(CO) JohnFinney
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Posts posted by (CO) JohnFinney
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In this weeks episode we get in a late fall session with Jeremy Romero from Born to Fish Media.
Our mission for the day, to see if we could help him catch a few late fall fish, always a challenging time for carp fishing here in Colorado.
Hope you Enjoy!
Tight-Lines,
John
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Tempting as that may be, I think I will pass. Perhaps Parks & Wildlife may introduce a couple of grass carp again in the future ? to combat the never ending weed issues that plague this venue every few years. I still cling to the hope that just a couple of the once big carp that haunted that lake managed to survive. Yet, in my heart, I know the odds of this are very low given over a dozen of the fish were seen to have perished; and that was just the ones that were seen walking around the lake. The carp here were special for Colorado. They grew large, yet were not the torpedo shaped commons that frequent the majority of our waters, having grown shorter, fatter and taller with a more blunt head structure. It does give me the motivation to research and explore new lakes up and around the Denver area. I am sure some of the town lakes could hold potential monster catches and surprises of their own.
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In this weeks new episode of CarpQuest a short session at a favorite venue produced a huge surprise capture, a new PB grass carp for me. Yet this capture was bitter sweet. A few months later the lake was all but totally drained to repair an inlet. As the lake was being refilled a local angler spotted the corpses of a dozen or more big carp in the shallows. Such a sad end to so many beautiful fish that had called this water home for over a decade.
Before the work commenced some of the lakes inhabitants, hopefully including a few of the big carp, were relocated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to another lake in the city. We were only aware of a pod of around 30 or so carp that once lived here.
We will return to the lake in Spring of 2017 to see if even just a couple of these majestic fish may have survived.
Nature is always full of surprises !
Hope you enjoy.
John -
It's been many weeks since I had some free time. Always work, or another household project, to get done before video editing. As we approach the holidays, I was finally able to get down infront of the computer and finish up a CarpQuest session video. Still got a couple of video's left to edit, there is hope I may be able to get them done before years end !
So, in this weeks new episode we fish the Fairgrounds on Labor Day. Joined by Andrew and James, it turned out to be a great hot summer session. The carp were heads down and feeding as we landed over a dozen fish !
Hope you enjoy. -
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A sad loss, i always enjoyed his stories and videos.
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Quote
You guys have made me an addict.....it's all your fault!
Hey, blame the carp themselves - once an angler has hooked and landed a few, it's game over !!! look forwards to seeing a few of your catch photo's soon !
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Surface fishing, I would be using a much smaller hook. I'm sure there are others here that can offer better advice than I on that topic !
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I'm sure you could land a 20 lb common in the net. I have gotten mid'teens in there ok. Not sure i would want to try and get a 30 lb grasser in it though ! A lot of the lakes i fish the carp average 11 to 12 lbs and works fine for those. The handle and head are sturdy. It is a 26in net, so you can get a good sized carp in there. Again, plan for what you may catch, if in your case thats a 36in carp, then i would go for a net big enough to handle it with ease.
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Hi Jason,
Quote“When looking at piecing the net together, none of the NGT handles have very good reviews posted. It looks like I will have to go $85-100 to get above the NGT level nets. Hard to stomach with US style normal nets being less than half that.”
I have used a variety of the NGT net handles over the years, currently I am using a pair of NGT nets,
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/carp-care/nets/handles/ngt-6ft-carp-net-handle
The first one has a 42” standard net with metal spreader block. I added a single net float,
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/carp-care/nets/nets/ngt-carp-net-with-spreader-block
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/ngt-net-float
The second one is again a 42” net with a dual float system.
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/ngt-net-with-dual-float-system
The handle is a single piece, solid, 6ft section with a foam grip on the rear and threading for the spreader block at the top. No frills, is strong and sturdy, gets the job done. Honestly, as far as reviews, it's a solid net handle, it gets the job done.
I also tried the collapsible telescopic handle from NGT. This works, the extended distance can be useful, however it is a lot softer and “bendy” than the solid 1 piece handle. I preferred the solid 6ft handle.
