Category: Bait & Tackle

Autumn Choices : Keith Jones

Autumn Choices with Keith Jones

Autumn Choices with Keith Jones: Although I’ve had quite a productive spring and summer, as is often the case at this time of year I’m thinking about making some subtle changes to my bait and end tackle. I’m moving onto new waters, so one or two aspects might need more of a radical re-think too.

It’s getting to that time of year again, night time temperatures are plummeting, water temperatures are on a downward slide and there are lots of changes happening below the surface. During the daytime the sun is traveling lower in the sky and the hours of day light are shorter too. From an angling perspective it’s all good, as many of these changes will be eventually interpreted by carp as signs that mean its time to go on the feed and build themselves up in preparation for leaner times ahead. I say eventually as the fishing seems a bit slow or patchy on many waters at the moment, but I’ll come back to that shortly.

Autumn Choices : Keith Jones
Autumn Choices : Keith Jones

The new 9ft and 10ft Nash Scope rods seem to be causing quite a stir at the moment. I’ve done a lot of fishing since the spring with 9ft rods and despite some early scepticism I’m now sold on the concept. I can cast as far as I need to and I can’t think of any situations when the shorter rods put me at any real disadvantage, in fact they’ve often provided an edge. The unique retractable handles on the Scopes mean that two rods, Scope net, Sirens and other related stuff can all be packed in the purpose designed Sling which also suits my hyperactive mobile approach. The Scope concept and other radical ideas in the pipeline from Nash could well change the way many of us fish forever!

Part of my responsibilities at Nash involves keeping in regular contact with sponsored anglers fishing different waters up and down the country. A slow down in the fishing seems to have been a common problem in many areas, but if you take a flick through the weekly mags at the moment you’ll find that some fisheries continue to fish well, in some cases some anglers are continuing to catch well whilst many struggle. I’m sure this will be just a temporary blip as the fish take time to acclimatise to a changing environment.

The seasonal changes I’ve mentioned encourage the carp to adopt new patrol routes or settle into new comfort zones, they might even be searching out new natural feeding spots. It’s probable that the anglers that have continued to catch are the ones that have been first to understand the changes and adapt to them. And it’s also worth remembering that the anglers who are not so in tune with their waters may have to endure a more prolonged lack of action!

One thing I often do throughout the year when first dropping into a swim is to dig out my Refresh Water Bucket and scoop out some water from the margins to see what’s available to the fish in the way of natural food. The bucket is used to set up hook baits too. One thing I have noticed recently is a significant drop in the number of creatures suspended in the water. Not that many weeks ago on one particular water, I counted upwards of ten different items of food swimming and hoping around in my bucket, but now despite making several scoops I can only identify one type. Interestingly though, if I scoop out some silt or lake bed sludge with my baiting spoon there’s a significant increase in life living on or in the bottom.

So does this mean its time to drop the Zig Bugs? I used to think of zig fishing as more of an opportunist tactic, for sure there have been situations when I’ve been switched on enough to notice some kind of fly hatch or other natural occurrence and switching to a mid water bait has produced a bonus fish. But zigs also work when the water is as sterile as tap water and devoid of anything alive and edible and just like floater fishing, there will be opportunities to catch on them throughout the colder months. Although we think of carp as bottom feeders they do actually spend most of their time throughout the year anywhere and everywhere but on the lake bed. Zigs will catch twelve months of the year and I’ve caught or seen carp taken off the top for ten months of the year out of twelve, December and January are the only two exceptions to that.

Despite the potential offered by zigs, the majority of carp anglers will spend all their time fishing hard on the bottom. If you do that, the depth of water you choose to fish in will, in my opinion be far more crucial than it was back in the summer.

For example if carp are sitting at say five feet below the surface in any depth of water, a bait fished on the bottom in the same depth of water will most probably provide the best chance of a bite or two.

On one of the waters I’m going to tackle this winter, during October last year many of the fish started to shoal up in one particular deep area, by November I think most if not all the carp were sat at about five feet below the surface in an overall depth of about sixteen feet. The lake seemed to switch off until mid to late February with very few fish being caught. I’m already watching that area carefully and thinking of ways of combating the problem, I’m hoping that reasonable quantities of a well proven winter bait applied on a regular bases will solve that problem but only time will tell.

All Nash Bait boilies will work very effectively throughout the winter but there are still some baits around from other sources that don’t so some anglers will have been thinking of making a change through the autumn. Deciding when to make the change can be difficult. Some popular baits will for sure loose some or all of their effectiveness as temperatures drop, for example this will happen with oily pellets and poorly formulated boilies when the water temperature drops below 10 degrees centigrade or possibly even sooner. Using a 50/50 mix of a summer and winter boilie during early autumn is a well proven tactic that allows the new bait to become established, I can think of a number of very successful anglers who do this very effectively.

Thankfully, all Nash boilies are well proven ‘all seasons’ carp catchers so for me the problem doesn’t exist but even so, using boilie mixtures is still a favourite tactic. Nash Top Rod boilies are available in both frozen and shelf life options and around this time of year I switch predominantly to shelf lifes.

Which Nash boilie should I choose? This is a question I’m being asked a great deal at the moment, but rather than choose one I recommend that you use several different ones mixed together. I like to use a mix of Top Rod frozen and shelf lifes with a few brightly coloured Classic boilies added too. On those tricky days when the fish are proving difficult to tempt, putting out a mixture of different baits and experimenting with different hook bait options allows me to really angle for those fish. This often provides a bite when a more one dimensional approach will fail.

