As I was catching quite a few I started to experiment a little in the playing aspect and found that regardless how hard they were fighting if I slackened off they simply stopped and stayed where they were. Wierd really.

I then experimented in gradually tightening down with absolute minimal pressure as though I only had light match line on and found I could lead them straight into the net.

Not sure what use this is but I found it interesting. Certainly handy when receiving two takes at once as you can judge the largest and play that one whilst the other waits.

Best fishes
Shaun

That additional advice is most welcome especially the handling of them as they near the net. Seems sound advice to let them see the net and prompt them fight I will get my better half to bring in any other rods if I am fortunate enough to catch one. Thanks again everyone.

One of the best pieces of advice I could give as regards to keeping them calmer on the bank is to not be in too much of a rush to net them. As Gareth pointed out Grass Carp often come to the net with hardly any fight as though they don’t know they have been hooked. It’s when you do net them that the ‘fun’ starts as they are still totally full of life.

The last few I have caught that haven’t fought I have simply scared them with the landing net rather than net them. This always gets them fighting then and you can enjoy a much better fight with the major bonus that they end up calmer on the bank – thus less scales being thrown off.

Believe me a decent sized Grassie takes a lot of handling when they thrash around and similar to the Buffalo Carp I went fishing for earlier this year they shed their scales very easily. Much more easily than our beloved Cyprinus Carpio.

Best fishes
Shaun

Just reading your question and also the great replies from the Quest Team.

I’d concur with everything they said but felt useful to add that I have recently caught quite a few grassies by mistake! I am fishing a 12 acre estate lake and have been targeting the large tench & bream which run to doubles. My tactics have been groundbait (method style) fished with flavoured corn on the hook. I’ve tried both Fruity Trifle and Special Crab and they definately favour the Fruity Trifle. Its also worth mentioning that I have been pre-baiting for a few days before fishing and all the fish have come during the day.

They are awesome fish when you get them on the bank but as Gareth says be prepared for them to wipe out your rods when close in! Good luck mate.

Fletch

I have taken on board your comments and appreciate your time spent answering. I will definitely give all the methods and baits a go and let you know how I get on.

These fish allso tend to just give away a few bleeps instead of runs.
So keep watching every movement of the bobbins.

Greetz roy van goor

Good query over on teh Quest Baites blog on Grass carp, that I’ve posted on here:
Philip Parker wrote:
I will be tackling a venue that contains a good head of large grass carp. The lake itself is quite shallow 3′-4′ and around nine ac…