Top 5 Specimen Fishing Tips for Beginners

Published on April 15, 2025

Are you new to specimen fishing and eager to catch that trophy fish? At Bergsig Trout Farm, we’re passionate about helping beginners master the art of specimen fishing. Whether you’re targeting large carp or other big fish, these specimen fishing tips for beginners will help you get started. Let’s dive into our top 5 tips to make your first specimen fishing experience a success!

1. Select the Right Gear for Specimen Fishing

Specimen fishing requires slightly heavier gear than trout fishing due to the size of the fish you’re targeting. For beginners, a sturdy rod (2.4-3.0 meters) with a strong reel is ideal. Use a 4.5-6.8 kg test line to handle the weight of larger fish like carp. At Bergsig Trout Farm, we offer rod rentals, so you can try specimen fishing without committing to expensive gear. Don’t forget to bring heavy-duty hooks (size 4-8) and a landing net to safely handle your catch.

2. Learn About Your Target Species

Specimen fishing often involves targeting specific species, like the large carp found at Bergsig Trout Farm. Research your target fish—carp, for example, prefer warm, shallow waters and are more active in the early morning or late evening. They’re bottom feeders, so look for deeper spots in our dams where they might be foraging. Understanding their habits will improve your chances of success with these specimen fishing techniques.

3. Use the Right Bait for Big Fish

Large fish like carp are attracted to hearty baits that mimic their natural diet. At Bergsig Trout Farm, we recommend using boilies or a feed pack to attract specimen fish. You can also try sweetcorn or dough balls, which carp love. A pro tip: place your bait about 45 cm above a heavy sinker to keep it near the bottom where carp feed.

4. Perfect Your Casting and Patience

Casting for specimen fishing requires precision, as you’ll often need to place your bait in specific spots where big fish are likely to be. Practice a side cast: hold the rod parallel to the ground, swing it back, and release the line as you flick the rod forward. The bait should land gently to avoid spooking the fish. Specimen fishing also demands patience—big fish can take time to bite, so settle in with a snack from our on-site shop like ice, snacks, or cool drinks and enjoy the wait at Bergsig’s scenic dams.

5. Handle Your Catch with Care

Once you’ve hooked a specimen fish, the real challenge begins! Reel in slowly and steadily to avoid snapping your line. Use a landing net to bring the fish in safely, and always wet your hands before handling it to protect its slime coating. At Bergsig Trout Farm, we encourage catch-and-release for specimen fishing to preserve our fish population—our staff can guide you on proper handling techniques during your visit. These beginner specimen fishing tips will ensure both you and the fish have a great experience.

Ready to Try Specimen Fishing at Bergsig Trout Farm?

With these specimen fishing tips for beginners, you’re ready to tackle your first big catch! At Bergsig Trout Farm, we offer (See pricing page for details) packages for 24-hour session for 2 people, perfect for targeting large carp in our well-stocked dams. Our peaceful setting, friendly staff, and on-site amenities make it the ideal spot for your specimen fishing adventure.

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