Carp are a type of fish native to Europe and Asia, and they're known for their delicious flavor. They're also a popular target for anglers, as they're relatively easy to catch. However, they can be difficult to find in small and shallow ponds.

But don't worry - with our tips, you'll be able to locate and catch carp in no time!

How to catch carp in small and shallow ponds?

I know that it is difficult to find small, relatively shallow ponds that keep good carp, still not destroyed by poachers, but I still think that shared in this article from personal experience and observations can help those of you who will decide to look for a change in such reservoirs. It's about carp fishing on the bottom, not floating!

I know that it is difficult to find small, relatively shallow ponds that keep good carp, still not destroyed by poachers, but I still think that shared in this article from personal experience and observations can help those of you who will decide to look for a change in such reservoirs. It's about carp fishing on the bottom, not floating!

How to catch carp in small and shallow ponds?

I personally adore small ponds (I'm talking about micro-dams, for example, 100m long and 50m wide), because of the surprises they can bring and because of the emotional fishing, which consists of observation, good tactics, outwitting, and unique battles with mustachioed inhabitants. Before dealing with the specifics of this fishery,

I would just like to add that the carp population in these reservoirs is very small, with most carp being "good", so I urge successful carp anglers to bring carp back alive and well into the water, of course, after a good photo. I know that fishermen are not the main reason for the deforestation of reservoirs, but let the self-respecting fish carp adhere to the principle of "Catch and release"!

Carp Fishing in Small Ponds Features

As I have already said, the carp population in these reservoirs is relatively small. Natural food, for which they have almost no competition, consists mainly of larvae, worms, small shrimps, and sometimes lake mussels. Micro-dams are often densely overgrown with sedges and other vegetation, which provides good conditions for the development of various ecosystems that make these reservoirs so rich in natural food. The conclusion for us fishermen is that carp are not addicted to the food we throw away.

The bottom in most cases is muddy and the relief rarely has great features. In some micro-dams, which were gravel pits, there are different areas - one muddy (soft bottom) and one gravelly (hard bottom). The places where the border passes are especially interesting for us, as well as the shallow areas around the coast (near Shavara) and the places with jokes.

The average depth is about 2 m. Due to the relatively shallow water, micro-dams are very sensitive to the vagaries of the weather, especially to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature. Wind also plays a big role in carp behavior, but only after a while.

Carp in Small and Shallow Ponds: Carp behavior

Carp love the coast mostly because of the variety of rich food there. I always watch for peculiarities, because carp prefer them: overhanging trees, rushes, water lilies, and other things that give food and security to carp - unless there is a constant presence of noisy people on the shore.

The border between the different types of bottom, which I mentioned, you can easily find by making a few throws with a fan-shaped marker with a lead of 80 g. After throwing and sinking the lead, you begin to slowly navigate the fiber and drag the lead along the bottom.

Hold the rod sideways. The top of the rod takes into account the relief of the bottom. If, for example, it is muddy, resistance is felt, as the tip bends smoothly, and if it is hard, the lead starts to bounce on the bottom and this is transmitted to the top of the rod as vibrations. This way you will find the differences in the relief of the bottom with a little practice, which is very useful because where there are differences, there is also the carp.

In these reservoirs, the fish do not stay in the same place, but "patrol" along the same route, which includes the mentioned areas. Interestingly, they pass simultaneously every day - but this only happens with ideal factors! Even once taking out a large carp near the popular, did not prevent another minute later to hit the second rod, located next to their route - 10m further.

I set traps for them and wait for them to pass. Depending on whether it's morning or noon, I change the location of the rods. At night I have noticed that they rotate in the coastal areas for a longer time - they stay in one place if they are undisturbed. Most strikes are at a distance of 1 to 10 meters from the shore. You can imagine what happens when at night a 10-kilogram carp feels the hook in its mouth one meter from the shore !!! If we find where the carp are doing, many of the blows are often a few minutes after the throw.

Fishing Tactics

In spring, summer, and autumn, the tactics are basically the same. Personally, depending on the pond and the carp population, I resort to two main tactics:

- if I have a pond with a relatively good population of carp and other peaceful fish, and a situation of high competition for food, I feed in advance. Most often I throw protein balls (whole and broken) and corn a few days before the fishing in the places where I noticed my mustachioed friends. For bait, I use mainly balls, tiger peanuts, or a combination of both.

- if I have a pond where carp are few and have no competition for food, I almost do not feed them. On the day of fishing, I use PVA bags or PVA socks filled with granules (fish and other animal mixtures) and broken and whole balls. It is best if the granules are of two or three different types, with different sizes and different dissolution times. So there is always a smelly cloud around the bait. The most important thing is that the bait is especially attractive. This is achieved by soaking individual protein balls for days in Dip - these are syrups stuffed with flavors that the ball absorbs and then releases into the water!

Winter. It is true that winter fishing is complex and the specifics depend on the water body, so I will focus more on the types of bait and some tactics that I think apply everywhere:

1) Unlike summer and autumn, for me the main rule is to eat a little in winter. A little, but in the right place. I always carry several types of bait with me: in addition to protein balls, I always take white worms. A cork ball, smeared with glue and covered with white worms, becomes a great bait !!! They can also be strung on a hair! Plus, the white worms move and the balls don't - so they attract the attention of the carp, which is quite sluggish during these months. I feed with a handful of whites - already dead, maybe with PVA. First, warm these baits a little by hand before using them.

2) The other bait that is successful is canned corn - however, in winter and weeds are not as active. You can soak the beans in some extra flavor. Another favorite combination is a ball with a dark color and fishy aroma and lead wrapped in dough of the same kind.

Otherwise, I'm looking for a carp on a single floating protein ball with a bright color (pink or yellow), on the D-mount, the reason - made of thick monofilament fiber (to obtain the effect of anti-spitting) up to 25-30 cm long, because the carp through winter does not dig so hard on the bottom, but often stands higher. The balls are in most cases small in diameter.

Use 12-foot pounds at 2.75 pounds and a self-detecting mount, in which the lead detaches (Safety Bolt Rig) when you enter a teaser.

The Line

[caption id="attachment_2713" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Carp Fishing Line[/caption]

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Fiber with a diameter of 0.30 - 0.40 mm. and a length of 150 m is sufficient. The occasion should be the same diameter or one or two numbers smaller.

The hooks

[caption id="attachment_2714" align="aligncenter" width="213"] Carp Fishing Hook[/caption]

The size of the hooks depends on the size of the bait, but generally from numbers 2 to 6.

Conclusion

In conclusion, catching carp in small and shallow ponds can be a challenging but rewarding experience.

Remember to choose the right bait, rig, and tackle for the conditions you are fishing in, and be patient and persistent when trying to locate and catch carp in small and shallow ponds.

With a little practice and persistence, you can master the art of catching carp in small and shallow ponds and enjoy the thrill of landing these hard-fighting fish.