Carp fishing in or near snags, grassy areas, or even around reeds—these are the features I always look for. These areas always hold fish as they provide shade on hot days, food, and shelter from danger. Grassy areas also have higher oxygen levels during the day and retain heat at night, making them prime locations for carp.
Now, let's talk about the gear you need.
I recommend using a braided line with a minimum of 30lb strength, paired with a tight line and a tight drag to give you immediate indication. Just one or two beeps, and you need to react—otherwise, the fish will get into the snags, break you off, or rip the hook out. I also highly recommend using stronger end tackle: a high-abrasion-resistant leader of 40lb or even 50lb, a 30lb hooklink material, and a size 4 or 2 hook.
If you are fishing these areas, carp care should always be a top priority. You should have a way to access the area in case a fish gets snagged up or you get stuck, to minimize damage to both the fish and the environment.
Locking your rods down is another essential step to ensure the fish steers clear of the snags. When these fish take your bait, they charge straight for cover. Locking the rods down will help prevent losing tackle and keep the fish from reaching the snags.
I have caught hundreds of carp in snags—they always go there for safety and food. If your lake has snags, I highly recommend spending time locating where the carp hold up. A drone or a boat with a decent fish finder can help immensely. If you don’t have those, arriving early to observe carp activity or using the classic "leading around" method before your session is a great way to identify snags and open patches among the grass. Look for possible entry and exit points and target those areas with a small mousetrap rig or two to three Spombs to get their heads down and trigger a quick bite.
Using oil-based boosters in your feed will help draw them out and down to your baited area. The oil penetrates through the water layers, creating a trail of attraction leading straight to your hook bait.
Have you ever tried fishing near snags? This is your call to get out there and catch a carp from those rarely fished areas!
— by Stephen Donovan Watson