Carp Care: How to handle, hold and treat carp on the bank

Here's how to handle a carp out of the water, how to hold it safely for the camera and how to treat its wounds and return it safely to the lake. ✅ Watch next: Hot Weather Carp Care 👉 • Hot Weather Carp Care 🔥
Properly caring for a carp on the bank is one of the most important aspect of carp fishing. We need to ensure the carp we catch are returned back to the water in excellent condition and suffer the least amount of stress or damage while out of the water.
⏰ In this video:
00:00 Introduction
00:35 How to secure your landing net
01:14 Prepare your swim after landing a carp
02:03 Getting the carp out of the water
02:42 Getting the hook out
03:22 How to weigh the carp accurately
04:14 How to lift and hold the carp for a photo
08:43 How to treat the wounds
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Music: Deep Haze Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and by www.pacdv.com/sounds/

[@bo7923]

I always had a bit trouble with holding the fish for a photograph. Glad i found this video, thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, that's great to hear, I'm glad it's helped you. All the best in your fishing, Cheers, Matt.

[@darrenshaw7759]

As a carp,barbel and pike angler , I’m pretty proud of how the majority of specimen hunters treat their catches. I was visiting a match my mate was participating in at the local puddle and was absolutely blown away with the treatment of the carp. Dragged in on elastic and literally dumped into a keepnet for god knows how long. Match organisers and fishery owners who succumb to money,greedy bastards. Matt, as a fishery owner I understand that income is up there in priority, but at least you care!! The match scene could learn a lot from the “hunters”. Keep the good work gentlemen 🎣🍻🏕

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Darren, thanks for the support, I couldn’t agree more. Next week-end, we’re releasing a short video on looking after the carp in the summer which we hope will continue to promote good fish care. Cheers, Matt.

[@darrenshaw7759]

@@matthewcollinsangler My 15 yr old son is well and truly into his carp (pb 29lb) and I’ve made him watch every single one of your videos Because you know what your doing 👍👍 All the best 🎣

[@kurtgreen1040]

I understand that you guys love them here in Michigan they are treated so differently all I catch don’t go back usually they have dates with the raccoons and opossums

[@workrestandplaysnooker]

Great video, I've not caught a carp that size yet so it's good to know in advance the best way to handle one

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks very much for commenting and glad you liked the video. The secret is being organised and then be aware of how agitated the carp is. They always show signs when they're about to flip and with practice you’ll get to learn what these signs are. Good mats and slings are essential. You’ll get respect from other good anglers if you invest money in quality carp care gear 😊. Cheers, Matt.

[@RyAn15htfc]

Great video mate.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Ryan, thanks very much for your comment mate. Glad you liked it. Cheers, Matt.

[@t-a5986]

Top video Matt

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much Tom 👍

[@abaxrestrestrepo727]

Hi Matt very useful info particularly holding the carps fins when lifing the carp. Thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, Thanks very much for your comment and I'm glad you found the video useful. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.

[@alphazero1093]

This is the best I've found on handling fish 👍👍👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks again for your support. I’m glad that you liked the video and that you found it useful and instructive. Cheers, Matt.

[@charlieoscar09]

Brilliant video...im new to Carp fishing but will care for the fish as in this tutorial thankyou

[@matthewcollinsangler]

+charlieoscar09 Hi Charlie, thanks very much for your comment mate. It means a lot to have such positive feedback from a novice carp angler like yourself. Enjoy your fishing, cheers, Matt.

[@denzilwalk7115]

spot on info as even though i always wet my hands before touch i've never thought about the fish being uncomfortable over the heat from them, it makes sense really. thanks

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks for your comment mate. Glad you could learn something from the video, I've learnt all these tips along the way from various people and glad they can be of help. Cheers, Matt.

[@Owenslife777]

Very well explained and demonstrated sir👏👏

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Well, thank you very much 😊

[@sakman8610]

Thanks, learnt a lot.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks mate, glad it helped you. Cheers, Matt.

