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I have seen a lot of instances were anglers do not go fishing well enough prepared to look after the carp that they are attempting to catch. This usually comes down to experience. This list is a guide that can help you and the carp.
A large Quality Landing Net is required and essential, big enough to get the largest carp in the lake into and some more.
A very large padded unhooking mat is required and essential.
A good quality weigh sling is required, with thick straps, not the thin strings that can get caught in the carps gills
and caused damage to it.
Ensure that you know how to handle carp out of water. If you have not got the experience ASK FOR HELP most people would be delighted to help you at anytime with a capture of a large carp.
DO NOT fish for big carp if you do not know what you are doing.
After carefully unhooking the carp put on some healing antiseptic liquid or gel. If the carp has cuts, boils or other damage to its body, then put some on this as well to help the healing process and clean the wound.
When having your photo done, try and use several Carp mats under the Carp and keep it wet at all times. If there is someone available, especially when it is hot and sunny, get them to pour lake water over the carp regally. Also try holding the carp as low as possible to the mats.
Whilst you are getting the camera and weigh sling ready after capture, keep the carp in the landing net in the water, only get the carp out as soon as everything is ready. This will reduce any stress to the carp.
If you are fishing close to snags, fish with the bait runners OFF. I have seen plenty of anglers fishing snags with the bait runner on and having the carp go into the snag all too easy, they end up loosing the carp and possible have them trailing a hook line and lead in there mouth.
DO NOT FISH WITH a fixed lead rig. Check you rig so that the lead can easily break away from the line if you,was to snap up. The carp can then shed the lead and dramatically reduce the possibility of getting tethered and die. Check your rig for faults during the session as well. There is a lot of tackle on the market that can help you out and it is all labelled as SAFTEY RIGS but ensure that the instruction are followed properly.
If you loose a carp in the snags and you feel that it may be tethered, contact the venue bailiff. He would rather come out and help to get the carp un tethered or check to see if it is or not tethered than to loose a big carp.
JUNIORS, go to one of the many carp schools that are around such as the one that are run by the Carp Society. If you know an experienced carp angler, ask to go with them or get some first hand tips. Remember, if you don't ask you won't get told.
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