Top 5 Carp Fishing Tips for Beginners

Published on April 30, 2025

Ready to try carp fishing for the first time? At Bergsig Trout Farm, we’re here to help beginners catch their first carp with ease. Carp fishing is a rewarding experience, and with the right tips, you’ll be reeling in these powerful fish in no time. Here are our top 5 carp fishing tips for beginners to get you started on your fishing journey!

1. Choose the Right Gear for Carp Fishing

Carp are strong fighters, so you’ll need gear that can handle their power. For beginners, a medium-heavy rod (2.4-3.0 meters) paired with a reliable reel is a great choice. Use a 4.5-6.8 kg test line to manage the weight of a carp, which can grow quite large. At Bergsig Trout Farm, we offer rod rentals for just R50, making it easy to get started. You’ll also need strong hooks (size 4-8) and a landing net to safely land your catch.

2. Find the Best Spots for Carp

Carp love warm, shallow waters and often feed near the bottom of lakes or dams. At Bergsig Trout Farm, look for areas with reeds, overhanging trees, or deeper spots in our dams—these are prime carp hangouts. They’re most active during early mornings or late afternoons, so plan your fishing time accordingly. These carp fishing techniques will help you locate the best spots to cast your line.

3. Use Effective Bait for Carp

Carp are known for their love of hearty, smelly baits. At Bergsig Trout Farm, we recommend using boilies (R70 per half kilo) or a feed pack (R100 per 1 kg) to attract carp. You can also try sweetcorn, maize, or bread dough, which are affordable and effective. A pro tip: place your bait about 45 cm above a heavy sinker to keep it near the bottom where carp are feeding.

4. Master Your Casting Technique

Casting accurately is key to carp fishing, as you’ll want to place your bait in the right spot. For beginner carp fishing, try a simple overhead cast: hold the rod at a 45-degree angle, swing it back, and release the line as you flick the rod forward. Aim for a gentle landing to avoid spooking the carp. The calm waters at Bergsig are perfect for practicing your cast, and our staff are always ready to offer tips during your visit.

5. Be Patient and Prepared for a Fight

Carp fishing requires patience, as these fish can be cautious biters. Once you get a bite, be ready for a fight—carp are strong and will put up a good struggle! Reel in slowly and steadily, keeping the line tight to avoid losing your catch. At Bergsig Trout Farm, we encourage catch-and-release for carp to preserve our fish population, and our team can show you how to handle them safely. Enjoy the experience with a snack from our on-site shop (like ice, snacks, or cool drinks—contact us for pricing) while you wait for that big bite!

Here are some interesting facts about carp catching in South Africa

Carp fishing in South Africa is a popular sport, with anglers seeking to catch these large, often invasive fish, which can reach weights of up to 28 kilograms. While considered an invasive species in South Africa, carp are still favored by many anglers for their size and the challenge they offer.

Carp are adaptable:

Carp can survive in low oxygen water, making them adaptable to various South African dams and rivers.

Feeding activity:

Carp become more active as water temperatures rise, often moving from deeper to shallower areas as the sun rises.

Boating activity and carp:

Boats, while potentially annoying to carp, can also increase oxygen levels in the water, which can lead to more feeding activity.

Carp's reliance on bottom feeding:

Carp are bottom feeders and can stain their stomachs with bottom sediment.

Techniques for catching carp:

Anglers in South Africa often use a bait-based approach, creating a feeding spot to attract carp. This has led to a large industry of bait and carp fishing media.

Fly fishing for carp:

Some anglers also utilize fly fishing techniques to target carp, even in weed beds.

Carp's ability to adapt to food sources:

Carp have taste receptors on their barbels, allowing them to pinpoint specific food sources.

South African carp fishing hotspots:

Specific locations like Bonnievale River Lodge on the Breede River and Bergsig Trout Farm are known for their carp populations.

Carp fishing and conservation:

Catch-and-release practices are common in South Africa, except in areas where carp are negatively impacting other fish species.

Carp as an invasive species:

While popular with anglers, carp are considered invasive in South Africa, and their presence can have ecological consequences.

The world record for a mirror carp:

In 2018, a new world record was set for the largest mirror carp caught, weighing 51.20kg.

The biggest carp caught in South Africa is a 45 kg (99 lb) specimen caught at Boegoeberg Dam in 2016. This fish was caught by Mr. Apareela Fulosa using a koo mealie with his secret marmite and honey dip. While other reports mention carp weighing up to 28 kg, this 45 kg catch is the most notable example of a very large carp caught in South Africa.

Some tips:

Sweet corn and bread are two of the best baits to use for carp but nightcrawlers (earthworms) are excellent as well.

So carp become more active as the water warms from 10 am in the morning and they will typically slowly move from the deeper parts of the dam into shallower water as the sun rises and the air and water temperature rises with it.

Krill powder and liquids are superb for giving the carp what it needs, and I would add to that list coconut meal, liver liquids/powders, yeast extracts and soluble fish proteins, to name just a few.

Best Natural Carp Bait

Sweetcorn. Sweetcorn is not just a favorite snack for humans..... Boilies have gained immense popularity in Carp fishing due to their versatility and effectiveness. ...
Bread. ...
Worms. ...
Maggots. ...
Artificial Corn. ...
Pellets. ...
Flavored Dough Baits.

Ready to Try Carp Fishing at Bergsig Trout Farm?

With these carp fishing tips for beginners, you’re all set to catch your first carp!

Ready to cast your line? Book Your Fishing Trip Today!