[@brandondubois3659]

I was bass fishing and after catching a few Alabama Bass, I hooked on a 3 foot Carp. Didn’t even know he was in the pond. Broke off my hook right when I got him to the bank.. on a Crankbait haha

[@matthewcollinsangler]

👍

[@daveduznotrull]

Top video that I needed to see. feeling pissed off with my self and ashamed of my fish handling today as I dropped a 10lb carp onto the edge of the peg. it was all calm then it decided to flip out of my hands as I was about to return it. felt really bad as it knocked of a few scales. making some big changes after today

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Dave, thanks for your comment mate. None of us are born knowing how to correctly handle and care for carp. Like anything it's a skill that has to be learnt. I wish you all the best with your fishing and I'm happy that the video has helped you. Cheers, Matt.

[@epiphonespec]

Matthew just finished watching all of your videos, thanks for great tips and everything you are doing, I hope you wont mind if I will borrow some of those tips, especially about carp care and share them with carp anglers of Lithuania on my videos, as I can clearly state that even for some advanced level carp anglers these tips will be something new he he, it is shame great to that I found some new and useful information here which definatelly will improve my future sessions on the bank

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi! Thanks very much for commenting and I am glad you found useful information. This channel is all about sharing knowledge that I’ve accumulated over many years from many sources. I love learning new skills and I’m always the first to say that I don't know everything and I know that I still have much to learn. This is why I love carp fishing. It's no problem if you include some of these tips in your videos, carp care is always the no1 priority. All the very best with your fishing and your channel. Regards, Matt.

[@wheremylifego3790]

wow ...that's amazing, learnt alot from this video ....thank you (bet it dont go down like that for me tho)😂😂

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks for commenting. Don't forget that in hot weather you need to be quick, use loads of water before and during. Best of luck! Matt.

[@jorik4859]

TY ! Really helpfull video ! I'm 12 and fish on carp for 5 years and this is really helpfull !

[@matthewcollinsangler]

+SoFlo_Iced Hello again mate, thanks very much for your comment! I'm delighted that you found it useful and it's great to know that you are paying as much attention to carp care as you are to rigs. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.

[@jorik4859]

+Matthew Collins ty GL in the fishing !

[@May4thbwithu]

I've just realised you remind me of Ray Mears!

[@leerandall3204]

I'm sorry to say but it's common to see fish handled badly by people that really should know better, Only tonight I watched a programme where a TV presenter didn't bother remove a watch and placed a carp onto a un-hooking mat that was bone dry from sitting in the June sun (Matt Haye's on a show about French carping, lake escapes) Then he walked a 20 plus pound sturgeon back to the lake down a muddy slope in he's hands, no sling, This on a TV show to educate angler's, So thank you for this upload, it's nice to see people taking the time to teach people the right way !

[@matthewcollinsangler]

+Lee Randall Hi Lee, thanks very much for taking the time to comment on the video and I'm delighted that you like it. As a fishery manager I often see mistakes being made by clients and that's OK because I'm there to help them. I was trained how to hold carp by a professional angler and I've also learnt some valuable tips from fellow fishery managers. It's great to know that there are other anglers out there that are as passionate about good carp care as I am. Cheers, Matt.

[@leerandall3204]

I know I made mistake's & some more than once, However with all the magazine's/ dvd's out now (& FREE content on social media) there is no reason for people not to know better, So thanks again for taking the time to educate angler's, I wish all this knowlage was freely available way back when I started

[@saveamerica5265]

I did learn something tho. I'm 13. My first carp fishing trip is tomorrow. I've seen these other people on this channel just pick them up by the gills and push and pull back and fourth in water for realese. He carted the poor carp around the place and dropped it. I was wanting a good tutorial for my first time. But i read his comments and they all said he is horrible so I looked up the proper way and came here. If I sent u a link to his video you would cry because it's just awful. Anyway thanks sir. I hope I catch one and I'll be sure to get a better net asap

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Chris, it’s great that you are researching how to handle a carp before you actually catch one! Carp breathe by drawing water in through the mouth and through the gills which extract oxygen as it passes. If water flows backwards through the gills it takes oxygen away from the fish so it’s like drowning them really. During the summer it’s very important that the mat or cradle is as cool as possible so pour plenty of water over it before bringing a carp anywhere near it. I wish you all the best with your carp fishing mate and hope you grow to love the sport as much as I do. Cheers, Matt.

