If you happen to travel the length and breadth of , and you are also a fishing enthusiast, you will be amazed to find the diversity in methods adopted by Indian anglers to catch a fish. From the use of “ ” (Rod made from horn) , which find mention in almost 900 year old ancient Sanskrit compendium, titled Abhilashitarthachintamani or Manasollasa, authored by Western Chalukya king Someshvardava (1126-1138AD), to indigenous Bengal Rods and Reels, the list is so long that describing them is almost impossible. You will also be surprised that many aboriginal methods, prevalent amongst Indian anglers are but a crude form of present modern methods adopted by anglers’ world over. Before dwelling deep in the obscure world of Carp fishing, please understand that angling is much more than catching a fish. It is more like blending with your environment. It is a journey to the land of unknown with many secrets and intricacies. When you cast your line out to catch a fish and wait for the bite, feel the gust of fresh air ruffling your hair. Watch the intricate patterns and ripple, the changing wind forms on the surface of water. Look at the egret somberly waiting for a fish and admire its patience. Whisper to ancient giant trees, standing on the bank since ages, and ask them the secrets of unknown and look at the many branches waving and dancing with the ever changing wind and whispering back the secrets and stories of the old and when you understand the forces of nature and blend with them, just glance at your dipping float and execute the strike. I am sure, whether you land a fish or not, you will go home a happy and content man.

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PART -1 Like all other groups of sportsman, anglers too can be divided in three groups of experts, proficient and novice. If you happen to be an expert, you should skip this article but if you are a novice, struggling to assemble even a basic rig, I assure you that after going through this effort, you will become proficient enough to catch some good fishes. The net is full of information on Carp Fishing but almost all the information is about European style of fishing and piecing them together and using them to target an Indian Carp is almost impossible. In reality, Indian carp being a generic term, used for many different fishes, no one technique can be used to target all these fishes. Basically, three Indian carp are the choice target species amongst Indian Anglers and understanding their habits, habitats and techniques to catch them, very much covers the complete spectrum of Indian fishing. Before going further, it will be prudent to understand the identification, bio-diversity and feeding relationship of these three Carp, namely Catla (Catla catla), (Lobio rohita) and Mirgal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus). Many studies have established that these three major carp of India share the similar food but there is a marked difference in the quantitative intake of different organism amongst adults. The item which dominates the food of one fish is of secondary importance for the other two fishes. The main food for an adult Catla is manly zooplankton and some phytoplankton. An adult Rohu’s feed consists of phytoplankton & macro vegetation where as an adult Mirgals diet is decayed organic matters, sand and mud supplemented by planktons. These aspects are of utmost importance while deciding the bait and tactics to target these fishes. Below is a brief description of these fishes.

Catla:

One of the most difficult fish to catch, and the hardest fighting Indian Carp, Catla (Catla catla) is the only member of genus Catla, from the carp family . This fish is commonly present in rivers, lakes and ponds throughout India. Mainly a surface feeder, this fish feeds on plankton, Zooplankton, Insects, crustaceans and plant material (Ref. Site http://arccjournals.com/pdf/Animal/41-4 ... -4-006.pdf). Crustaceans consists major part of the food but the interesting part being the high percent of insects (8.082%) in its food chain, opening up the possibility of targeting this magnificent fish on a fly rod also. As evident by its large protruding lower jaw, it is evident that this fish feeds by filtering a lot of water through its mouth and as we will discuss later, using fast dissolving bait and a critically balanced open hook is best bet to target this fish. Many studies have established that the feeding intensity of this fish remained high during non spawning and post spawning period of winter and monsoons but reduces during spawning period of summer. The fish feeds voraciously just after spawning to recover lost weight during spawning period. The IGFA world record for this fish is only 15.4 Kg. but catches as high as 36 kg. have been reported (From Powai Lake, Maharashtra). There is no authentic record of Catla growing over 38.6 Kg. but unauthentic reports suggest that this fish can grow much more than that. The other common name of this fish are Bhakur, Chepti, Boassa and Katla in Hindi, Karaka, Karacatla and Katla in Malayalam, Catla, Katla, Kendai, Theppu Meenu, Kanavi, Yamaneri endai and Karavai in Tamil, Botchee, Botchi, Botcha and Krishnabotcha in Telugu, Katla, Pla Kra Ho in Bengali, : Tambra, Katala, Pla Kra Ho in Marathi, Bawas, Tambra, Thambra in Gujrati, Theil ,Theila, Thaila in Punjabi, Bahkur, Barkur, Bhakur in Oriya (Ref. Site http://www.knowmyindia.in/?p=90 )

