In many parts of Europe and the United States, carp is a popular objective for anglers, who use a variety of specialised baits and homemade selections to lure their catches. The common carp and other species, such as the mirror carp and leather carp are known to consume almost anything it comes in contact with. When it comes to the common carp, it is not unusual to see a fish content with a vegetarian diet of water plants, but insects, zooplankton, crustaceans, and even dead fish also make suitable meals as well.

While carp predominately spends their time feeding on the bottom of waters, they also pay a frequent visit to the surface of the water. This is especially seen during the summertime, when fallen insects make a delicious treat. With this kind of feeding pattern, anglers are able to take advantage of positioning a wide range of bait to entice the fish. Some fishermen have enjoyed desirable results when using bread crusts or pieces of deli meat to bait carp.

Since carp tend to swim in small groups (usually of two or three fish together), bait options including bread crusts or flakes, small pellets, sweet corn, worms, and bunched maggots tend to work fine. But, in order to catch larger carp, which tends to swim on their own, many anglers turn to more advanced fishing bait.

Today, fishing tackle aimed at carp include enhanced methods of luring specimens, such as manufactured bait boilies, high-protein pastes, and pellets containing special flavorings that appeal to the sweet or unique interests of the fish. Paste baits are popular and fairly stiff, making it easy to attach to hooks, but are also used to create a "coating" for other types of bait to increase the level of carp appeal.

Dough baits present a favorable dough-like consistency made of various materials, including corn meal, shredded wheat, liquids, and flavorings. The construction of this kind of bait easily attaches to hooks. Today, anglers make their own dough bait creations that include a wide-range of ingredients, such as oatmeal, wheat germ, peanut butter, strawberry-flavored juices, rabbit feed, and hamburger. As a rule of thumb, carps are attracted to sweet-tasting and crunchy ingredients. This is why items like Kool-Aid, Wheaties, and Doritos have been used in homemade fishing tackle for carp.

Additionally, bait and fishing tackle shops may also sell method mixes, which sometimes include cracked corn, dog food, pulverized seeds, or chicken feed. When tossed into the water, the bait breaks down and attracts fish to the surface. A baited hook is then released into the water with hopes of luring a catch.