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The secrets of carpfishing

The most effective baits and the best spots

08 May 2025

Having understood what carpfishing is and what the basics of this technique are (if you missed it, you can read our introductory article here), we now get to the heart of the practice with concrete tips and answers to the most frequently asked questions from our carp fishing fans.

The best baits for carp: boilies, pellets and natural alternatives

One of the most frequently asked questions is: what is the carp's favourite bait? In reality, there is no single answer: the eating habits of carp vary depending on the season, the environment and the activity of the shoal.

Carpfishing boilies, also available in large sizes such as 30 mm boilies, are undoubtedly among the most selective and effective baits, particularly for attracting large specimens. Pop-up or sinking versions are chosen according to the spot and visibility on the bottom.

The pellet also plays a key role. But what is the best carp pellet? Fish meal products with a good protein content and gradual release of flavours are best. Pellets flavoured with salmon, garlic or sweet spices should also be tried.

Cooked Hemp

€ 7.90

Cooked Tiger Nuts

Ideal for effective baiting and priming.

€ 6.90

Tiger nuts

The perfect carpfishing bait for your fishing sessions.

€ 3.90

Top Mix Cooked Grains

Composed of corn, tiger, wheat, hemp and berries.

€ 6.90

Types of carp: recognising them to fish better

Knowing the types of carp present in the spot is important for adapting the strategy. In Italy you can find:

Common (or queen) carp. The variety found in rivers (such as the Po and Mincio) and natural or artificial lakes, has a tapered body completely covered in small, regular scales. Its colour varies from brown to golden with metallic highlights. It is very combative and active in all seasons.

Mirror carp. Frequent in managed lakes and carpfishing quarries: it prefers calm, deep waters. It is distinguished by its large, irregular scales, often only distributed in certain areas of the body. It has a more robust body structure than the common carp. Much appreciated by carp anglers for its beauty and the size it can reach.

Leather carp. Very rare, found only in selected private lakes and spots, although there have been a few sightings in the quieter areas of the Mantova region. Its skin is almost completely smooth and scale-free. It is very muscular and has a compact appearance. Its catches are rare and represent a coveted prize for carp fishermen.

Golden carp. Present mainly in canals, small lakes and sports facilities. Smaller than other types of carp, but extremely lively and combative. Ideal for fishing with a float or in calm waters.

Black carp. A dark variant of the common carp, it is found in large rivers such as the Po and in wild stretches of the Mincio. It presents itself with colours ranging from dark grey to deep black. It is not easy to find, but it is very fascinating and often difficult to spot.

Each variety reacts differently to bait and stimuli, so knowing the type of carp you want to fish and adapting the right technique is crucial to increasing your chances of catching them.

When to fish and what attracts carp?

Another frequently asked question is: what is the best time to fish for carp? In general, these fish are most active at specific times of the day and under certain environmental conditions:

At dawn and dusk, when the light is dimmer and the water temperature is more favourable to their activity.

After a summer storm, when the water becomes oxygenated and stimulates the carp's appetite.

During certain moon phases, particularly just after the new or full moon, which many carp anglers believe influence feeding behaviour.

But what really attracts carp? More than just the presence of food, carp are stimulated by a combination of factors: the quality and flavour profile of the bait, the way it is presented on the bottom and the consistency of baiting over time. An element that is often underestimated is discretion: carp are extremely wary fish and sensitive to noise and vibrations. Moving quietly and keeping the impact on the spot low can make the difference between a memorable catch and a coat.

Rules and respect for fish: when is it forbidden to fish carp?

Carp fishing in Italy may be subject to temporary bans, especially during the spawning season. When do carp spawn? Usually between late April and early June, but the exact period may vary depending on the region and temperatures. During the spawning season, it is good to let the spots rest, out of respect for the fauna and to ensure a future for angling.

Carpfishing in rivers and lakes: two different worlds

Carpfishing can be practised in both lakes and rivers, but the strategies change radically. Carpfishing in the river requires special attention to the current, the structure of the bottom and the presence of natural obstacles. Here you may encounter hardy and combative river carp that live in more dynamic conditions than lake carp.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a spot in a carp-fishing lake, the calm and well-managed waters of the area offer excellent possibilities, even for those who fish carp with a float. In these contexts, the use of targeted baiting with carpfishing boilies and PVA bags can be decisive. The province of Mantua, with its rivers and lakes, is a popular destination for carp anglers due to the variety of environments and the quality of the specimens. Here are some places to go carpfishing in Mantua and surrounding areas:

Lago Inferiore and Lago di Mezzo (Mantua). Although they are in the middle of urban areas, they offer the possibility of catching good-sized wild carp, especially with stealth techniques and light baiting. Fishing is regulated, so it is a good idea to enquire about permitted periods and areas.

Geroli lakes (San Benedetto Po area). A complex of well-managed and well-maintained lakes, where no-kill carpfishing is practised. Suitable for both experts and beginners, with a good variety of carp types, including mirror and queen carp.

Lake Sommo (Goito). A popular destination for enthusiasts in the area, also for those coming from Verona or Brescia. It offers technical carpfishing with carp that respond well to light bait and complex flavour mixes. Perfect for testing new 30 mm boilies or homemade pellets.

Carpfishing is all about details, experience and passion. Keep experimenting and perfecting your technique, but above all, stay up to date: in the next articles you will find even more insights and tips to refine your strategy.