Surface fishing is one of the most exciting ways to catch carp.
You literally fish by sight, and you see every bite. This technique is especially effective in the warmer
months, when carp often feed just below or even at the surface of the water. With floating bait like bread, dog biscuits, or
special pop-ups, you can attract the fish to your spot. It sometimes requires some patience
and caution, as shy carp can quickly become suspicious. But that’s precisely what
makes surface fishing so special: the thrill of observing, the targeted
presentation of your bait, and ultimately that bite on the surface.
For surface fishing, a 3.60 to 4.20m rod with a test curve of 1.50 to 2.75lb is ideal. A long rod makes it easy to present your bait
subtly while still maintaining sufficient power during the fight. Combine this with a compact reel in the 2500 to 4000 size and you’re
ready to go to the water’s edge!
For surface fishing, you usually use a 0.25 to 0.30mm nylon main line because nylon floats well, is less conspicuous, and is more
abrasion-resistant than braided line. If you have a lot of aquatic weeds, braided line is ideal because it cuts through them more easily.
If necessary, attach a special controller float to the main line, which is useful for casting further. However, in many situations, you can
also fish without a float, especially when the carp are feeding close by. Behind the main line, attach a special floater leader or
a regular leader of 0.28 to 0.30mm, usually 60 to 100cm long.
Use a small, strong hook with a short shank and a wide bend in size 6 to 12, so that the bait will float naturally.
Bread crusts, dog biscuits, or special floating boilies are ideal bait.
Surface fishing is all about patience and observation. It is important not to fish too hastily, as carp can react warily to unexpected movements.
Start by calmly feeding some bait, such as bread or dog biscuits, to build the fish’s confidence. Then, subtly present your hookbait
among the loose feed. It’s often best to keep the line as far out of the water as possible so the carp doesn’t see anything suspicious.
Take your time and wait until the fish is really feeding calmly, because only then should you strike.
This way, you mimic a natural food supply and increase the chance of a spectacular bite at the surface.
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