Q What is the best way to play a hooked carp? I see some anglers play them with their rods up in the air while others do it with their rods down low. Keith Hutchinson, via email

JACK FUNNEL: It is down to personal preference and the situation that you are faced with. Having the rod high is essential when fishing on a weedy lake, to try and keep the carp up in the water. Having the rod to the side can help steer the fish away from any snag or obstacle, and it is also a lot comfier when playing them. I generally have my rod to the side. Occasionally, I will put the tip under the water. I feel that you can bring fish in much quicker that way, so generally do it for smaller fish when match fishing. It is also a good way of keeping fish away from the other lines, if you think it has gone underneath them. There is certainly no one way or a right way of playing them, it is down to personal preference and assessing conditions on each occasion.

You should learn to play hooked carp in a variety of ways to ensure you land them