04.17.12 - Shore fishing Stevens Creek

I've caught 1000 carp in the mighty Mississippi river and maybe 10 of them in Berryessa. Bring a can of corn. Use a "carp rig" that has line, sinker and hook. The best rig is what you would use for fishing a glob of power bait from shore for planter rainbow trout. Upgrade to 8 or 10 pound test mono line. Small/thinner/sharp hook is key.

Chuck a handful of corn in the water where you will be casting your rig. Thread 5 or 6 pieces of corn on your hook (leave a bit of the hook point exposed). Throw it out and grab a beer. Reel up some of the line slack. Find a Y stick or branch and prop up the rod next to you. Don't EVER let the rod out of your sight. The carp bite will either be a big tap tap or (more likely) the rod will bend over with no warning and then fly toward the water if you have not grabbed it in time. Don't kick your beer over reaching for the rod. A big carp will freight train your entire fishing rig and you will have to dive into the water to have ANY chance to catch it in time.

Many expensive rods/reels (and Zebco 202's!) have been lost forever to the mighty/majestic Golden Carp. These fish are great fighters. They will test your gear to the limits. A very underrated fish for sport. AOTY should consider this worthy fish for inclusion. It would probably take a 25 pounder or higher to win each year   

     

Growing up on the RR used to fish with the Old Russians they loved Carp ground them up and made Fish Balls. They all had their Secret Recipe for doughballs most using Cornmeal molded around a treble hook but screw all that if you really want to catch them small sharp hook fishfinder rigged with corn too bad you can't use it in the RR any longer and chumming in most places is not legal so don't be throwing your bread crumbs around or I would still catch them for fun they would tow a Kayak a long ways.

Stevens Creek : Gigantus Carpcus