Carp

Three species of carp occur in Spain – common, king (mirror) and crucian. Practically every fishable piece of water will have a good population of common and mirror carp. Crucian carp are less abundant. Weights vary considerably, with the average common and mirror in the 1 to 3 kilo (2.2lbs to 6.6lbs) bracket, but going up to 25 kilos (55lbs). Fish of over 31.7 kgs (70 lbs) have been reported! The smaller crucian rarely exceeds 1 kilo (2.2lbs)., but can go up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs).

When targeting common and mirror carp, you must decide between quantity or quality. Lots of fisheries will provide match like conditions, with lots of small hard fighting fish making up the bulk of a days catch. Embalse de Arcos in Cadiz is a prime example. Fish are normally taken on match tactics – pole, waggler or feeder. Fish as you would in most other countries, but maybe stepping the terminal tackle up a gear just in case a larger specimen in encountered. These fish are not tackle shy, so hooks in the 10 to 14 range will suffice, with 1-2 kilo hook lengths. Fish heavy floats to allow you to hold still in windy conditions, especially if fishing the deeper waters of some embalses. These fish can be caught ‘up in the water’ by continually feeding maggots or caster over their heads. In order to manage the depths on the embalses, float fishing is really only effective using a slider or on the pole. Do not ignore feeder fishing. Not only is this very effective, but it is sometimes the only really possible method on these deep waters.

If you prefer to catch larger specimens, then the classic specimen approach practiced in Northern Europe will score. Rigs and baits need not be overly complicated, since most of these fish have NOT seen it all before. Fish a running or semi fixed lead to a braided hook length and knotless hair. If your chosen water is particularly rocky or snaggy, then tackle must be stepped up accordingly, with ‘rotten bottoms’ for your lead links. Corn and maize will score for bait, although boilies and pastes are becoming more and more popular. If you want to avoid smaller nuisance fish then boilies might be your only way of avoiding them. Crayfish make up a large proportion of the diet of these fish in Andalucia, so it goes without saying that shellfish or crayfish flavored boilies and pastes are the best. Do not ignore fruit flavors though - pineapple is one which I have had lots of success on. You must be prepared to bait your chosen swim with lots of freebies – and maybe even wait a day or two for the fish to ‘switch on’ to your free offerings. If at all possible get up to date information from local tackle shops or fellow anglers to determine the inform flavors. Pop-ups are also a very good bait. These can be a killer method, especially on those clear water venues. A highly coloured pop-up can bring great results.
 
One other method that works equally well for small and large carp is 'the method’. This technique is becoming more and more popular with local anglers also. Naturally, you will need a strong quiver rod. Fish a small hook length and use practically anything as bait – maggot, caster, corn, luncheon meat or mini boilies. A fishmeal and/or hemp based method feed will bring the fish.

I have mentioned various baits up to now – maize, corn, maggots, caster, boilies and paste. Local anglers tend to rely heavily on what might be considered old-fashioned baits. These should never be ignored, and to be honest, will out fish boilies and pastes on little fished waters any day. Par boiled baby potatoes, beans and maize are the top three. Luncheon meat and sausage meat are also very productive. Trust me, it is always best to go with the locals, they DO know best! May to October is a good time to fish beans. Fish two on a size 4 or 8 hook for best results. Finally, never ignore good old fashioned bread crust or flake. Try this during July and August when the fish are visible on top.