ASK THE EXPERTS
This month's winning question:
Dear Panel,
I have previously used a bait boat to get my hookbaits and free offerings to swims that are 120yds+ out at my local syndicate water. Whilst I have enjoyed a lot of success, I feel that I will not develop as a carp angler as long as I am relying on my bait boat to fish at distance. After a bit of practice, I can now cast to the required swims I want to fish at, however, I now have the problem of accurately getting freebies out to the fish. Is fishing a single bait dipped in a high-attractant (plus a small PVA bag of freebies) a viable option? I am concerned that whenever I’ve fished at this range previously I have always had a lot of bait around the hook, and I probably wouldn't be able to achieve the distances I need when casting a large PVA bag. What do you suggest?
Many thanks
Tim Robins -
Birmingham
Dear Tim
A great question. I’ve had loads of big fish from both home and abroad at similar ranges to those you describe, mate. Another plus side to this question, Tim, is that you’re actively trying to better your carp angling skills by taking it on yourself to learn to cast the distance required, rather than using a bait boat. Now I’m not saying that that I don’t like bait boats, far from it, but what tends to happen with waters that allow bait boats is the minority always end up spoiling it for the majority, I’ve seen it loads of times when people just can’t resist sending the boat out a few extra yards, and this always ends up in a confrontation between anglers, so good on you for learning the art of distance casting.
My chosen shockleader material for spodding at range, Korda's Arma-Kord
Moving on to your baiting scenario Tim. I like the fact that you love fishing over bait. I’m not one for fishing single baits because I just don’t have the confidence to do so – I can fish sticks or PVA bags, just not a single bait!! I know it’s all in my head because loads of my mates catch shedloads of fish on the single bait approach, but it’s something I just can’t get into. What I would try to master next, Tim, is spodding at range, because if you can master this you’ll surely get back to catching the same number of carp as you did when you were boating out your rigs, if not more. First start off spodding at a comfortable range of, say, 70-80yds, then simply keep upping the distance 10yds every practice session, and believe me you’ll be nailing that 120yd mark in no time at all. Also, try to work on your accuracy, as this will be a massive edge when competing with other anglers for the fish.
The Skyraider from Korda, quite simply the finest invention ever for baiting at range
As for tools for the job, you’ll need a purpose-built spod rod to handle the cast. There are several stepped-up spod rods on the market to choose from, but be careful that you are able to compress the rod you choose, what you don’t want to do is to just buy the most expensive, or stiff rod if you are not able to bend the thing!! I use 20lb Whiplash braid to achieve my distance, and I team that with a 30lb Arma-Kord leader, this is then tied to a Korda Skyraider spod, which, if you’ve never used it, absolutely flies like a dart through the air.
This lovely common came from 10yds out from the bank, but by learning to fish, and bait, at range you will put more carp on the bank
That, Tim, is my distance spodding setup, and also one that a lot of the other lads on the panel will be using, so, as I said, try to improve on your accuracy and distance over a few weeks; don’t try to go out there and hit 120yds from the off because in fairness it’s not going to happen, but once you’ve mastered it your photo album will be bursting at the seams.
Good luck with it all Tim.
Iain Macmillan
