Species · Coarse · Carassius carassius
Crucian Carp
The bronze little cousin of the carp. Shoals tightly, feeds hard and takes almost anything presented - the classic first species that still fills nets all summer. Note that most fish sold as crucians are goldfish or carp hybrids - true crucians are now uncommon.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Stillwaters, ponds, slow rivers, commercial fisheries |
| Best time | All day |
| Category | Coarse |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Pole, Waggler, Feeder
- Baits and flies: Maggots, Worms, Pellets, Casters
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 14-18. Fine wire. Round bend or wide gape |
| Mainline | 0.13-0.15mm. 2-3lb. Mono - low diameter for light rigs |
| Hooklength | 0.08-0.12mm. 4-8". Fine mono - short for fast takes |
| Shotting | Strung out fine shot for light work. Bulk and dropper at depth. |
| Field notes | Crucian shoal tightly - find one shoal and fish it hard; Banded 4-6mm pellet is the go-to hookbait; Short hooklengths and fine tackle - they take small baits quickly; Feed little and often to hold them under the float; Winter crucian on a small pellet in the cold; Barbless hooks on commercial fisheries |
More coarse species
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