[@michaelwilson4643]

hi mathew that was proffesional and amazing to watch i used to fish the river lea when i was young and always loved fishing, now i have got my long hours at work out of the way iv got all my new carp gear ready but need your advice please, is orabase ok to use as an anticeptic as i feel compelled to try help these fish if needed, kind regards mike in lancashire.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Mike, thank you very much for the feedback. I’ve not heard of the use of Orabase for treatment of hook holds etc. so probably best not to use it. You can definitely use a product called Betadine which in scientific terms is a 10% solution of Povidone-iodine. It comes in spray form and gel form and is readily available from any pharmacist. Propolis is also a fantastic product for accelerating wounds to heal. We use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide to clean large wounds. It’s particularly useful for an ulcerated fish. Then of course you’ve got the carp care products. My favourite is the Nash medi-carp. Just dry off the hook hold or body wound with a cotton pad and apply. It sticks like XXXX to a blanket and solidifies on contact with water. Hope that helps and that you enjoy the rest of the channel. Cheers, Matt.

[@pauli1968]

Fantastic video, I am going carp fishing tomorrow with my 9 year old son. There are some big carp where we are fishing, so this video is amazing. We will follow your instructions to the exact. We are using bait stops to hold our sweetcorn and luncheon meat. Have you any tips for rigs and bait! Kind regards, Paul Nelson

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Paul, Thanks very much for commenting. Glad you like the video and wish you all the best with your fishing adventure. If you're using luncheon meat then you may need to use a very large bait stop. There are specialist systems for mounting it as it is a delicate bait. You could of course just go old school and thread through a piece of couch grass. I've been using boilies to catch carp for many many years now. It's all you need. They are easy to fish with and can withstand the attentions of other fish. At up to £12 per Kg they may seem expensive but if you're serious about catching carp they are the bait to use. It's doesn't really matter what flavour. Buy something you like the look and smell of and fish with it with confidence. You might want to check out my rig video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3WYaYece6qWp68 The only thing I would say is that a braided rig is not easy to master as they are prone to tangle. They are great for fishing in a solid PVA bag but that might be a step too far at this stage. I would replace the braid with 12-15lb mono depending on the type of water you're fishing. Just use the same stuff you use for your mainline. If you use mono with an inline lead you need to be sure that you are fishing on a hard piece of lake bed for it to sit correctly. Use an out turned eye hook if using mono. These are also called chod hooks. You might be better off just fishing standard lead clip system. If so use one that pins the clip to the swivel. Don't push the tail rubber on too hard as this can be very dangerous. Sure you might lose a few leads but it's better than running the risk of tethering a carp. A basic running run with a swivel lead also works very well. Also use at least 600mm of rig tubing to protect the carp. I know that's a lot of info but I hope it gives you food for thought. Good luck, have fun, Matt.

[@pauli1968]

Matthew Collins thank you so much for your reply. Priceless information and advice. Charley has already caught a fish. He’s winning 1-0 so far .

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@pauli1968 That’s great! Don't forget to head on over to our website for tons more carp fishing tips on our blog page: www.frenchcarpandcats.com/blog/ Cheers, Matt.

[@EODM1]

Another very good video Matt. I've been fishing for years and this is the first time I have seen a video on the correct way to handle a big carp or any other fish for that matter! well done mate 👏👏👏

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Garry, thanks again for commenting. It's great to know that our work is appreciated. All the best, Matt.

