New Year’s Eve Fishing: Catching Big Carp & Crucian Carp to Welcome the Year of the Rabbit
As the old saying goes, “When the golden tiger departs with the pandemic wind, the jade rabbit arrives with red pills to greet spring.” Just a short while after stepping into 2024, we welcomed China’s traditional New Year—Spring Festival. Today is New Year’s Eve, the last day of the Year of the Tiger. I want to wish all fishing buddies a happy family, good health, reunion, and all the best! 🎉
The First Post-Pandemic Fishing Trip Before Spring Festival
The first wave of the pandemic after restrictions lifted was really tough. We survived the darkest night before dawn, and life and work gradually got back on track. On the 28th day of the lunar year, I got a call from Old Wang asking if I had time to go to Zengcheng the next day. I hadn’t touched a fishing rod in almost a month, and I secretly felt like fishing was drifting away from me. But Old Wang’s call brought me back to the passionate days of my youth. The day after tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and there wasn’t much work to do the day before the holiday, so I agreed to go to Zengcheng with him—we’d pick up some New Year goods along the way and catch a few fish to “press the year,” hoping for surplus every year! 🎣
Hit the Road to Zengcheng
On the morning of the 29th day of the lunar year, I finished handling things at the unit just after 9 AM. I hurried home to organize my gear and wait for Old Wang. With the pandemic over, many people who hadn’t gone home for Spring Festival in years finally got to—so the roads out of Guangzhou were packed with cars, and traffic moved slowly. Through the car window, I saw cars loaded with luggage, and the passengers had happy smiles on their faces, excited to reunite with their families. We arrived at our destination around 11 AM—our usual spot, so we did our usual “ritual” first. 🚗
Setting Up Gear for Winter Fishing
Recent rains had been scarce, so the pond water level was low. I used my Shenji 4.5 rod, with water about 1 meter deep. My setup was: 2.0 main line, 0.8 subline, size 4 Jinxiu hook, Ailu float with 1.7g buoyancy. Since it was cold, my target was crucian carp. The bait formula I brought was Field Blue Crucian (small version) + Musk Flavor Crucian No. 2, made into dough bait. I adjusted the float to 3 eyes and fished at 2-3-4 eyes. 🎣
Old Wang helped me throw a few handfuls of rice wine bait to make a nest. After the cold front passed, the temperature warmed up a bit—basking in the winter sun felt so cozy and peaceful. But almost 30 minutes passed, and the float kept getting bumped by fish, but no bites! The pond opposite had geese, so the water was covered with thick green algae—super fertile. I sniffed my bait again: the grain and musk scents were strong, but the fishy smell was barely there. I only brought these two baits, so I quickly asked Old Wang to mix up a fresh batch. 🤦♂️
The Big Catch: First Bite = Big Crucian Carp!
Whoa! The second cast with the new bait got a bite! A big crucian carp landed—over 20 cm long, wider than my palm, and probably over 1 kg. There were definitely fish in the nest, they just weren’t biting—so the problem was really the bait! 🎉
Everyone knows crucian carp come in groups, but I messed up in a hurry—my subline got tangled in a knot! I changed the line and missed the chance for a string of bites. After that, the bites slowed down. Twenty minutes later, I got a black float and reeled in a catfish, then we packed up to eat lunch. 😅
We only caught two fish in over an hour. But the good news? On New Year’s Eve, we caught a big carp and a big crucian carp—breaking my personal record for the weight of a single crucian carp! 🎉
After Fishing: Reunion & New Year Goods
We waited through the tough times and finally got our big catches—welcoming the new year with big crucian and carp. I hope the new year brings peace to the country, safety to the land, and safety to everyone. 🌍
My friend’s mountain villa was really nice. After lunch, we chatted for a while, then took the New Year goods my friend gave us—one chicken in my left hand, one goose in my right, fishing gear and catches on my back, and happily headed home. 🐔🦢
Home Sweet Home: A Tired but Happy Fisherman
My wife was so kind—she saw how tired I was and cleaned up the chicken and goose all by herself. Having a good wife is better than having a million acres of fertile land! Hehe, harmony in the family brings prosperity. 🏡
Saying goodbye to the Tiger and welcoming the Rabbit, I wish everyone to turn the tide, achieve great things, have a bright future, and catch big crucian and carp! 🐇
By the way, if you’re planning a winter fishing trip before New Year’s, don’t forget to test your bait first—fertile water needs a stronger fishy smell! And if you’re in Zengcheng, check out that villa—great spot for fishing and New Year goods. Catch you on the next fishing trip! 🎣
