Frigid Weather Puts the Brakes on Carp Fishing in RI

 The weather has turned cold and the carp fishing here in RI has gone right downhill.  In the last five days, I've landed exactly 2 small commons.  I was fishing spots that had really produced a week or two ago. This is the way carp respond to sudden temperature drops.  I believe that in big ponds and lakes the fish are headed for their winter locations right now.  These are usually deep spots where they will sulk for the winter. They will still feed sparingly on those warmer days when the shallows heat up.

I suspect this same slowdown is affecting carp fishermen in the entire country.  In the last week, there has not been a single entry put into our CAG national Big 4 carp tournament. When some of the best carp fishermen around the country are not catching, you know fishing is slowing down.

Hot Fishing on These Warm, November Nights

 It's been hot fishing for me at night in November, especially on the warm nights.  I fished tonight after dark and came away with 5 decent size mirrors.  It was no different than fishing in the daytime.  I caught all of them on a combo bait that consisted of a white artificial corn and a kernel of real corn on the hair rig.  

Take note that I prebaited the location I was fishing with maize a few hours before I fished.  Prebaiting definitely increases your chances of scoring.  With warm weather coming, I'm sure the nighttime fishing will continue to be productive.

I landed five carp this size after dark on this warm
November night.  Fishing has been especially
good on the warm nights.

Photo of the Day....."400th Carp of the Year"

 

My 400th carp of the year comes after dark on this warm
November night. 

Hitting at Night

 

This mirror was landed after dark tonight. It looks
like daylight because of the flash on the camera.

With the sun setting earlier and earlier (wait till next week!), I find myself turning to nighttime carping when I'm not striper fishing. I got out a couple of times in the last few days and I can tell you the carp are hitting after dark. I landed several nice size mirrors tonight.

After dark fishing is no different than daytime fishing....same baits, same spots, same set-up.  Only difference is that you are usually in complete darkness. Some people are not comfortable fishing in the dark.  I am having done this all my life in saltwater.

I have three suggestions for anyone who wants to try this.  Pick a safe area to fish and get yourself a good headlight. Oh, and bring some warm clothing. The temperature can really drop in November after the sun sets.