12 May 2026
Spring Carp Tactics for the New Season
Water temperatures are climbing and the carp are waking up. Here is how to capitalise on those first few warm spells of the year.
Read the conditions
Spring fishing is all about location. As the sun climbs and temperatures rise, carp will move into the warmest, shallowest areas they can find — typically north-facing margins and snag-strewn bays that hold the day's heat well into the evening.
Bait choices
Don't over-bait. A small scattering of single hookbaits and a handful of crushed boilies is often plenty. High-attract baits like pop-ups in pink, white, or yellow can be devastating when the fish are still grouped up.
Be mobile
If you haven't had a sign in two hours, move. Spring carp can be hard to pin down, but once you're on them the action can be fast. Travel light and be prepared to up sticks at a moment's notice.
Stick with it through those first few cold snaps and the rewards can be enormous.