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/carp-care/nets/handles/ngt-2pc-2m-screw-fix-handle
To round out my NGT net collection, I have a short 26” collapsible net, this works pretty well and is good for a portable solution, though the head is a little small.
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/carp-care/nets/nets/ngt-folding-26-metal-stalking-net-and-handle
I have also used a 42” Sonik SKS net. If you want to step up and spend the additional $60 , you won’t be disappointed. I find the head from the SKS detaches easier from the spreader block, it is lighter and thus a little more maneuverable.
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/carp-care/nets/nets/sonik-sks-landing-net-42-2-two-pieceOver the years I have had a couple of plastic spreader blocks fail, and had the whole head snap the head clean off one handle. In each case this was caused by a “guest” of mine attempting to “lift” a fish from the water in the net. Remember, Euro style carp nets aren’t designed for heavy lifting – no matter how many $$$ you pay. I have had to replace the mesh on my nets a few times, it eventually gets torn up by the fins of the carp. Whatever net you choose, ensure you can get a replacement mesh.
Quote“Why did you step away from the Korda Kaptors and the wide gape style?”
A great question, as I really do love Korda’s range of hooks. They are simply, excellent - sharp, strong and over many years, I never experienced a failure of the product. Honestly, I couldn’t fault them. Yet, that quality comes at a price, currently $8.95 a packet. The wide gape style is a preference of mine when using bottom baits, especially boilies. I have found lately that the curved shank hooks work a little better for me with single pop-ups, or baits popped up with a piece of corn, snowman, particles + enterprise corn etc. I have been fishing a lot more the back end of last year, and most of this year, with particles thus a change to curved shank styles.
Given that I am focused on taking new people out to the sport, advocating for the entry level angler, especially those on a budget or those just getting into the sport, I needed a product that met that price point. Before I advocate for any product, be that rods, reels, terminal tackle, baits, hooks, I ensure it is up to the job and is something that I will use in my every day fishing. I switched from the Korda hooks to the Ambush range of hooks and terminal tackle. The Ambush hooks performed just as well, at a fraction of the cost, albeit without the brand name pricing. They are sharp out of the packet, strong and available in all the same patterns I used. At 1/3rd of the price of the Korda Hooks, they were an ideal substitution. If money was no object, I would have continued using the Korda hooks. However, for taking those out on a budget, when I am giving away and loosing so many rigs, it’s Ambush for me !In the past few months I have been talking with the guys at Eagle Claw regarding their new range of Trokar Magnum carp hooks. The factory that makes them is local to me and located just up the road in Denver. I am very passionate in the desire that American tackle manufacturers get into the business of producing a variety and range of products targeted specifically at carp fishing.
With Eagle Claw’s release of the Magnum hooks, I want to support their efforts and demonstrate to the masses that an American made hook can do just as well as those from overseas. Hard to do if I don't actually use their hooks. So, I am currently battle testing these hooks. I take my hook quality very seriously and simply will not use, or advocate for a product, that isn’t up to snuff. I will get a review done once I complete my testing – likely end of this year, early next year. To date, they have performed well, are insanely sharp out of the packet, with a unique triangular point design. They have not failed me yet in use. It could be argued that your hook is the single most important piece of tackle you use, next to the bait you cast out there !
<Suggestion> Spend the $ and invest in a hook sharpener. Regardless of whose brand of hooks I am using, I like to make sure they are razor sharp. A couple of $ on a sharpener can save you big time, allowing you to re-use a hook & rig, multiple times before discarding.
Quote”The Totally Awesome Fishing Show video on surface fishing has led me towards dog biscuits to begin with. But I don't want to try a grass carp until I have a good net to land it with, as the locals are 3-4 foot long. Have you tried cat or dog food in pellets or wetted and smashed as groundbait?”
Nope, not tried dog food though I hear it can work great, same as cat food ! As a youngster I used a lot of floating bread flake, it was killer for carp feeding on the surface - sadly, as I can’t chum anything here in Colorado, it’s hard to get the fish going on the surface which makes this approach challenging. A very wise move to not even try to catch a grass carp until you can land it safely !
