If you make a pooch gun it is more ecofriendly to use pva as the wadding. Phone

Dales, Looks as though Addicted believe you are just trolling? In any event, at some point you will have to define your goals. Even carp fishing. Notice if you will that the predatory fish come to the angler on a more level playing field. IMO that's how you should fish for the cyprinoids as well. While the gratification is more delayed you'll soon find that "catching fish" may not have been the ultimate purpose at all. What do you figure is the difference between a well chummed swim and a fish bowl - for any species? Phone

Ken, Emma two, see, Ken is grumpy. "When in Rome - - -" "When delivered lemons - - - -" But don't mess with Superman's cape (or carp fishermen). Phone (In truth, I am beginning to realize a bit - just a bit of sympathy)

All, I was looking at this website http://www.berkley-fishing.com/line/nanoFil . It is what it appears to be, the NanoFil page on the Berkley site. It has the recommended knots for this product: ■Attaching line to tackle: NanoFilTM Knot ■Attaching Leaders: Double Albright Knot ■Salt Water Application: Use a Double Albright or Spider Hitch to a Uni knot There is an example of how to tie them should you not know. I don't know how to put the examples up here on AN. Someone will I'm sure. My point is, this must be some "slick" line? Do you suppose it will have the "flurocarbon" issues with knotting? Phone

Worms, Worms, earthworms to be exact are invasive to North America. I am reading a new nonfiction. "1493 by Charles C. Mann" (2010). Worms, earthworms, to be exact, it seems came here via dirt on English ships. England, more than you know, shaped the destiny of every angler in North America (including the "native" Americans, the Indians). Our "native" Indians probably "invaded" North America about 10,000 years ago from Russia during the end of the last ice age. Thanks for the worms, Phone

Vagabond, So - - - then did you have to "filch" the hooks from your newly aquired uncle? Or - - - did he share willingly? Phone (What's a "hooks-to-gut" look like??)

All, ICAST, is the world’s largest sportfishing trade show. (icastfishing.org) These are the “winners” of the Best in Show. Pure Fishing, Inc. Berkley Nanofil fishing line. (Also BEST OVERALL) Frabill, Inc. - Frabill Suit (best clothing, it’s a rain suit) Daiwa Corporation - Daiwa D-Shock DSH-4Bi (best rod and reel combo) G. Pucci & Sons, Inc. - P-Line Sparrowhawk (best assessor) Wondering if these products have been discussed yet? There are a lot of other new products for 2011 - take a look. Phone I would be especially interested in a review of the Nanofil fishing line.

Emma two, I knew I liked you. I too have just completely (IMO) recovered from a couple strokes (save a mental hiccup or two). Grumpy people often cannot distinguish between “cheerfulness” and “thankfulness”. I am cheerful when my thumb stops throbbing – I am thankful I didn’t injure myself badly. (Not saying you are grumpy mind you). Cheerfulness – is something that gives joy or gladness and encouragement, often for no particular reason. Thankfulness - is to express gratitude, appreciation, or acknowledgment when things are going well. Question is, can you be cheerful when you turn your boat over whilst lanching it? Phone

paul, Where is your line breaking? How much confidence do you have in your knotting ability? What is the age of yor line? A carp, straight away, can only exert limited amount of swim pressure (about 12 lbs) for a 20 lb carp. 20 lb carp roughly seem to be the "strongest" for their weight. As the line angle increases the amount of swim pressure decreases. You can geometrically increase the pressure on your line by pulling against that carp weight. Zero bouyancy for carp is slightly less than 8lb. (water weight minus the swim blatter). If you are 1 for 10 fish using 8 lb line - and - using a rod that absorbs a reasonable amount of shock it is definately angler error. You better ask more questions. Everything suggested above I heartly agree. Especially the clutch (drag) thing. It serves the purpose of putting you in charge of landing the fish. Phone

All, This is in no way meant to be condensending. Please accept my ignorance. I'm a carp fisherman. In the UK, when you fish for small species what is the sequence of events. Is it somewhat like "match fishing" (which I've seen). Do you bag the fish? For example, if you are Dace fishing do you weigh and record each capture before casting back in? Do you use "size appropriate" rods? - Stuff like that. We have flyfishermen in the mountain west that will kill for an 8 inch native brook trout (and a fabulous session is ONE). Nothing wrong with that. I just don't know about this type species angling in the UK Phone

Ken, Rice is a staple when corn slows down over here. Cooked rice and ketchup. That's the whole recipe for a very common "packbait". Remember, packbait is what you would call "method mix". Phone EDIT: The difference between rice and grits is often determined by water temperature. Rice is for warmer water.