[@RileyNA]

Hardly anyone fishes for carp here in America so videos like this are a life line. Thanks!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Glad you enjoyed it Nick! More videos coming soon :)

[@royclose868]

it's ironic that some anglers still don't know how to care for the carp on the bank get prepared first that's what i say 👍🎣🎣🎣

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Roy, couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for commenting and I hope you enjoy some of my other videos. All the best with your fishing. Matt.

[@josecardenas5812]

It’s ironic how you care so much about the carp when you put a hole in its mouth and get it out of its habitat for a period of time

[@Flippin4Fish]

Cheers mate had my first sesh today they are slimy buggers

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks for commenting. I don’t know about slimy lol but they certainly are slippery! Catfish and bream would definitely win in a slime off vs a carp lol. Enjoy your fishing. Cheers, Matt.

[@Flippin4Fish]

@@matthewcollinsangler yeh something like that, just one more question what’s the best way of calming a carp down cos they were jumping and just doing the complete opposite to what I wanted haha

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@Flippin4Fish Hi mate, best method is to pre soak a soft towel and carefully cover the carp’s eyes. They don’t like the high light levels they experience when they are out of the water. Leave it in place and once the fish is calmer, try again. Remember, the more stressed you are, the more stressed the fish will be. If the fish tenses up or flicks fins or the tail in aggression, then immediately lower to the mat, rest him for 30 seconds, eyes covered and go again. Best of luck, Matt.

[@Flippin4Fish]

@@matthewcollinsangler will try that just can’t stand them slapping themselves on the mat makes me think they are bashing themselves up

[@dcdfm18bf18]

hi there! i was wondering what sling and cradle you are using? Great vid!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks! So the sling I'm using in this video is the Trakker XL floatation sling. They're not cheap but they are good slings and they've worn well. Cheers, Matt.

[@dcdfm18bf18]

@@matthewcollinsangler and the cradle?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@dcdfm18bf18 Oh yes, forgot the cradle. The one I'm using here is the Nash monster carp cradle mkII. It's no longer available but I'll be buying Nash cradles again as they've lasted very well.

[@josh.w3554]

Hi I know I am a little late to comment but what is a safe amount of time to keep the carp out of the water? I always get worried I leave it out to long

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks for commenting. In general, I’d you don’t want to leave them out for more than a few minutes. Temperature is a factor. Carp can survive out of water longer in the winter than in the summer. To get the job done ASAP, you have to be organised. Get everything ready (including the photographer or the self take gear) before the carp comes out the water. Keep the cradle as close to the fish as possible so you don't have to walk far with it. You should be able to unhook, weigh and photograph in under 3 minutes. If the fish is misbehaving and you need more time, return the fish to the water in the sling for a few minutes before having another go with the photographs. In the summer, on a hot day, speed is of the essence, as is properly wetting and cooling down everything that comes into contact with the fish. Keep your weigh mat and sling in the shade too. Use plenty of water and if necessary have two buckets on standby. Make sure the fish is vertical and moves away under its own steam before letting it go. Hope this helps. Cheers, Matt.

[@rikcharter8436]

Good vid. Tho I wouldn’t spin the carp I’d walk around the other side of the cradle. And my mate with the camera does the same. I

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Whatever works for you mate 😊

[@saveamerica5265]

Is a net with wider holes ok? I hv no other net. I'm saving for one.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Chris, great to see you’re thinking carefully about carp handling and care. Basically a finer mesh is better as there is less chance of damage to fins so when you have enough money it would be a good idea to change to a finer mesh. Also, if you can, buy a bigger net than you think you need. Nothing worse than hooking a large carp and trying to bundle it into a net that is too small. I carry two 42” nets just in case of a double take but perhaps a 36” net will be large enough for the size of carp you''be fishing for and if double takes become a part of your fishing then you may need to think about getting another one. All the best with your fishing, Matt.

