I take a different approach as the water cools and the carp's metabolism slows down. With the water temps in the low forties right now, it is time to go to my cold water tactics. Here are some suggestions that seem to work well at this time of year.1. Go with the smallest sinker possible that will hold bottom or get you out to where you want to cast.
2. Go with a small hook. I like the Umpua Tiemco 2457 #8.
3. Go small with the bait. I like either sweet corn (2 kernels on the hair rig) or small doughballs.
4. If you use a method ball, make it a small one.
5. Watch your rod tip. Carp have a habit of banging the bait and not really going off on a screaming run in cold water. If the rod keeps tapping, pick it up and pull and hope for the best.
6. Go easy on the prebaiting. Use a lot less.
I have found that carp keep hitting well in ponds and lakes until the water temps drop below 38 degrees. However, in moving water, they will hit throughout the winter months regardless of the water temps if you can find the places where they bunch up. So, there's lots of carp fishing ahead if you can stand the cold.
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