Ken, OK, I've thought about this - just for a bit. You know, I could be lying. I'm not positive sunflower seeds are sinking like cereal grains. Does anyone know offhand? I don't have any and don't believe I ever used sunflower seeds (or pulp) on purpose. - maybe? Anyway sounds like you had a good enought time. Phone

Ken, Contents Look OK on the surface to me. These pellets must be "re-manufactured" adding air in some fashion. That's what I now picture in my minds eye. But even dog food once it is dampend usually absorbs enough to be "sinking". In the US at least where you've listed "Composition" - well that is the order, by volume, of the content. So it would be wheat, sunflower, and limestone rock. Those things all sink. Certainly there is nothing listed that will be harmful so I wouldn't be afraid to use it. In fact, sounds like fun if the fish will take it from the top. Phone

Ken, It is the "floating" part that makes me suspicious. Wonder why it floats? It could be the it is the bran from grain. That wouldn't be much count as bait though. It hard to speculate. Fishmeal bone does float and is considered "delicious" by most fish. Maybe? Dog food, (biscut) is cereal grain that is expanded by processing with air. I've not seen and chicken feed products manufactured like they do dog food? Maybe? Phone

Andrew, I wish I were so noble. It is quite the opposite. All my intentions are good. You know, teach a kid to fish, keep them off the streets, etc etc. And in fact it works. It is their faces that display cheerfulness when a "catch anything" fish comes to the bank. I on the other hand I personally am a nervous wreck. Someone is going to get hurt, (though it rarely happens). Every line is a knotted mess. Yes, I know where the bathroom is - come with me. No, you may not chase the girls with a perch - stop. Most are civil and want to learn, it only takes a couple. Emma, My most effective suggestion for folks like you is the following exercise. Lay your hand on a hard surface and smack your thumb with a hammer. Amazing how cheerful you will be when it quits throbbing. Cheerfulness is relative. Phone

Kel L, Strange indeed. Consider this. The content of a quality "layers mash" (i.e. cereal grains and shell enhancers) do not float. I wouldn't use the stuff until I found out the ingredients. Not "layers mash" so much but "hen scratch" is often medicated and/or can contain insecticides not harmful to warm blooded creatures. Hen scratch can do a number on fish fry. Do you have a label of the contents? Floating cereal grains are not cool. Phone