Quote“Imitation on top, real below, snowman style. I want to stay away from boilies and stick to grocery store stuff until I decide how far down the rabbit hole I wish to go”
Just look at how well Iain Sorrell has done recently on artificial baits alone – his crazy captures in Italy and then a great performance in the CT Tournament. Nothing wrong with imitation corn atop something else, heck, that’s what I’m catching a lot of my fish on this year. Don’t underestimate grocery store baits either, they can be highly effective. My PB grass carp came on a couple of cubes of zucchini, soaked in salt and sugar, this year.
Tight-Lines,
John
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Hi Jason,
I would highly recommend ensuring you upgrade to a metal spreader block.
QuoteNote from BCT's site: "The NGT nets do not come with the metal spreader block anymore. We have adjusted the price of the net and you get a plastic spreader block and purchase the metal spreader block for the same price as before. Plus, keep the plastic spreader block as a spare!"
Thus you will also need the,
http://www.bigcarptackle.com/ngt-metal-spreader-block-for-42-50-nets
In answer to your question from the CarpCast Fan page,
Quotewhat hooks are you using, and are you still on panko and oats? Tried oats and corn, but only got nibbles. I need to get to a lake with some real bank access that might have carp.
Also, any suggestions on grassy bait? State funded local lake has a few big grassies, but don't want to get into them until the proper parts show upI am currently using Eagle Claw's Trokar Magnum carp hooks, curved shank, #4 & 6, and previously used the Ambush range of hooks from BCT, wide gape and curved shank teflon in sizes #4, 6 and 8. I have also used Korda Kaptor wide gape and curved shank hooks with great success. Yes, I still use my panko/oats packbaits and do modify it to suit my fishing needs, either with additional flavorings and/or particles depending on what type of hook bait I am using. The grass carp I have caught, have all been on high attract, fruit flavored baits, corn, maize, large peruvian maize and actual vegetables, zucchini having worked particularly well lately.
As for hook baits, I currently use maize (flavored), corn (flavored), a LOT of enterprise corn pop-up's (various flavors), veggies, cc moore's hi-viz tiger nuts (creamed, pineapple and tuitti fruitti), live system and hell raiser range of pop-up's.Tight-Lines,
John / CarpQuest
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Just released the video of the TAKC session with Olivia and James, hope you enjoy !
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Your rigs are working, given you are catching other species. However, as has already been mentioned above, I would suggest moving to a bolt-rig style for carp with your pop-ups, 2 to 3 oz lead. This should get the job done and hold bottom unless you're fishing with a lot of current. Ensure you are fishing a system whereby the lead can drop from the line, "safety-clips", "lead-clips" or inline, where in the event you are snapped or cut off the lead can be released. You wouldn't want the carp towing a lead around after it.
Without complicating your rig too much you could use a small piece of tubing, on the hook, to get that pop-up closer, adjusting the angle slightly, to increase the efficiency and/or make the hair a little shorter. Always check the buoyancy of your rig in the margins first to ensure your counterweight is sufficient and your rig isn't floating a hook links length off the bottom like a piece of powerbait. If fishing in some weed, silty bottoms, you could increase your hook link length to give you confidence your bait will still be sitting proud atop when it settles. Always check that your hooks are sharp and the tip is not bent over, before casting.
I probably would not use a circle hook, on a pop-up rig. Most often I am using hooks with a slightly in-turned eye, often with more curved aggressive pattern, for single pop-ups, though i have caught well on straight hooks and pop-ups.
I cannot recommend enough reading this great article by Iain Sorrell,
http://bigcarpnews.com/web/understanding-carp-rigs-part-iii-updated/Also consider your hook link material ? take a look at your rig in the water, is it really a pop-up ? or is the pop-up bait pinned lying flat to the bottom with a stiff hook link material ?
