STRIKING - generally there is no need to strike, all that is needed is to wind down until the fish can be felt through the rod, then pull back to set the hook.Imagine a take at 100yds with the amount of stretch in mono it would have very little or no effect at all at the other end,on the other hand braid would probably pull the hook straight out or damage the fishes mouth.
PLAYING -
I for one do not play my fish hard, i feel the harder you play the harder the carp fight, wherever possible i keep my rod as low as i can using side strain for most of the fight, a wet line is more abrasion resistant than a dry one.
I once hooked a carp alongside a snag that was sticking out of the water, i then immediately stuck my rod tip below the water, and at over 100yds i played the fish on the surface.
Food for thought, a rod held high fish goes low,rod held low fish up high.
LANDING - this is where more fish are lost than at any other time during the fight, this is when you must, above all other times is to stay as low as possible if the fish wants to run then let it, remember you are now on a short length of line and can part so easily, dont be to eager to get the fish in the net.
Keep the net still do not chase the fish around with the net, but play the fish towards it, when you see its head come up, the battle is nearly over but be patient.
