Introduction: Finally, the Float Fishing Adventure Begins!
After months of daydreaming about it, I finally got to test my new float fishing setup for big crucian carp! May 7, 2024, was the day—my 44th trip to the island, and this time, I was using a float fishing rod for the first time. Let me tell you, it was worth every minute of anticipation!
Pre-Trip Prep: A Rush to the Sand Pit
Fu’s Call and Early Morning Chaos
Two days prior, my buddy Fu and I had locked in a Sunday date for big crucian carp at the sand pit. At 6:00 AM sharp, we were set: I grabbed breakfast buns from Huicheng, and we hit the road. Let’s just say, “speed demons” was our middle name that morning—no one was stopping for coffee!
Arriving at the Sand Pit: A Desert-Like Challenge
By 7:00 AM, we rolled up to the sand pit. Oh man, the place was packed—like a mini desert with wind blowing sand everywhere! “No spots left?” I panicked. The north wind was blowing at 3rd level, which felt more like 5th level with gusts. “This is gonna be a battle,” I thought.
Fixing the Fishing Spot: Shovels, Sand, and Survival
When “No Spots” Turns Into “We Made It Work”
Fu and I had to get creative. We used my shovel to carve out two spots in the sand—like building tiny sandcastles, but for fishing! The wind was brutal, but we figured: “If the wind’s here, the crucian carp must be too.” We cleared sand for 30 minutes, and suddenly—we had space!
Bait Formula: The Secret Sauce for Big Fish
My Pre-Mixed Bait That Paid Off
Last night, I spent an hour prepping bait. Here’s what worked:
- Luo Li No.3 Carp Bait: 2 cups (super-smelly, super-effective)
- 918 Fish Food: 1 cup (classic base)
- Fishing King Scented Bait + Rice Wine: 2 cups (added extra flavor)
- Short-Fiber Attractant Powder: 1 cup (sticks to hooks)
- Herbal Wine + Honey + Milk Flavor: Pinch of each (for sweetness)
- Bait-to-Water Ratio: 1:0.8 (5 cups bait, 4 cups water—softens up nicely)
Adjusting for Cold Water: Soft Bait Wins the Day
At first, I tried for carp with hard bait—no luck. By 1:00 PM, I realized: water’s cold, crucian carp are picky! I added more water, making the bait super-soft. Perfect for those tiny, delicate mouths. Game-changer.
Float Fishing Setup: Gear That Fought the Wind
Light Line, Sharp Hooks, 20 Meters Out
My gear:
- Main Line: 1.5lb (strong enough for big fish, light enough for float)
- Subline: 0.6lb (invisible, durable)
- Hook: Size 4 Stream Hooks (tiny, but sharp—for small mouths)
- Distance: 20 meters (deep water, where crucian carp hang)
- Depth: 3.7 meters (targeted zone for big fish)
Catching the Big Ones: When the Bites Hit Hard
From 11 AM to 5 PM: Slow Start, Then Non-Stop
11:00 AM: First bite! A 3-ounce crucian carp (too small, nice but not our target). 12:00 PM: WHOA! A 7.5-ounce beauty! It fought like crazy—perfect hook set. Then the floodgates opened.
By 5 PM: 10 Big Crucian Carp in Total
Fu was going nuts too—he caught 5, I caught 5 (wait, total 10! Oh right, that’s the title!). My biggest was 6.3 ounces—so fat, so good. The fish kept hitting: topwater, big dives, and those classic “upward pulls” that make you grin.
Unexpected Friends: A Frog and a Snake
Wildlife Moments That Made It Special
Mid-day, I saw a tiny snake tangled in grass. It was stuck—so I freed it with my shovel. “Sorry, buddy!” it hissed (maybe). Later, a frog hopped near my bait. I gave it a little piece of soft bait—its tongue flicked it up like a pro. Coolest fishing companion ever.
Wrapping Up: Sore Back, Happy Heart
By 5:00 PM, we were exhausted. My back ached, but my bucket was full of golden crucian carp. On the drive home, I already planned the meals: crispy-fried fish, tofu soup, and cold beer. That’s the good life.
So, would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Next time, better sunblock and maybe a chair with wheels. Thanks, Fu, for the adventure—and for letting me win the bait battle!
