Playing & Landing Carp
Firstly when you get a take from a Carp wether it is a full run ( screamer ) or just a gentle pull round of the rod tip their is no need to strike just wind down until you can feel the fish and pull into it, this done correctly the fish is hooked..... [ Stay in control ] In my view the harder you fight a fish the harder the fish fights, their is no need to bully a fish to the bank keep a bit of pressure on the fish and you are in control once in close keep as low as possible ie : - on your knees preferably then you can guide the fish over the landing net, do not chase the fish around with the net but steer the fish to the net, more fish are lost at this stage than any other, keep calm and you will have your prize..... [ Preparation ] Once the fish is safely in the net I usually unhook mine in the water, but this comes with practice, firstly secure the net so the Carp cannot pull it in then get together all the items you need such as a wet unhooking mat and weigh sling ,forceps, antiseptic ( klinic ) or something simular, scales and camera..... [ Unhooking ] Lift the fish from the water using the netting or if the arms can be removed from the landing net all the better then you can roll the net up to the fish keep the fish low to the ground to avoid dropping it place the fish on the wet unhooking mat pull away the mesh of the net to reveal your prize, unhook the fish slip it into your wet weigh sling having zeroed it first on your scales then weigh your catch, a quick photo ( never stand up with a fish ) and then return safely to the water.