Help fishing with a sinker and hook?

Question

Hey. I've been fishing for all my life only float fishing for smaller fish. I'm tiring of that method now and I'm interested in different types of fishing.

At the pond where I fish I've noticed people just using a sinker, hook and something which detects fish bites. Before I try it I want to know a few things (which is obviously why I've come here =p)

1) What is the rubber instrument I've seen fisherman using to detect fish bites? They've been sitting with their rod sideways from where they've cast. When they get a bite a rubber thing on their rod moves. Any idea what this is and how to use it?

2) Are there any devices I'm missing? I've only been watching other people, I've probably not seen something that's quite important

3) I'm going to be fishing for carp. Will this work?

4) Any specific bait for this? I was thinking boilies.

5) A good hook size for fish around 3-6lbs

6) Is there a "right" line length to leave between the hook and the sinker?

7) I have a few sinkers. Does the shape/size matter, or is the only variable how far I can cast (they're the same colour metal)?

8) Do I need a certain colour for certain fish, or will it not matter as the sinker is not near the hook?

If you can answer most/all of these best answer is coming your way. Web links are okay, as long as they're very informative.

Thanks in advance =)

Answer 1

I will try with what little info you have told about what type rod and reel, and what line strength you use. Carp will eat dough balls you can make and if you made them up in advance use corn water (drain a can of nibblet corn water into the container you store the dough in)

1) it is a useless tool for people who drink and play cards with a line out thinking they can call themselves fishermen

2) only what you haven't read about in the library about fishing

3) Carp have tough d**n mouths and bend thin wire hooks very easy

4) dough is good

5) size 3-6 hooks carp don't have large mouths but they are really strong and tough. get thick wire hooks, Mustad and Owners I think might be to thin

6) depth is what tells you your leader length deep deep water (wrong place) shallow 4-6 feet is where you have your best results and 15-20 inches will be perfect

7) shape and size is of no matter the actual wieght is and if it's too big when you cast it when it hits the surface and drags the bait in behind it the friction on the bait from the water will losen the bait maybe even remove the bait so I tend to use little weights and not cast too far but then I fish from a boat

8) weight color means diddly (except) when on lead heads I paint my lead to match the plastic swimbaits that I use on them, it gives a head to the bait. I also paint the back of the leadheads red giving them with the plastic on it the look of flared gills and it has increased my catch for everything (except vegetarian species) which I think carp are....

Answer 2

I don't know about the rubber things that detect bites but i assume it's for people that don't want to hold the reel in their hand they just want the fish to hook itself then reel it in which to me takes out the fun of fishing.I cast out then let some line rest on my index finger and i will be able to detect the slightest of nibbles.carp will go for doughbait or corn ,the sinker is only to hold the bait down in a certain area if there is no current your weight can be small,usually tied to the bottom of the line color doesn't matter i usually tie a sinker on the bottom and about5 in up make a loop and just pass a hook through.happy fishing hope you enjoy your day.