[Bite indication without an alarm]

7 minutes ago, The Big Worm said:

If your using a standard spinning reel and a hair rig (carp rig with a tail string you put your bait on) ) you might be advised that after your cast and tightening up the line, you may want to loosen your drag so the fish can run.....but not so loose that the spool over spins and back lashes if the fish stops....nor do you want it so tight that the fish can drag your rod in. You'll still need to keep a line on it...

If your rod holder is a straight up type a bell would be best....but it is not a very efficient angle to detect subtle bites.

If you rod sits horizontal...or with the tip aimed at where the bait is in the water..with the line tight, a bobbin type indicatur would show activity...a large paper clip with a  small plastic bobber attached to.the end with the points....the double round end would then be slid unto the line from the bottom up about half way between the reel and first guide. This will create a bow in the line (best if the bail bearing is up so the line is straight)  The sag in the line will get larger is the fish comes towards you and will tighten or become straight when the fish bites. It will take a little practice to know when to set the hook, but looking sideways at the horizontal rod with the bobbin it will be easier to detect bites and determine when to set the hook if your putting bait directly on the hook. In the case of a hair rig..let the fish hook itself and run.the first couple times,  it will give you more confidence in the system...and in letting the rig do its job

RECAP (HORIZONTAL ROD)

Cast your bait.

Tighten the line gently while setting in the holders Align the bail bearing to the top, and loosen the drag.

Slide the bobbin on, pullout a little extra line if you need to, or tighten by turning spool by hand to get desired bow in line (careful of braid..if you get a fish while doing this you could cut your fingers)

☆☆☆Best to have 2'-3'piece of line tied to the bobbin and stacked to the ground or rod holder so when you pick up the rod to set the hook as you lift that line and stake pulls the paperclip bobbin off before you set the hook, and to keep from loosing it☆☆☆

Now remember, you have a loose drag so when you set the hook, cup and hold the spool so you get a positive set (or you will birdsnest) then tighten the drag as the fish is running and the rod has tension on him.

A bait runner, or bait caster with the clicker mechanism both work easier than this....but you don't need it till you know you need it, when your catching fish and asking is there an easier way...then we'll talk. The tackle tarts will be all over telling you how to spend money. An Okuma ABF-30b or ABF- 40b depending on your rod weight , or a Diawa Regal 3500 Bite n' Run would be good choices for a 7' medium heavy UglyStick..

And if you get into.this more and go big bucks it'll be a good Channel Cat combo or Ditch Carp Rod.

 

Thanks for the help

[Bite indication without an alarm]

29 minutes ago, The Big Worm said:

Regular Spinning Reel, Bait Runner or Bait Caster reel..?

Not sure. The combo is $40 but that comes with a regular spinning reel. I like the bait runner reels and they're not too pricey. 

[Bite indication without an alarm]

I'm currently in the beginning phase of my carp fishing. I'm planning on picking up a couple 7 foot ugly stiks and using a simple Carolina rig with a hair rig on the hook.

[Rig help]

Most of the waters I'll fish are pretty unpressured so I was planning on running mostly hair rigs but I wanted to have a second choice as a backup. What other rigs would be a good second choice? I was looking at a 360 but I've recent read about it damaging mouths.

[Bite indication without an alarm]

1 minute ago, Cannonball said:

Lots of good ideas.  Or.......when your rod goes skiing across the bank and disappears into the depths at your venue.  That is always a good sign that you had a bite.

Had a friend lose a rod and reel when fishing for catfish.  First time he used it.  Father's Day present from his two sons.

Never good. That sucks.

[River vs lake/pond]

Do tactics differ much between the two or is it pretty much the same way of fishing?

[Bite indication without an alarm]

All good ideas. Thanks for the help.

[Bite indication without an alarm]

What are some other methods of bite indication if you don't have or plan on using alarms?

[New guy]

New guy from the Lansing area. I've caught a few carp by accident fishing the Grand but never specifically targeted them. I've been watching a lot of European carp videos lately and the whole way they fish fascinates me.