How to Fish Carp with a Float

• 1). Choose the proper tackle. The float should be small enough that a carp can pull it beneath the water without much resistance. A long fishing rod will give you more leverage when you set the hook. The weights you choose should be heavy enough to hold the bait at the bottom of the lake or river, and the hook large enough to hold the corn, night crawler or whatever other bait you choose.
  
  
• 2). Slide the float onto the line then attach sinkers and a hook that carries your choice of bait.
  
  
• 3). Ensure your bait sits at the bottom of the lake or river when your float is on top of the water. Carp most often feed on the bottom, so make sure that is where you keep your bait.
  
  
• 4). Cast your float and bait into shallow areas where you see carp rooting around. You can easily tell when carp are in the area because they stir up bottom sediment. Carp are in these shallow areas to eat or to spawn.
  
  
• 5). Wait several seconds after your float goes down to set the hook. Carp are notorious for nibbling a bait without actually taking it, so waiting a few seconds will ensure the carp has both the bait and the hook in its mouth.