#1. Choosing the right line.
The lower Kennebec (from Augusta bridge to the ocean) have a strong current and is affected by the tides so a lot of debris, especially huge logs and whole tree crowns are scattered on the bottom of the river and you will get stuck now and then so choosing a strong line is important so that you don't loose your tackle. But not only that, carps are very strong fish and should not be underestimated. They have no teeth but they have muscle.
Usually when fishing for carp in Europe we do it in ponds which have much clearer water than the Kennebec river so normally I would go with a clear mono-line but since the Kennebec got really murky water you can use a dark braided line if you want (which is what I do) without having to worry about the carp seeing it and getting frightened. Im using a dark green spiderwire line rated for about 25 kilos (approx. 50lb).
#2 Choosing a rod and reel.
I don't see any need for a special carp rod never did really. Usually what I tell people is, Use whatever rod you feel comfortable with. Same with reels however I would advice against using a spincast reel at least the cheaper variants.
#3 Choosing your spot.
The best carp spots are usually where trees overhang water or deep parts near land, along docks and similar places. Some say that they do prefer places where the current isnt to strong and I would agree with this but I would say don't pay to much attention to that because I've caught some big ones going right in the current, and its kind of hard to find those type of places where there is no current in the Kennebec.
#4 Choosing Hook.
Choosing the correct hook is important for carp fishing. A regular J-hook wont hook a carp. You need a very sharp hook that looks like this (upturned or straight eye really doesn't matter):
#5 Choosing Bait.
Carp eats pretty much anything even dead stinky fish but we have to keep in mind that there are at least two other bottom dwellers in the Kennebec and one of them can land you a hefty fine even prison time if you where to hook one, luckily he comes to the Kennebec mainly to breed and not feed, yes im talking about the Sturgeon, Avoid sturgeon by not using clams, crays or fish as bait. The other one is the catfish which like the carp eats almost anything BUT seem to prefer worms and fish so choosing a bait such as maize/corn when fishing for carp is probably the best choice, cucumber works to. I've spent countless hours fishing for carp on the river and only caught 3 cat's on corn whereas if you use worms you will find yourself catching tons of catfish in a day.
#6 Your carp rig. How to knots.
A). How to make the hair rig knot:
http://shoreangling4u.tripod.com/knotguide/id33.html
B). There are many setups to choose from when fishing for carp but there is one that I find the most useful which is this one: http://www.carp-fishing.org/carp_images/kd-rig.jpg
The bait is placed on the "pop-up" or the hair, a bait needle is usually used to get the corn onto the hair but it can be done without one to by pushing the line through the corn with a dulled needle. Carp Safety rig is something that every carp angler should look into as well.
C). Make sure that the line can run freely from the sinker for at least a feet or 2, currently mine just runs free for about a feet and a half this is just so that the carp can pick up the hook without feeling the sinkers resistance because if he does he might spit it out instead.
D). Don't use shiny metals or strong colors other than the bait itself as this may frighten the carp.
E). Bellow is how my rig is set-up. Notice the pink pearl, I use it to keep the sinker from falling all the way down to the hook, I have changed to a darker color pearl, I just put the pink one there so that it would be easier to see. The little yellow gummy ball keeps the corn floating above the hook, while the hook lays on the bottom.
I have a few of these prepared in case i lose one.
A very simplified rig as I can't really find what i need to make a proper rig around here.
Im going to order me some real carp swivels and sinkers someday thought.
#7 Some words of advice.
Don't use floaters these are useless when fishing for carp and the only purpose they serve is to scare the fish. Be patient Carp fishing is time consuming and requires a very patient angler. Make sure that when you are out fishing that the rod is secured and have your line really slack so the carp can run. You may have to wait hours for your first bite maybe even days. But once a carp hits you will know. A carp hits hard.
Some people like to pre-bait. I am not sure this is legal in Maine but I hope it is illegal to pre-bait, I am personally against pre-baiting.
Good Luck!
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