Keep trying ! When i moved from a running rig with particle baits, literally on the hook, to bolt and hair rigs, it took some time to get the confidence it was the right path forwards. Over time, I certainly noticed an increase in hook-up's and a decrease in lost fish. Confidence, a few captures, and you will be well on your way !
I know you are experimenting with pop-ups, have you tried just a simple bottom bait approach for the carp at the same location, with your hair rig ? bait on the hair, no pop-up ?
Tight-Lines,
John -
well done !
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Huge congrats on the new PB mirror ! well done !
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Great video and captures ! well done ! that's a load of fish !
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Wow, amazing pictures and fish !
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Thanks Dave.
Other Colorado news would be the proposed 100% (yes, that's 100% !!!) increase in cost of a fishing and hunting license here by 2018 !
According to CPW, they are going broke fast due to increased costs and need the additional funds to keep their programs, facilities, equipment and staffing levels, going. Ironically we have submitted numerous citizen petitions to add a 3rd rod stamp, as not only a revenue generating medium but also increased angler satisfaction.
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Last week I was invited to be the featured guest on the Local Fishing Knowledge show, broadcast live on Facebook from the Bass Pro Stores in Denver.
I wanted to thank everyone that showed up on the live stream and showed their support, appreciate it was very short notice !
Carp fishing in Colorado is still growing in popularity, even though we may have some of the most strict rules regarding the sport, especially with regards to chumming. Though I do appreciate BPS is not everyone's favorite place, the store here in Denver has supported the last 3 catch & release carp tournaments in the state, offering up $$$$s in gift cards as prizes. I am planning to take the General Manager of the local store out carp fishing in the future, showing him our passion for the sport, giving him the opportunity to battle the species with rod & reel, the tackle and gear we use. Though I doubt any of us can change attitudes overnight, or even in the next few years, each little bit we each can do to be advocates for the sport ,and the species, is a step in the right direction.
You can listen to an audio replay of the show here, LFK Podcast.
If you have facebook, you can always watch the video the show on Born to Fish Media page,
Again, thanks guys, you made this a great event !
Tight-Lines,
John
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Each year the Carp Anglers Group puts on an event to "Take a Kid Carping". I truly believe that the youth of today are the anglers of tomorrow. Helping them get started when they are young, teaching them the basics, not just in techniques but also covering topics such as angling etiquette, pickup up their trash and consideration for others, conservation and the environment.
No matter how busy my schedule, work, or otherwise, I always make the time each year to Take a Kid Carping !
This year I decided to take James's 10 yr old daughter Olivia, out on a session to Chatfield Reservoir, Kingfisher. Olivia has been fishing for carp for a couple of years at local venues. She really wanted a chance to catch a "big" carp. Her personal best stood at 6 lb's, a 24" common carp from Quail Lake in Colorado Springs.
So, that was the CarpQuest. Could we help Olivia catch a big carp ?
Within an hour of setting up, her rod went screaming off with a blistering run. With a "little" help from James to get the fish initially under control, she steered the fish expertly into the net.
A minute later it was in the cradle and her hands.
A glorious 30.5", 16 lb 2 oz common carp. Olivia had not only caught her first ever Colorado Master Angler carp but she had also landed her new Personal Best - Fins-UP !
It was Job Done. Much victory coffee for James and I, alas Olivia's a wee bit too young for the coffee.
A CarpQuest video of this session will be released later this year along with a full "in-session" write-up.
Tight-Lines,
John
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It was the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. A great carp fishing session at the Fairgrounds resulted in a trio of twenty pound common carp and some good mid to upper teens !
Hope you Enjoy !
John
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Sad news Dean, yet totally understandable. Your work with NACA over past couple years has been remarkable. Passion, dedication and professionalism. Fins-up for all you have done.
John.
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In this weeks new episode of Carpquest we fish a new spot at a favorite venue. The move turned out great, as we landed almost half a dozen good commons including a pair of 20 lb'ers ! Victory Coffee Time !
Hope you Enjoy!
John
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Some beastly grass carp there Don, well done !
New CAG member's first carp!!
in Beginning Carping
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Well done !