I love catching 4 and 5lb carp. I like the battle on light equipment. I also like to cut a 3 inch by 4 inch chunk and catch a good Flattie with it.
There's plenty of carp around here but I have never been able to catch one. I think that I may start targetting them for bait.
Flatheads have loved every cut bait I've ever used. But I've found that they are more likely to strike at something that is found in thier environment. So, if you are fishing where there are no carp, using carp as cut bait, they may not be as likely to go for it. What I do is baitfish in the same body of water that I am going to be catfishing in. Finally, a good use for carp!
Cut carp is one of the best baits for channel catfish. All you need to do is, scale and fillet it. Leave that skin on. The skin is tough as leather. You can cast a fresh piece as hard as you can, and it will not come off. Great bait!
Ive caught some big flatties on fresh cut carp, but Ive also caught alot of big flatties on about every fresh cutbait ive thrown.
Never had much luck on cut carp for flatheads, but it is great for channels. Asian carp are a huge problem around here. They make a great cut bait since they are so oily.
That's been my experience, too, and I don't understand it.:confused2: Kinda fun, tossing a cast net over a 5# carp in 6" of water, though.:smile2:
As very well stated already, if carp are native to the body of water you are fishing, then it is one of BEST baits for channels; flatties...not so much. But surely worth a try, you will not be disappointed. I agree with scaling first then filleting, I have caught numerous fish on one strip before literally having to tear it off the hook. Larry
cut carp works great in central ohio for channels and the best part is you can fish all day on 1-5 pound carp cut into 2 inch squares.
I like to use whole carp but its tough to catch a small one around a foot long do guys think cut into strips works just as good for flat heads?
In my river, you can't see a foot into the water. In a tailrace how do they know if it is live or memorex.... er cut? Upshot is They use all senses the biggest being taste/smell with taste buds all over their body. I like cut bait.
