Why carp jump and what it means...

Crashing

Reason: “In my opinion this is usually a cleaning up act. It’s possible they are clearing their gills of silt etc. but more likely trying to rid themselves of parasites which they get on them quite regularly.”

You do... “Always worth a cast if they are doing this over a silty area as it may be indicating they have been feeding and there could still be others there. Have a cast at the end of the session with the marker to see if there was a reason they were crashing there.”

Head and shouldering

Reason: “Head and shouldering is my favourite observation as it often indicates feeding. However, it can also be caused by the bigger (fat ones) attempting to crash out but not having the momentum to leave the water so could just ridding themselves of bugs.”

You do...“I try and get a bait to fish that are head and shouldering. If possible, overcast the fish then wind the lead back quickly to drop amongst the fish without the splash.”

Roll

Reason: “How it is captured on the image below – I would interpret as moving/travelling fish.”

You do... “Watch carefully and you may see others doing the same which will then indicate which direction they are moving – try and anticipate where they are heading and move quickly to be able to get rigs in place before they arrive. I’ve seen and done this myself over the years and it can be a very, very productive method.”

Head poking

Reason: “Almost always feeding fish, probably coming up through clean water to rid their gills of debris before dropping back down and feeding again.”

You do... “Get a bait amongst them as soon as possible and make a note of the time of day as well as the exact area. This sort of feeding will be repeated – carp are very much creatures of habit. Remember to check the area out later with the marker rod.”