Kayak Carp

Posted on May 21, 2009

#If you judge by looks, the common carp would surely never win a beauty contest. But what they lack in looks they make up in strength and a never surrender attitude.

And, what better way to start my 2009 kayak fishing season then being pulled by one of freshwater's hardest pulling fish?

I have been fishing carp for a few years and always look forward to May. The warmer weather brings carp to shallow water bays to feed before the spawn. Most carp caught in and around Ottawa weigh between 10-lbs. and 15-lbs. with many fish breaking the 20-lbs mark.

#Fighting these bruisers from a kayak takes a bit of practice, I would recommend staying away from areas with a heavy current as carp will use the moving water to their advantage and it is very difficult to get leverage if you are drifting towards them. Mid-May to early-June is when carp typically spawn and getting out before then will give you a great shot at a true trophy. Large shallow vegetated Bays are the best place to start your search. I like to chum the area with canned corn and cast my offering in the same area. For set-ups it's important to use a sliding weight on top of a swivel so that the fish may run without feeling any extra weight. A small hook with a few feet of fluorocarbon leader attached to the swivel will complete your carp rig. From a kayak it is mandatory your bait stays on the bottom and not drifting. Try to anchor or position yourself in an area your bait can remain still. And when the line starts peeling the fun truly begins!

Many areas in Quebec and Ontario offer fantastic carp angling opportunites -St Lawrence, the Rideau River system and the Toronto Islands are a few hot spots to try out.

#It is important to be prepared with the proper safety equipment in case an unexpected surprise happens on the water. Make sure you have a small knife, pliers, hook cutters and a small anchor within reach at all times.

The carp bite should only get better as the warmer weather arrives. Get out , get towed and enjoy this very underrated game fish.

Jamie Pistilli
Ocean Kayak Pro Staff

www.thefishingconsultant.com
www.kayakfishingmovie.com

Comments

Posted by Jacob From Toronto on Sep 3, 2009

Hi Marc. Jamie does guide. Have a look at his website - www.thefishingconsultant.com

Posted by Marc From Ottawa on Aug 27, 2009

Do you give fishing guide tours Jamie ?

Posted by cameron From great falls va on Aug 27, 2009

whats the biggest carp youve ever landed

Posted by Jamie Pistilli From Ottawa on May 31, 2009

Thanks for the Note Paul! It was great to get Bella hooked up. Working on another blog with that story Cheers, Jamie

Posted by Orrin Paul Shoemaker From Armada, Michigan on May 29, 2009

Hi Jamie, I sent Joe P. a short note after seeing the pics of the princess and the carp. If he still has it maybe he will forward it to you. Carp are great fighters and fun to catch. I have never eaten any though. so d dirty that you could barely see the fish.

Posted by Jamie Pistilli From Ottawa on May 24, 2009

Marc, It was my pleasure!

Posted by Marcthefisherman From Ottawa on May 22, 2009

Trust me Jamie knows his carp! He took me out and got me on my first carp ever....and it was a 15lb monster. After the fight I experienced with that fish all I can say is I'm HOOKED on carp fishing, its a blast. Thanks Jamie

Write a Comment

Your Name *:

Your City *:

Your Comments *:

WFN Bloggers

Bio

Kayak Fishing - Jamie Pistilli

Jamie Pistilli has been fishing the waters of North America and the Caribbean for over 20 years, and although he has caught everything from tarpon to sharks, his specialty is trophy musky and carp fishing. Jamie has been featured in numerous fishing publications and is a regional editor for Kayak Angler Magazine. He's also a member of the Ocean Kayak Pro Team, and an active advisor, guide and fishing consultant in Ottawa, Ontario.