jsandy, wish I could help. I consider myself to be new too. I have fished for carp about 6 times in the last year. But I really like it!

So now that I can pretty reliable get carp out of my lake with canned corn I am thinking of moving over to the Fox River to give it a try.

But I am confused about the switch.

If I chum with the canned corn won't it just be washed away by the river current? I think I want to keep using the corn because the idea of using a hair rig just seems like too much for my limited skills.

So can I fish the river with canned corn? And how?

Also I am using a 12 lb test line (and sometimes 8). To get the big ones do I need a stronger line? Or is that where playing the fish comes in?

Just in case it matters, I use a #4 hook (?) tied on the end of the line with a few small weights crimped on about 18 inches up. Does the crimping weaken the line?