Crucian carp have experienced a revival in recent years, with more fisheries working to preserve their genetic lineage and provide anglers with opportunities to catch this classic summertime species. Known for their shy nature, crucians, despite being part of the carp family, can be frustratingly difficult to catch compared to their larger counterparts.
However, with the right tactics, they can become one of the most rewarding fish to catch, and as many UK anglers will agree, few fish rival the beauty of a large crucian. Here’s our guide to help you catch more specimen-sized crucians in the future...
WANT TO CATCH A CRUCIAN? OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDE HAS SOME EXCELLENT VENUES TO TRY!
Follow the wind
Crucians love to follow the wind, so if you find a swim where the wind is blowing in strongly, it's a good idea to move into it. A great tip is to check the weather before your trip—if you know the wind is due to change, you can position yourself ahead of the fish before they move, and they’ll come to you!
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Easy on the feed
Crucian carp are notoriously shy feeders, so it'simportant not to overfeed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out. A few larger baits, like corn, are great options since they prevent the fish from becoming preoccupied with smaller baits like hemp and pellets.
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Use a method
The Method feeder can make catching fish like crucians seem easy at times due to the rig's effectiveness. Groundbait works well around the feeder, as it's highly attractive, and the only bait available for the fish to eat is your hookbait. Keep the hookbait small—one banded pellet around 4-6mmis a great option to try.
TRY ADDING THE BEST LIQUIDS AND ADDITIVES TO YOUR BAIT TO MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE TO THE FISH.
Try the pole
The pole offers the best presentation of any fishing method. It allows the use of ultra-light rigs, fine lines, and pinpoint accuracy, making it an exceptionally effective way to catch crucians. It's especially useful when fishing up close to features like weed beds, lily pads, or under trees.
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Look for cover
Crucian carp love cover, and if you can find a feature on your lake, the crucians won’t be far away. Classic spots to target include lily pads and overhanging trees. Don’t be tempted to fish too far out either; the nearside shelf on most lakes can be a fantastic place to fish. If you position your bait just slightly up the slope, it prevents the fish from having to tip up to feed, which often results in more bites.
FLOAT FISHING CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO TARGET CRUCIANS, CHECK OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE FOR THE BEST RODS TO USE.
Early bird catches the crucians
If possible at your local venue, aim to be there at dawn, as this is the best time to catch crucian carp. When the sun is high in the sky, the fish will seek cover and are rarely tempted to feed until dusk when the light begins to fade. Fishing during times of low light will see crucian activity increase dramatically, making it the best time to catch a specimen fish, it is also a beautiful time to be on the bank.
CRUCIAN FISHING CAN BE A WAITING GAME, SIT COMFORTABLY ON ONE OF THE BEST FISHING CHAIRS.
