Summer Carp Care: Keeping Fish Healthy in Warmer Waters

As the summer sun heats up the waters, carp anglers must take extra precautions to ensure the well-being of their catches. High temperatures and low oxygen levels can stress fish, making proper carp care essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep carp healthy during the warmer months.

Understanding the Impact of Warm Water

During summer, increased water temperatures can lead to reduced dissolved oxygen levels. Carp, being cold-blooded, are directly affected by these changes. The stress from low oxygen and high temperatures can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases and parasites.

Best Practices for Summer Carp Care

1. Minimise Handling Time

   • Once you’ve landed a carp, aim to handle it as little as possible. Prepare your unhooking mat, weigh sling, and camera beforehand to ensure a quick process.

   • Always wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its slime coat, which acts as a barrier against infections.

2. Use Proper Unhooking Mats and Carp Cradles

   • Invest in high-quality unhooking mats or carp cradles. These products, such as the Trakker Sanctuary Cradle, provide a safe, cushioned fish-friendly surface to protect the carp from injury.

   • Ensure the mat is well-saturated with lake water to keep the fish cool and comfortable.

   • Click here to view our unhooking mats and cradles.

3. Keep the Fish Hydrated

   • Constantly pour water over the fish while it’s on the mat. This helps keep the carp cool and ensures its gills stay wet, allowing it to breathe more easily.

   • Items like the Trakker Sanctuary pop-up bucket is a great way of allowing you to collect water from the lake and pour water over the fish.

4. Efficient Unhooking and Weighing

   • If possible unhook the fish in the water, alternatively carefully remove the hook once the fish is on the unhooking mat.

   • Have your weigh sling ready and pre-zeroed on the scales. The faster you weigh the fish, the quicker it can be returned to the water.

   • Checkout the Sanctuary Weigh Slings here.

5. Limit Air Exposure

   • Aim to keep the carp out of the water for no more than a couple of minutes. Prolonged air exposure can cause stress and potential damage to the fish’s internal organs.

   • If the margins allow, consider taking you catch shots in the water - after all water catch shots look 'carpy!'

6. Revive the Fish Before Release

   • Before releasing the carp, ensure it is fully revived. Hold the fish gently in the water, supporting its belly and allowing it to regain its strength.

   • Move the fish slowly back and forth to help water flow through its gills until it swims away on its own.

Using Carp Care Kits

Carp care kits are essential for treating any injuries the fish might sustain. These kits typically include antiseptic solutions designed for fish and are formulated to disinfect hook holds and any other abrasions, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection.

Monitor Water Conditions

1. Oxygen Levels

   • If fishing in still waters, be aware that oxygen levels can drop significantly. Consider fishing in areas with moving water or where there are aerators.

   • Avoid fishing during extremely hot days when oxygen levels are at their lowest.

2. Water Temperature

   • Use a thermometer to monitor water temperature. Carp become stressed when temperatures rise above 25°C (77°F).

   • If the water is too warm, it might be best to avoid fishing during the hottest part of the day.

Conclusion

Taking these steps to care for carp during the summer months not only helps maintain fish health but also ensures a sustainable fishery for future generations. Anglers who prioritize fish welfare contribute to the preservation of the sport and the ecosystems they enjoy. With the right knowledge and equipment, such as those provided by Trakker, you can make a significant positive impact on carp fishing practices.

Happy fishing, and remember: a healthy catch is a happy catch!