[@cell3821]

Hi Matt, just a quick question do you have to lull the carp to a dull state or can I retrieve it out the net quickly to ubhook it, take a quick photo and release it or will it be too jerky and flip out

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, I’d really recommend using barbless hooks because it's really easy to unhook the carp in the net and clear the rod out of the way first. It’s the safest way of unhooking the carp. Unhooking in the net with a barbed hook is a lot harder so in that case, you’d have to take the carp to your mat/cradle. In hot weather it's really important to get the carp back in the water ASAP so it should be a quick pic and slip it back. In cooler conditions you can take a little bit more time and allow the carp to calm down a bit before trying to take your photo. Either way, the whole process should only take 2-3 minutes. Any carp can become jerky and flip on you, if that happens, you need to roll it onto your forearms and gently lower it back on to the mat and let it settle for a few seconds. Hope that helps. Cheers, Matt.

[@cell3821]

@@matthewcollinsangler respect matt

[@StelmachsWorld]

Hey brother, can you do a video more indepth on unhooking specifically carp? I seem to find myself struggling to get the hooks out of their fatty mouths and the carp are out of the water way longer than necessary. It would help me and I bet plenty of other beginners, also it would save fish.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks for the suggestion. I didn’t do a great job explaining this in this slightly old video. So to remove a micro barbed hook, you need to apply pressure to the hook eye in the direction of the hook shank while holding the mouth next to the hook point firmly in position. You’ll hear a pop and the hook’s out. These days, I only fish barbless hooks which are much easier to remove and I remove them in the water, so another option for you is to go barbless. Hope that helps, Cheers, Matt.

[@StelmachsWorld]

@@matthewcollinsangler thank you

[@clutchsharp2343]

How long can a carp be without water without damage done?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, thanks for commenting. In general, you don’t want to leave them out for more than a few minutes. Temperature is a factor. Carp can survive out of water longer in the winter than in the summer. To get the job done ASAP, you have to be organised. Get everything ready (including the photographer or the self take gear) before the carp comes out the water. Keep the cradle as close to the fish as possible so you don't have to walk far with it. You should be able to unhook, weigh and photograph in under 3 minutes. If the fish is misbehaving and you need more time, return the fish to the water in the sling for a few minutes before having another go with the photographs. In the summer, on a hot day, speed is of the essence, as is properly wetting and cooling down everything that comes into contact with the fish. Keep your weigh mat and sling in the shade too. Use plenty of water and if necessary have two buckets on standby. Make sure the fish is vertical and moves away under its own steam before letting it go. Hope this helps. Cheers, Matt.

[@TheIridescentFisherMan]

Hi Matt, do you have any information on retaining a fish? I see lots of people holding them in a retainer overnight for pictures in the morning. Is this safe for the fish? Also on a normal day. Not too hot. What's about the longest time you'd be comfortable handling the fish if not using a retainer in the water.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, I only retain a fish in the spring or winter, never during the summer or autumn when the oxygen levels are lower. I use a floating retaining sling for up to 1 hour but if I need to sack a fish for longer, I’ll use a proper carp sack with a marker buoy tied to it so that the fish can sit at a comfortable level for 2-3 hours.

[@TheIridescentFisherMan]

@@matthewcollinsangler Right on, thank you for the info. As a follow up so I can educate some of my friends. Does retaining/sacking them longer just increase stress? At what level does this become extremely detrimental/lethal? I imagine after a time it could really hurt spawning/growth I'm sure that's part of why you avoid it in summer along with the low oxygen. I understand this subject might be a little touchy especially at your level of carp stewardship. If you prefer we could talk in a less Public space about it.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@TheIridescentFisherMan Yes, you’re right, the longer the fish is kept in a retaining sling, the more stressed they’ll become so it’s something that should only be done when you really have to. At what level is it a problem? There’s no definite answer I’m afraid. Depends on the age of the fish, the health of the fish, water depth, oxygen, temperature. You shouldn’t do it really unless you really understand all of this. Very good questions, probably the topic of a future video! Hope that helps.

