Homemade Bait: Choosing the correct bait can be quite the challenge. Several anglers have there own bait that they make them self. Some will say that is even secret. I will share some recipes below that does work for big fish. If you have your own bait recipe, send it to us and we will add this to our site. Add Your Bait Recipe To Our Website

Carp Information

Common carp is in the family Cyprinidae (minnow and carp family). Cyprinus carpio is easily identified by two pairs of barbells on each side of the upper jaw. These bronze, brassy or yellow fish have serrated dorsal and anal fin spines. Common carp is one of the largest members of the minnow family. Most of these heavy bodied fish are from 1 to 10 pounds and 12-25 inches in length, but can grow up to 80 lbs. There are many varieties of common carp found throughout the world. Carp that are partially scaled along their sides are called mirror carp. Some common carp have few to no scales and are termed leather carp. Koi is a fancy breed of the common carp that are popular in small ponds and water gardens. While many people believe that the goldfish is a young carp, goldfish and common carp are actually two distinct species. Ohio State Record: 50 lbs In most of the USA, especially on the west coast, carp are thought to be useless trash fish. I personally find this to be the farthest thing from the truth. They are present in great numbers in most of our waters so we might as well enjoy them. While carp may not be the greatest eating fish, they are truly great fighters and can test your true fishing skills on light tackle. Carp can be caught all year long but are more active with warmer water. Carp have been known to take baits such as corn, bread, hot dogs, cut baits, worms, prepared dough baits, cheese and many others. Below is a list of some easy to make baits to make for your next carp fishing trip. Be sure to take a look at some of our carp bait also. Just about any type of rod and reel will work but medium-light gear will provide the most enjoyment. Take a look at our rods and reels.

Graves Instant Grits Carp Bait

Ingredients: • 1 can of whole kernal corn • 1/2 of a 2 lb bag of instant grits • 1/2 can of cream corn • Bread crumbs, enough to thicken to form bait balls • Add flavor in small amounts until desired Preparation: • Put a corn puff on your hook and throw in small hand sized balls in the same spot as the previous cast.

Graves Carp Killer Bait

Ingredients: • 1 can of whole kernal corn • 1/2 of a 2 lb bag of steam rolled oats • 1/2 can of cream corn • 1/4 small bag of bread crumbs • Add flavor of choice, Grape, Strawberry, Bannananut, or my favorite Black Curn Preparation: • Mix until you can pack a ball around a hook add cream corn to soften and add bread crumbs to thicken. Put a corn puf on hook and pack ball around it

Kathy's Carp Treats

Ingredients: • 1/2 cup cornmeal • 1/2 cup flour • 1 egg • add any flavoring you like Preparation: • mix 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, 1 egg together add any flavoring you like. If too stiff add a little water to mixture so you can form small balls. Place balls in boiling water for 1-2 minutes then take them out and go fishing.

Carp Catching Dough Ball Bait

Ingredients: • 4 cups Quaker Instant Grits • Handful of cracked corn • 1/2 can Lucky Leaf Blueberry pie filling • 1/4 can cream style corn Preparation: • Mix until the bait feels to your consistancey • Put a corn puff on hook and form dough ball around corn puff

Bill's Carp Catching Dough Ball Bait

Ingredients: • 1 cup Wheaties cereal (crushed) • 1 cup flour • 8 teaspoons sugar • 1 teaspoon honey • Molasses Preparation: • Mix ingredients together with enough molasses to form the dough ball to your liking, place in a plastic tub and your ready to catch some huge carp

Charlie's Carp Catching Dough Ball Bait

Ingredients: • 1/2 cup Wheaties cereal (crushed) • 1/2 cup flour • 4 teaspoons sugar • 1 pkg red Kool-Aid Preparation: • Mix together with enough hot water to form a dough ball

Cast Away Lakes