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How to Catch Asian Grass Carp

How to Catch Asian Grass Carp

carp on Steroids image by Christine from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

The Asian grass carp was first introduced in the United States in the 1970s. Following a lengthy study process, the grass carp was deemed a solution for many aquatic vegetation problems that existed in waters. However, partially due to flooding, the Asian carp has spread into 40 states across the U.S. and now clogs many upper Midwest rivers with massive numbers. A variety of baits can be effective with one particular bait being a standout and productive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Medium heavy to heavy rod and matched reel
  • Monofilament fishing line
  • Size 1 circle octopus hook
  • Cherry tomato
  • Knife
  • Grass
  • Tomatoes
  • Bread
Step 1
Attach a size 1 circle octopus hook to the end of the fishing line with a Palomar knot. Form the Palomar by feeding several inches of line through the eye of the hook. Turn the line back through the eye so that a loop is formed on one side and a double line, consisting of the main line and free end, on the other.
Step 2
Continue tying the Palomar by forming a loose over hand knot with the loop and double line. Pull the loop extending from the over hand knot down around the bend of the hook. Moisten the knot, pull tight and trim excess from the free end with a pair of scissors.
Step 3
Cut a cherry tomato in half or quarters, depending on the size of the tomato, with a knife. Insert the point of the circle octopus hook into the tomato so that the point is completely covered. A carp will mouth the bait first and will spit it out if it senses a hook or point.
Step 4
Chum the water with a combination of fresh cut grass, tomato pieces and crumbled bread. Allow the chum to sit on the water and watch for carp to begin to arrive and feed from the surface. The sucker like lips of the carp will be visible taking the chum from the surface.
Step 5
Cast the tomato among the chum and allow it to sit motionless. Adjust the drag or line control on the reel so that line can easily spool from the reel as the Asian carp initially takes the tomato bait. After a few seconds, raise the rod tip and reel down on the line to set the hook. Adjust the drag as you begin to fight the often large carp.

Tips & Warnings

 
Use caution when setting the drag so that some line can be pulled from the spool if the carp decides to turn and run. Asian grass carp can grow to large sizes and a running carp can damage a rod and reel or break the line.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Write for Trails.com

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