ASK THE EXPERTS
Dear Panel,
While I am still learning the tricks of the trade, is there anything I can do beyond camouflaging my lead and rig setup, cutting baits into different shapes, etc.? Can you think of anything I have missed, maybe to do with bait or rigs, that will help me put a few of these wily, wise old carp that seem to elude me on the bank?
Many thanks,
Karl Howard, Norwich.
Karl,
Interesting question, mate, but I think you’re affording the carp a bit too much respect. Yes, there are a few ‘wily, wise old carp’ in every lake and pond, but the majority are just like any other wild animal – it needs to feed to survive, and must always be alert for possible danger.
Camouflaging your rig and playing around with bait setups and presentation is a fine thing, but you might find you’re trying to run before you can walk! I really believe simple is best in most situations because the more complicated the rig, the more things can go wrong, and, more importantly, if something does go wrong, how do you narrow it down? Is it the size or pattern of hook? Is it the length of Hair, the hooklink length or material? Should the lead be fixed, Helicopter, running, 1oz, 4oz? As you can see, the possibilities are many, and while you’re trying to figure out which one (or maybe more) has let you down, the big, wily carp has finished its lunch and buggered off!
A decent bait is a must.
In any fishing situation you can’t go wrong by following Dick Walker’s wise, wily words: “First find the fish.” It’s probably worth sticking the word ‘feeding’ into that sentence because that’s what we really need, but it’s not always easy to discern the difference sometimes, especially when you’ve just spied half a dozen carp mooching around under the tree from which you’re watching. Chances are that you won’t care whether they’re putting their napkins on, or just settling down for a post-lunch nap, at least you’ve found them and a bit of stealth, patience, and luck will see you landing one of them.
Don’t overcomplicate things.
I go back to the first paragraph. They need to feed to survive, so give ’em something to eat. If you can get them eating confidently on your baited spot, then the simplest of rigs will bring about their downfall. I’m sure I don’t need to waffle on about how to create a feeding situation, you’ve no doubt read many articles and have doubtless tried a few as well, but as with anything in this and every other sport, you need confidence in what you’re doing. If you’re not happy about the bait you’re using, then you won’t apply it properly and opportunities will go begging. You obviously use pellets and boilies, and in 95% of situations, that is always going to be a winner. Quantity will also help, especially in the warmer months, although I was using a kilo or so of boilies during my winter sessions (which normally lasted 24 hours), and was getting consistent action, as were others employing that level or more.
You need to know about your lake; how many acres, how many fish, what other species are present, etc. Plus lots of other things that make each lake its own, special micro-environment (what else is there for the fish to eat?), but let’s not overcomplicate the issue.
Fruits of success.
Get a bait in which you’re confident – I assume you use Mainline baits so give some thought to the vast range of quality baits they’ve got to offer. Don’t just pick one ’cos you’ve seen Dave Lane with a great big carp he’s caught using it, do a bit of research. What bait has been used regularly over the past couple of seasons? It may be that nobody has really put bait out in large quantities, so maybe it’s worth a couple of you getting together and sorting out a bit of a baiting campaign. It’s all down to confidence, and if you gain the carp’s confidence as well, thenyou’re well on your way to a bumper season.
There are a lot of questions to answer here, but they’re not A-Level standard, they’re really simple, and once you start putting the answers together, you’ll see some encouraging results, believe me – and send me the photos when you do.
All the best,
Jenks
