How To Hold A Carp Correctly
It’s safer for the carp—and you’ll get better pics on your Google Photos
Holding your catch correctly is one of the most important things to get right once the fish is on the bank. Not only does it improve the quality of your photos, but it also ensures greater comfort and safety for the carp. Mishandling a fish can cause stress or injury, so it’s crucial to get this right every time. There are four key areas to focus on.
KEY AREA 1
With the carp resting on the mat, gently slide your hands underneath it. (Tip: if you’re wearing a watch, it’s best to remove it first, as this could cause damage to the carp should it flap.) Your front hand should support the pectoral fin—place your index finger on one side, your middle finger on the other, with your palm and forearm cradling the underside of the fish.
KEY AREA 2
Your rear hand should now support the anal fin. Lightly rest your fingers around it—use whichever fingers feel most natural to you. Be careful not to bend the fin or apply pressure; you’re simply providing gentle support.
KEY AREA 3
Always stay low to the ground. That way, if the fish starts to flap, you can quickly and safely lower it onto the unhooking mat. There are a few holding stances, but the safest and most stable is to kneel down, as shown here.
KEY AREA 4
Avoid holding the carp too far from your body. If it flaps mid-photo, you’ll have far less control and could risk injuring the fish. Keep it close—if it does start to move, either lower it swiftly onto the mat or roll your hands back to tilt the fish onto your forearms and into your body.
KEY AREA 5
One final thing to remember: always have everything prepared before you lift the fish from the water. Leave it resting safely in the net while you position the unhooking mat, ready the sling, zero the scales, and fill a bucket with water. Make sure the fish is kept wet at all times, and limit the time it’s out of the water to an absolute minimum—one or two photos is all you really need.
How To Frame A Picture
Your mate’s just landed a beaut—don’t mess up his moment!
1. Clear the clutter
Remove any distractions from the background: rods, landing nets, buckets. Keep the focus on the angler and their prize.
2. Get low and level
Crouch or kneel so you’re at the same height as the angler and fish. Shooting from above or below makes the image look awkward.
3. Keep it straight
Point the camera directly at the subject and check that the horizon is level.
4. Frame it right
Make sure the entire angler and fish are in shot—no chopped-off heads or tails. Don’t stand too far back or too close; leave a little space around the subject.
5. Hold steady and focus
Keep the camera still. Half-press the shutter to focus, then press fully to take the shot. Any shake will blur the image, and that’s no way to immortalise a PB.