[@polishlad8873]

Mark how long do you think its safe for carp to be outside the water? A lot of people say 5 minutes but i think unhooking , weighing and photographing must take longer than that.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

I've never timed myself but 3 minutes should be enough. In winter carp can survive longer out the water, in summer you need to work as quickly as possible. The best way to do it quickly is to be well prepared before taking the carp out of the water, with everything you need to hand.

[@polishlad8873]

Thank you Mark!! Will keep that in mind!

[@baldieonbikes2857]

is there anywhere I can get the sling and cradle without breaking the bank? looks so much better for the fish than a silly piece of foam on the floor

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, quality fish care equipment costs proper money I’m afraid and I haven’t got a good answer for you. However, generally speaking the best stuff does last. Here at the lake we use Nash monster cradles which are well made and durable (2 years so far, no issues), I would recommend starting with the smaller version. We had some Fox cradles which were as expensive but only lasted a year. I looked at the Avid Cradle but that drainage mesh will fail pretty quickly making it useless. The Nash H-Gun range is good value for money but I can’t vouch for its longevity. I’ve used many different slings over the years and it’s a simple case of buy cheap, buy twice! Currently we use the Trakker XL retainers. They are well made with high quality zips. For my river carping I use the smaller Trakker weigh sling. The material is the same (super quality, high drain rate, thick and tightly woven) with the same quality zips. It’s shorter and more manoeuvrable but doesn’t have the floats. If you’re looking for good sling this is definitely the one. Quality fish care equipment might not look as cool as nice rods and reels but it’s better for the carp and you’ll get more respect from experienced anglers for prioritising fish care. Good luck, Matt.

[@baldieonbikes2857]

Thanks Matt, I managed to get a set from NGT for the short term, long term I do plan to move onto more expensive ones. Cheers for all the info man, one of the best replies I have had on youtube!

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, OK cool, that should get you started and through a couple of seasons. Glad I could help :) Matt.

[@achannel1124]

the intro music gave me acid flashbacks

[@mikamantynen2976]

I wonder if drying carp's skin will cause more damage than actually help healing process or disinfect the wound. I have tried to look for any research done in this area, but with no results.

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Mika, I understand your concern, you’re right there’s very little information available on this. I am in contact with a fishery management lecturer at Plumpton College who’s done long term studies on the use of antiseptic and propolis for carp care. The conclusion was that the use of propolis is beneficial in all situations and it adheres better if the area is dried first. You’re right, it’s really important to protect the mucus layer as much as possible as it’s an element of the carp’s immune system. Cheers, Matt

[@mikamantynen2976]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thank you so much for the answer. Hadn't heard of propolis before, but will look for it now!

[@finnkelly1170]

Do you need the sling to get the fish out or not

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Yes, it’s better for the carp

[@finnkelly1170]

@@matthewcollinsangler ok thanks

[@yassy23]

Might be an old video or theme already discussed, but what carp care product would you recommend ?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, my favourite branded carp care is the Nash medi-carp. Just dry off the hook hold or body wound with a cotton pad and apply. It sticks like XXXX to a blanket and solidifies on contact with water. You can also use a product called Betadine which in scientific terms is a 10% solution of Povidone-iodine. It comes in spray form and gel form and is readily available from any pharmacist. Propolis is also a fantastic product for accelerating wounds to heal.

[@yassy23]

@@matthewcollinsangler Thank you for your response.

[@dannymidas88]

Great video but why didn't you zip the sling up when you removed and returned the fish?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Danny, thanks for commenting. You are right that on certain designs of slings, zipping up the sides would be essential. At Beausoleil we use the Trakker XL floatation retainer slings. These have a nice deep and long pocket design for massive carp and it hangs well below the depth of the bottom of the zips. As long as the carp is roughly in the centre there is absolutely no chance that it can slide out. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.

[@dannymidas88]

Matthew Collins cheers for reply just think it's best to tech people to zip up just to be on the safe side not all slings are like the trakker ones other than that brilliant video mate 👍

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Danny, that's a fair point mate. I just got so used to the trakker slings that I overlooked that detail. Cheers, Matt.

