Catman!

[monsterbuck07]

I need your help! I have never tried to catch gar nor carp...but there is a ton of big ones in the creek behind the house. What technique or bait do I need? More interested in the carp just because they are huge and I love a fight! Thanks in advance.

 

[catman529]

they fight hard so set your drag accordingly. Go to kroger and buy a giant can of whole kernel sweet corn, or a few regular sized cans. Throw several handfuls into the water where they hang out. Put a few kernels on a #6 baitholder with a couple split shot 12" up the line (just enough weight to keep on bottom). Set rod in holder with bail open, or clicker on, or drag very loose. If you choose loose drag don't forget to tighten for hook set. If the carp are sitting near the surface fairly inactive then they won't bite. If they are down on the bottom with their tails up or you see mud clouds in the water then it's time to catch em. Good luck. Will get back to you on gar later

 

[stik]

treble hook and 1/4 oz worm weight. snag em if they won't bite.

 

[paincave_2000]

Oatmeal

 

[catman529]

stik is right, you can snag em if they won't bite. I haven't done it to carp but have done it to buffalo. Buffs are a lot more finicky anyway. Although it's not as fun to me as having one run out your line while you're sitting there enjoying the weather waiting for a bite.

A word on snagging though... you will get a lot of partial snags that will turn up with only a scale or two on the hook. Sometimes you get lucky and snag the pelvic fin area or somewhere else fleshy, but your best bet is to aim for the head when snagging sitting fish.

 

[Hollar Hunter]

For the gar use a live minnow and when they take it open your bail and let them run with it to have time to eat it. When he's had it for a couple minutes set the hook hard and to the side. Oh and use a wire leader or you will loose them a lot because of their sharp teeth.

 

[monsterbuck07]

That's alot guys I appreciate all the advice. Hopefully ill have you some pictures soon.

 

[Bone Collector]

For the gar use a live minnow and when they take it open your bail and let them run with it to have time to eat it. When he's had it for a couple minutes set the hook hard and to the side. Oh and use a wire leader or you will loose them a lot because of their sharp teeth.

exactly or use a chunk of cut bait. it works too.

 

[catman529]

I cast an unweighted dead minnow or strip of cut bait when they are vidible near the surface. With smaller gar they don't swallow the bait right away and will test your patience. Had plenty of fish spit the hook out. Never had a fish bite the line off either and I don't use leaders. Maybe because I haven't caught one bigger than 6 lbs, who knows.

 

[Winchester]

small strip of shag carpet or really fraid nylon rope will work great for the Gar. Just twitch it along the surface.