Hey guys

 

So I am going to try carp fishing for the first time tomorrow. I never actually targeted them, just caught them randomly on night crawlers. I am told I am supposed to use corn, but what size hook is usually preferable? Also, what other baits are sure to work? Maybe something larger to avoid bullhead snatching the corn? I wont have enough time to purchase a hair rig, so will a catfish rig or a bobber work as well? I will be on a boat on the Chicago River. Thanks guys!

I use a very small hook, #8 Gamakatsu Octopus hook, on 6 or 8lb fluorocarbon leader, to a slip sinker rig like you're catfishing, with a 10-20 pound braid main line. Thread about 3 pieces of corn on the hook, toss out a few handfuls of corn (if legal), around where your bait is. Nightcrawlers are good bait too, so are doughballs but if you don't have time to make a hair rig you don't have time to make any doughballs either. Bread can be good but there's nothing you can use for carp that a bullhead isn't going to try to eat. 

We always used corn.  Buy a cheap can.  Small hook like blue bass said I use a couple good size split shot to get it down to the bottom.  Chum the water a bit with corn if legal.