[@Stewartchampion]

Does the sling not help with the mucus on the carps body ..you said don't let it touch ya clothes...then I thought what about the sling and the net etc.just a thought

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Stewart, nets and mats and slings are okay because they are designed to be in contact with a carp when thoroughly wetted down. Your clothes are dry and that’s the main problem. Hope that helps, Cheers, Matt.

[@Stewartchampion]

OK cool thanks

[@frankhayes1135]

A most important question. You seemed to have the fish out of the water for a long time. How long can a carp stay out of the water?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Frank, thanks for commenting and for your question. Carp can stay out of the water happily enough for a number of minutes but it largely depends on the water temperature. In the winter they can stay out of the water for longer because they are cold blooded. When it is warm, you need to act as quickly as possible and make sure that everything is kept as cool as possible. In the summer I keep my mat in the shade (if I can) and douse well with lots of water before placing the carp into it. This video was filmed in October when the water was cooler. During the shoot we rested the carp in a floating retainer once or twice at least to give the fish a break. I hope that helps answer your question and thanks for watching the video. Cheers, Matt.

[@Luca-xv3oy]

The carp I catch are so fukin slimy they just slip right out of my hands

[@jimladbrooke3833]

How about trying not to touch them at all, I don’t bother with pictures and all that messing around

[@francismoran2821]

Blimey how long was that carp out of the water,. If you were that concerned, just put it back

[@richardhumberstonept622]

New to fishing, I just dropped a carp. It slipped out of my hands, I wasn’t standing but my brother and friend weren’t happy 😔

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi Richard, these things can happen. Hope you found the video useful, any questions, let me know. All the best with your fishing, Matt.

[@richardhumberstonept622]

Matthew Collins I was worried as when we put it back in it wasn’t moving in the net but fortunately it did start swimming. Still here but having no bites whatsoever, tried a few different places and baits. Any tips?

[@matthewcollinsangler]

@@richardhumberstonept622 Hi Richard, it can bee a tricky time of year actually for fishing depending on the oxygen levels, so it’s a bit difficult to answer that one. At our lake, if anglers are struggling, 90% of the time it’s down to a rig problem or a hook problem (it’s virtually never a bait problem!). I would always recommend a simple rig with a razor sharp hook, make sure your rig mechanics are spot on, then you need to be in the right place at the right time. I’d suggest you check out my mono D rig video, it's simple and highly effective: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqCrc2SdnsSmh9U Good luck, Matt.

[@humbleorganics1261]

Once you catch the fish should releasing it be a quick process how long should I take to release the fish in minutes would u say like no more than 5 minutes out of water ! Yeah

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Hi mate, IMO 5 mins is too long and can distress the fish. In hot weather 5 minutes could be fatal. 2-3 mins maximum should be your target. When we filmed this we rested the fish multiple times to get the footage we needed to make the video. It was also filmed out of season in cooler conditions. Cheers, Matt.

[@seanwilliams5953]

D

[@kydop6128]

it's out of the water for a while though...

[@lmmusic6542]

you net the carp put it on a wet mat unhook it maybe a photo and put it back asap no need for unnecessary rubbish the longer it's out the water the more its hurt your crap antiseptic won't help anything

[@Billkwando]

At what point do you eat it?

[@ryansmith2814]

If you care about that fish so much why don't you get it back in the water asap

[@hangazak]

Yeah you didn't check the fins when you turned the sling around man.. 😂😅

[@user-id7fk5pj3b]

Great advice everyone should understand the right and wrong ways of handling a fish once caught, i have seen some terrible and cruel ways fish have been netted put onto the bank without so much as a mat and on one occasion even seen a fish taken from the net and just literally thrown back to the lake this was done in a Utube video disgusting 🧓

[@matthewcollinsangler]

Thanks very much 😊

[@seanwilliams5953]

D