For Common Names of this fish Please Refer : http://www.fishbase.org/comnames/Common ... kCode=4637 For further detalis or Identification please refer: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Catla- catla.html

Rohu

Famed for its acrobatic aerial displays and lightning fast run after hook-up, Rohu is a highly sought after game fish of India. Also a member of Carp Family Cyprinidae, this fish shares the same bio-diversity as Catla but it is a column feeder. Juvenile survives mainly on zooplankton but as it grows, it eats more and more phytoplankton. Basically this fish is a herbivorous column feeder, surviving manly on phytoplankton and submerged vegetation. This fish is most active during day time (diurnal) but can be caught during night also. Being a column feeder, the best way to target these fishes is from few feet under the surface. Unlike Catla, these fishes readily pick up dough baits and thus are easy to hook. The IGFA world record for this fish is 12.5 Kg but catches as high as 25 Kg. have been reported (From Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Hydrabad). Unauthenticated reports suggest that these fishes can grow up to 200 cm and weigh as much as 40 Kg. The other common name of this fish are Rohu or Rui in Hindi, Rohitham in Malayalam, Bocha or Gnadu meenu in Telgu and Ruiee in Bengali.

For Common Names of this fish Please Refer : http://www.fishbase.org/comnames/Common ... ockCode=97 For further detail or identification please refer :http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Labeo- rohita.html

Mirgal:

Pound to pound, one of the best fighting Indian carp, Mirgal is also a choice target amongst Indian Angler. Though not known for fast or long runs, this fish refuses to come up easily. A common fish throughout Indian Subcontinent, Mirgal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus or Cirrhinus mirgala) is a ray-finned fish from the genus Cirrhinus. Although a freshwater fish, it can also survive in saline water so don’t be amazed if you catch one from brackish waters. Classified as a very active fish, it thrives in ponds and lakes but spawn in fast flowing streams or rivers. A bottom feeder, adults feeds on decayed organic matters, sand and mud-supplemented by plankton. This fish is known to graze on algae also.

There is no IGFA record for this fish but the maximum recorded weight is 12.7 Kg. (Ref. Site http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Cirrhin ... hosus.html ).

For Common Names of this Please Refer : http://www.fishbase.org/comnames/Common ... kCode=4692

For further detail or Identification please refer : http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Cirrhin ... hosus.html

KNOTS:

Now that the part of understanding all three major carps of India is over, it is time to practice hard some basic knots. There are numerous types of fishing knots and learning and mastering all is not necessary. Some basic knots like knotless knot (hair rig), half blood knot and Palomar knot are sufficient to start. Basically, three kinds of knots required for any fishing setup are as under. 1. Knots for connecting lines to line. 2. Knots to tie hooks 3. Knots for connecting lines to swill etc.

There are few special knots like loop knot or stopper knots and it is of advantage to learn them as well. Below are some links to learn and practice few good knots... http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html

TACKLE:

There are endless tackles available in the market and choosing one for your requirement is a nightmare. As the famous adage goes that “there are more tackles in the market to catch anglers than to catch a fish” I will only say that take your time and choose well before buying your tackle. For me a 7 to 9 feet, medium action rod, paired with a good reel with a smooth drag, which can hold 200 yards of 18~20 lbs monofilament line will suffice for a start. This setup can be used for many applications without many hassles and is forgiving enough to sustain during a rough fight. Carps are notorious for snagging the line around or under the structures and to bully them away from such structures require some muscles in your tackle.

