How To Cast At A Showing Carp
How to turn a show into a take—without blowing your chances
Casting to a carp that has just jumped, crashed or rolled is a great way to get a quick bite. But drop the lead directly on top of where it showed and you risk spooking it. Cast too far or too short, and you might not even be in the right postcode. Here’s our quick guide to getting a pick-up almost every time—if you get it right…
1. When you see a carp crash, line it up with a marker on the far bank and take note of the distance it showed at. Quickly reel in a rod, check that the rig and hookbait are still in perfect condition, line up with your far bank marker, and make a smooth, accurate cast. This is the moment where it can all go wrong...
2. The key is to land the lead past where the fish showed—around 10 yards or so—and then reel back quickly, so the lead skims quietly across the surface. Once you’re over the spot where the carp showed, stop reeling and let the lead sink on a tight line whilst lowering the rod. Avoid using any PVA—like stringers, mesh or Stick bags—as it’ll likely break up as you retrieve through the water.