Here is a short guide to Carp Care Kits and their importance in fishing. As well as the components of the kit, it is important to know how to use them correctly in order to minimize the risk of infections and diseases in the fish, and thus, preserving the specimen for the future.
What is the Best Carp Care Kit for Anglers, and How to Use it?
First of all, Should I Use A Carp Care Kit?
Absolutely. The true carp anglers know that it is essential to look after fish, and in this way to take care of their quarry in the bank.
Often you can observe fish injuries due to different reasons. Unfortunately, many fishers, without significant worries, return the fish to the water trusting that nature will take care of the rest.
Of course, if there is a healthy environment in the water, where there is a considerable amount of food that provides the fish with the necessary nutrients so that the tissues of the fish can heal, then there would be no significant problems.
But unfortunately, many places do not provide the desired environment and nutrients.
We must bear in mind that fish can also have lesions, as well as humans. And, if in some cases they are not treated, they could lead to more complications and even death.
Preventive measures will always help
If you treat the fish after catching it and throw it again to the water, in that water fish will heal faster. You can primarily observe this in those that had wounds or lesions before, after the treatment there were no visible signs.
The wound can be cleaned and treated with antifungal and antibacterial cleanser.
These substances are marketed mainly for these purposes and have a sticky consistency to remain on even under water. It helps to heal the wound and prevents infections.
So we have to take care of the carp while in the bank side if we want the young specimens of today to be carps of tomorrow.
Why do we use carp care kits
Every angler must have a carp care kit as part of his equipment. Nowadays, many fisheries require this kit as a must, to let you fish.
Generally, the kit is composed of two bottles, one of which is for the mouth, and the other for the body of the fish.
How you should use the Carp Care Kit
Carefully observe any wound that the hook (s) may have produced. Then apply the liquid that is destined to the mouth of the fish.
Again observe the fish in search of any lesion such as blood or if some scales are missing. If so, apply the liquid that is for the body of the fish.
The liquid should be applied using cotton swabs (failing that, just with your finger). This procedure is of vital importance, and every fisher should be aware of it.
Believe it or not, the most significant harm to fish is caused by fishers who are not careful with the fish after catching it.
However, the possibility of damaging the fish is minimum if the angler has the right equipment. Also, of course, care while handling the fish (experience) helps to reduce the damage even more.
Here are some essential items that will help the angler to reduce the damage to the fish
- The Net
The fishing net should be 42 inches for carp, but not smaller than 36 inches. It must have small holes since in the bigger holes the dorsal fins can be trapped (especially with carp). The fish, when wriggling in the net, can damage its fins.
To remove the fish from the water, instead of lifting the net by the handle (and preventing it from breaking) try to bring it towards you.
Then lift the fish out with the arms of the net. Then, remove the handle and wrap it. Make sure, at the same time, that the fins of the fish are flat against the fish’s body so that they do not snap.
- Unhooking Mat
A 24-inch unhooking mat is ordinary. However, for specimen fish, a 48-inch is recommended, so that the fish have enough space in case they start flapping.
Also, it is better to fresh the mat before putting the fish in it.
During unhooking, the fish flaps around. It can lead to loss of mucus of the fish (that acts as a barrier against diseases).
If you have the precaution of dousing the mat with plenty of water lake, this will help minimise the loss of mucus.
- Forceps
You will always need them in your tackle box. In the case of carp fishing, this fish sucks the hook deep into its mouth, and to remove it it is the ideal with the forceps.
Treat the fish carefully, following the recommendations above.
Keep in mind that even the smallest damage can penetrate the protective mucus of the fish and make it susceptible to primary infections.
Damage due to poor handling can also occur.
Always try to release the fish that you caught as quickly as possible while trying to stress the fish as little as possible. For this, the experience is essential, as well as a good carp care kit.
The best method is to unhook the fish and release it from the net. But you do not do this immediately – you must give the fish enough time to recover completely.
Conclusion: An essential Carp Care Kit that Every Angler Should Have
Every carp angler must have this tool as a necessary part of his equipment. We know that it is utmost essential to take care of the fish that we catch on the bank side, and especially before we return it to the water.
As surprising as it seems, most injuries to fish are due to careless fishers. But becoming aware, and using a carp care kit, it is possible to reduce this risk considerably.
The kit consists of an Antifungal and antibacterial cleanser, that you apply to the fish with cotton swabs. These substances are particular for fish, and they help to prevent further infections and diseases, for they have a sticky consistency that remains on the fish under the water.
Generally, one bottle is for the mouth and the other for the body. As an essential part of the kit, we must mention as well: The Net (42 inches for carp), an Unhooking Mat (48-inch ), and Forceps (to remove the hook, for this fish sucks the hook deep into its mouth). Having this kit and following the recommendations above you will help to preserve the future specimens for future generations of anglers.