It is an established fact that many fish die after a long fight, because the physical exertion depletes the oxygen from the tissues, forcing the muscles of the fish to function anaerobic. The build up of Lactic acid in the tissue of the fish, due to anaerobic condition, can be fatal for the fish. That is why I do not recommend light tackle while going after Indian Carp.

I am a firm believer in using one rod or at the most two rods, if I am fishing different depths. In case fishes are on bite, one rod is more than enough and if they are not, putting more rods will not make them bite.

Other than a good rod and reel one will require line, some hooks, swills, split shots, different floats, spare lines for rig tying, pop ups, feeders, stoppers, rings, boily needles and stoppers, small springs and different lead weights. As all these items are not readily available nor practised in India I will try and describe in detail one by one, the function and how to make a substitute for items which are not available. Once understanding the functioning and construction of these few items, I am sure you will become a master in rig making and will surely catch lot of fishes.

LINE:

A good quality Monofilament line, from 18-20 lbs from any reputed manufacturer is enough to get started. There are lot of different types available in market but I prefer a soft, clear or invisible line. Sometime it is better to use lines which blend with the bottom. For example, a multicolour line is a good bet while fishing a gravel bed but a green line is best for weedy area. The best multipurpose lines are clear, red or invisible.

The Monofilament line is prone to aging due to exposure to sun and should be checked periodically before any fishing trip. There other disadvantages of this line also, like high memory and twisting but with a bit of care and effort, this is the best and cheapest option. I know many anglers prefer fluorocarbon as a main line, due to its least reflective index and less stretch but due to its high cost I only use it for some of my rig tying purposes. The best way to check an old line is to tie a single loop knot and jerk it from both sides. An aged line will break on a slight jerk. It is highly recommended to check the line after every fight and in case of any abrasion or over twist, cut the faulty line.

Here is an illustration of how to check an old line.

(Video link to be posted)

HOOKS:

The main part of any fishing setup, which actually catches fish for us, the hook, is the most important part of any tackle box. The type and size of hook plays a very important part in designing or tying any rig. Special attention should be applied in understanding the sizes, types and application for all kind of Carp hooks.

Before discussing further on different types and merits of hooks used in Carp Fishing, lets understand the basic Anatomy of fishing hook. As illustrated below, in the drawing, the sharp end of the hook, which penetrates the fish mouth, is known as point. The sharpness or cutting ability of the point is very important while selecting any hook. The best way to check the worthiness of any point is to place the point on your thumb nail and try and drag the hook back. In case the point is sliding, the hook should either be discarded or the point shall be re-sharpened till the point start sticking on the nail.

(Photo to be posted)

The projection extending backward from the point is known as barb. The advantage of the barb is that it secures the fish from un-hooking during the fight but at the same time, the barb hinders the penetration of the point and reduces the hook up percentage. Using a barbless or reduced barb hook is very effective in case the angler can sustain a positive pressure on the fish throughout the fight. The barbless hooks are also fish friendly as the damage caused by them is minimal. Basically four kinds of hooks are used for Carp Fishing, Inward Eye, Upturned Eye, straight Eye and Nailers or bent shank hooks. Inward Eye hooks are used with soft monofilament and acts as a line aligner rig. Upturned Eye hooks are best used with stiff rigs as the shank remains in line with the main line. The straight eyed hooks find least application in carp fishing but they too have some advance application. The Nailer, due to its bend is best hook and finds maximum application with some deadly result. The size of hooks I prefer ranges between #8 to#4 but for small carps or while fishing just under the surface, I go as low as #12. In case I want to have one hook in my arsenal for all kind of fishing, I will go with #6 Nailer.