CARP Bait, As with all forum posts you are welcome to ignore, comment or become a critic. I like all. This was in answer to a forum question, "what's the best carp bait". It's always good for a few comments. Old timers will no doubt ignore as I have cut and pasted this from a 2001 post on AN I made as Phonebush. My “White Paper” on baits, some science, some opinion, some experience, and some malarkey. I shall not differentiate for I consider myself an authority on carp bait. I wish the UK were more open in the discussion of baits. Of course I understand, often bait is a livelihood and secrets are not to be reveled. Still, can it be that big a deal? My opinion for marketing carp bait is the same as marketing a good beef steak. SELL THE SIZZLE! Secrecy is definately part of the sizzle. Much of what I say was published in the US decades ago. Reinventing the wheel so to speak. I’ll try to start at the beginning. Ultimately with carp bait you have three choices. The first choice is never invoked as it is not even a little understood. That is the fight or flight response used to entice game fish. The two remaining choices are carbohydrates (sweet usually and at the end of the day alcohols) or protein (as amino acids). The major player is protein. Protein is a collective word to describe the structural components of life which are the amino acids. Carp as omnivores eat a wide range of food, both plant and animal. I will have to say, without scientific evidence, there seems to be a correlation between water temperature and food preference for carp. The warmer the water is the sweeter the bait, the colder the water is the more organic acids. Of course , there are thousands of other factors that keep bait choice from being this simple. Still I believe it is a good rule of thumb to use at the beginning of the day. Here is the most controversial statement I will make (at least on the US front). “Carp eat between nothing and very little when the water temperature is below 50 degrees F. and what they do eat they digest probably less than 5%” I’ll stick by this statement until proven wrong!! Chemical senses (roughly defined as smell/taste) in carp represent there most powerful tool in exploiting food sources. A Phone theory, “Protein requirements for healthy carp and the stimuli for finding and trying baits are not related. The trigger mechanism for finding food may not necessarily have a healthy affect on the creature.” The most pronounce and consistent USEFUL attractant for carp response is “chitin”. This is not really an attractant but an non-energy food. Chitin is a nitrogen containing polysaccharide. You would recognize chitin as the stuff that makes up the shell of bugs and shell fish. Chitin is the second most abundant bimolecular structure on earth. (Quiz- what’s first?). Chitin is a compulsory part of carp diets. In addition to healthy liver function it stimulates the immune system, and supports the structural parts of the carp body. Carp are often fooled by glucose or many of the other polysaccharides since they are closely related to chitin. Chitin is broken down in the carps system by specialized acids. I will add here my favorite cheap and abundant source of chitin is brewers yeast. Brewers yeast, in addition to having chitin, has a lot of protein and contains the vitamin B group niacin and phosphorus to promote digestion. First ingredient – brewers yeast primarily for chitin. Favorite attractant, the Nightshade family and in particular capsaicin a derivative of capsicum which contain major long distance flavors (I use the words flavors and attractants interchangeably). Plants like, red pepper (my personal most consistent performer), tobacco, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes are all nightshades. Nightshades like cayenne pepper are not a taste thing for carp. They are an amino acid receptor switch. For example the capsicum or hot stuff in red pepper is a vanilloid which reacts with the amino acid betaine. Humans have a rich source of betaine – puke or hydrochloric acid as stomach acid. Carp don’t have a stomach and need some outside sources. The misunderstood word is “flavor” as in a “vanilla flavored or hot sauce flavored bait”. Carp do not taste these bait enhancers, they are positive receptors that turn on the feeding response for protein requirements. Additional attractants of note are kola nut, licorice root, marshmallow root, peppermint. These additional attractants do not have the range of the nightshades. On small water, range could sometimes be a negative. Personally I cannot address small water successfulness from experience. So the second ingredient – hot pepper (powder or liquid) as capsicum. Do not confuse an attractant with aromatic scent covers. Molecules with aromatic ring structures are not attractants but what I call scent covers. Since carp, and all teleosts are endowed with natures best chemical detecting systems within their environment scent covers are often confused with attractants. Don’t mistake attractants with scents or odors. Some scent or odor covers, neutral as attractants are, the drugs caffeine and salicylic acid, odors of camphor, cinnamic acid (cinnamon), eugenol (nutmeg and cloves), safrole, anethole (anise), tannin (tea), gallic acid, and vanillin; also the vitamins ascorbic acid and niacin loosely called phenolic compounds are effective. Aromatic ring structures blast carp smellers and it is best NOT to use them if possible. While I’m here the lily family, especially garlic have no effect on carp. Allicin the principle aromatic of garlic has an odor only when crushed and that trauma IN AIR excites an enzyme which changes the precursor alliin to allicin. In the absence of air garlic has NO ODOR. To think of all the years I used garlic faithfully. Third ingredient – no aromatic scents or covers unless ABSOLUTLTY necessary. Food values are essential from a responsibility standpoint. Even thought brewers yeast has some protein it is not enough or in the right form to necessarily benefit carp. We need to add a fish protein for this. I like fish protein powder as opposed to meal but cost is sometime prohibitive for some to use. Fish protein powder at 70% protein is $8.00 a pound in the US while fishmeal 55% protein is less than $4.00. Fish protein in dry cat food is even cheaper. Fish protein is by far the best in that it contains all of the amino acids in balance with the requirements of healthy carp. Now the carrier or bulk of the bait. I do not like soybeans. I am completely out of step with the rest of the world here but too many bad things can happen to soy meal and derivatives after the bait is completed but before it is used. I prefer corn in many forms. I especially like corn gluten meal. Among the bulk products are the binders. If you will use corn something as the carrier or bulk I recommend corn syrup as the binder. I am often questioned, is one amino better than another? Nope, just cheaper. For example betaine is hydrochloric acid. Useable betaine could be easily derived from nearly pure protein, human hair and hydrochloric acid. Add hair and acid until the acid is essentially neutralized. I’ve never used this combination, I’m just making an illustration. LOL maybe your barber has the secret ingredient to carp bait. I’d better not leave you with that thought. Sources for Betaine are the weed devil’s horsewhip, chaff flower, beet molasses (beet molasses is about the 4th pressing of sugar beets), betaine is highly concentrated in capsicum, kola nut, and licorice root. Approved food sources for betaine are marshmallow root, peppermint, wheat grass, wolfberry fruit, wood betony, and yarrow. The only eatable non-plant source of consequence is brewers yeast. Do you notice any repetitiveness here that intertwine requirements? And, while I haven’t checked precisely, I’d guess this is the source of success with cranberry flavor. A side bar I use as the secret ingredient. Don’t tell anyone. Antacids like Tums and Rolaids (peppermint for fun) really turn on the little electric receptors in the fourth sensory system in carp. (Quiz – what are the first three?) Carp have an electro receptive lateral line system which is capable of detecting chemicals from long long LONG distances. If you believe, as I do that motion is helpful add Alka-Seltzer to short term baits. Phone

John, Nope - just can't cpell. Phone (No thanks needed, we got plenty in return)

gozzer, The last two times I've been fishing was to conduct "elementary" fishing day festivities (in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources) for 6 to 12 year old beginners. So, I'm real cheerful I don't have to go fishing again this weekend. Phone