ASK THE EXPERTS
Dear Panel
I intend fishing an estate lake in Kent, of about 10 acres It has only been lightly fished during the past five years. Could the team recommend a baiting approach – as the carp have not seen a boilie, or any other type of bait, for five years, so have been feasting on the abundant naturals.
I am hoping to fish a few five-day sessions throughout the year, so would also appreciate it if the team could suggest a list of items which they would consider essential to take with them to a venue of this kind, for five-day sessions.
Kind regards,
Mr. A. P. J. Meers
London.
Mr. Meers
Thanks for your letter. The content strikes a chord with me because I have just started fishing an estate lake and have begun to recall how different they are from gravel pits.
From what I can tell, you have two main challenges - the abundance of natural food, and the lack of angling over the previous years. Although the latter sounds idyllic, it also means that the carp are not used to bankside disturbance, so the first thing you will need is stealth! To overcome the abundance of naturals will take some patience – it’s not just a case of firing in 10 kilos of boilies and assuming they’ll think ‘Yummy, new food we’ve never seen before!’
Initial approach – Response Pellets.
You haven’t said whether or not there are any other species present but I’ll assume the usual suspects are there – tench, bream, roach, perch, and pike. With this in mind I would, initially, want to invite everyone to the feast, so my first approach would be particles and pellets. Hemp, corn, and Response Pellets are a brilliant attractor for all fish species, and it will be the carp’s curiosity that will get them to investigate what the smaller species are feeding on; this will be the main weapon in your armoury. In amongst the particle mix I would include some chopped up boilies – not many at first as they may go uneaten, but then start to increase the number once you feel that the carp and tench are starting to take them. If I had to choose a boilie to use on a new water I think I would have to say The Grange; it seems to have an instant appeal and a good breakdown rate as well. As to fishing the place, well I’m sure you don’t need to be told that those margins sound fantastic, and with the overhanging trees you should be able to keep an eye on the spots you have been baiting to see if anything is taking an interest.
Essential item – food!
As for a five-day session, three things are essential – water, food, and fresh bait. The first two are obvious, but the third will need as much thought as the others. I would suggest air-drying the boilies a couple of days in advance, then take along a carp sack, or something similar, to keep them in when you get to the lake. The particle mix shouldn’t pose as much of a problem, but I would tend to keep the hemp/corn separate from the pellets until you’re ready to use them.
Estate lake success.
I could write pages more put space doesn’t permit, so good luck with your quest. Hope you have great fun, and let me know when you catch a few whackers.
All the best,
Jenks