Many anglers seem to think that shelf lifes are inferior to frozen boilies which is a big mistake, I admit there are some horrible shelf life baits available from some sources, personally I wouldn’t feed these to any fish. But Nash shelf lifes have a high food value particularly well suited to the carp’s winter dietary requirements and they don’t contain chemical preservatives or other nasties so there are no quality issues to worry about. The baits are coloured and contain slightly higher levels of flavours, Palatants and other tweaks that provide a cold water edge, in essence, winter carp just prefer them. I know some will be shaking their heads but over many years of testing both myself and Nash Bait’s Gary Bayes who has probably forgotten more about bait than I’ll ever know have reached similar conclusions.

Boilie paste is the other item I wouldn’t go fishing without from now on, un-boiled paste emits massive water born food signals and will often be picked up by carp that have previously ignored all other baits.

In reverse to the boilies, I use our shelf life paste in the summer, it’s a bait bucket essential and a permanent addition with no worries of it going off. It does work well in the winter but I’ve found that the frozen paste is more water soluble which definitely provides an edge in cold water, in fact the colder it gets the more attractive it seems to be.

Not much will be changing here, I use a size 8 Fang X hook for all my bottom bait fishing throughout the twelve months of the year, usually matched to a 14mm balanced snowman hook bait. The home made hook baits are specially made so that the hook sits flat on the lakebed and the double bait just hovers above it. This hides the hook and also makes an easy mouthful to suck in. I carry a range of different coloured top baits to experiment with when the fish are proving hard to tempt.

Diffusion rig components virtually vanish against any lakebed colour or shade and provide another important edge at any time of the year so there’s no need for changes there. But as the weed dies away and lead release is less important I’ll be swopping back to a free running lead to maximise bite indication.

I’m really looking forward to this winter. There’s something special about sticking your head out of a sleeping bag early morning after a cold and frosty over nighter. I get a real buzz from camping out in a bleak wintery landscape, I also really enjoy short day sessions, but I always travel ultra light for these and when the tea supplies run low so does the enthusiasm and I often end up going home. So my one other crucial purchase this week will be a much bigger flask!

Quick Look Review – Sonik SK-Tek Carryall.

A “Quick Look Review” of the Sonik SK-Tek Carryall! check out this video as I talk you over the solid and well made item of luggage from Sonik Sports, SK-Tek range. Its outstanding quality to value, really puts this item of gear high on the list of items to check out. 

If you are in the market for a new carry all? then this is one to take a look at! Not only offering a solid construction but ample amounts of room, be it for a day session, overnight or a week long session, this carryall in my opinion offers something for every one and checks all the boxes when it comes to durability, quality and the incredible price!

Another mega Item of Luggage from Sonik Sports, along with the Sonik Sports Sk-Tek Accessory Pouches.

They are an ideal addition to keep things in place and easy to hand when you need specific items fast.

To check out this Carryall and other items in the Sonik range head over to Big Carp Tackle. 

Oscar Thornton’s Summer Strategy

Summer Strategy: Post-Spawn Feeding Frenzy – As the spawn wraps up, I love to really treat the carp with some generous baiting. During the late summer months into early autumn, these fish can be incredibly active, especially in those cool morning hours which often yield great results.

The New “Big Autumn Feed Up”

The traditional idea of a big autumn feed up has shifted due to fishing pressure and climate changes. Nowadays, I find that the big feed up occurs much earlier, during July and August. I call this period the “clubbing season” because the carp are voracious and less cautious, making them prime for catching.

Summer Strategy

Feeding Strategy

Once the carp start feeding, you can’t overfeed them. When the bites start coming, I’m not shy about giving them a hefty amount. My bait mix is centered around boilies, complemented by a mix of hemp, nuts, chops, and corn to keep them busy. I prefer using a big, obvious hookbait like a snowman on a D Rig.

Hookbait and Rig Setup

I like my hookbait to be highly visible, making it easy for the carp to target. When using bits and pieces, I fish the cleanest spots with a bottom bait. Yellow or white toppers are my go-to for hookbaits because they stand out and often lead to quick bites.

My D Rigs are made with size 4 Kamakura Wide Gape X hooks on long 9-inch or longer IQ2 booms. I use 21 turns of the IQ2 to whip the hook on, creating a long loop that allows the hookbait plenty of movement and helps the hook catch hold.

Summer Strategy

Baiting the Right Spots

It’s crucial to bait the right areas. I focus on spots where I see carp at dawn, areas where they’re showing and fizzing, typically in open water between weed beds. They feed here at night and dawn but retreat to snags and shallow bays during the day, where you can stalk them.

Stalking and Floater Fishing

In the heat of the day, carp often avoid the main spots, so I’ll quietly move around the lake, looking for opportunities along the edges. By baiting close-in spots with just a handful of bait, I can create chances for quick bites. It’s a matter of carefully lowering a rig into position to snatch a bite.

Staying Active and Prepared

Baiting multiple spots around the lake can lead to several catches in a day, while other anglers might be struggling. In the evening, I return to the main body of water over my baited spots. This active fishing style can be incredibly rewarding.

Personal Care

Summer fishing requires self-care. With the intense weather of recent years, it’s essential to stay hydrated, eat well, use sun protection, and wear appropriate clothing like hats and polarized sunglasses. Taking care of yourself ensures you can fish longer and more effectively, leading to more catches.

Top 5 Picks Of Must Bring Gear.

With winter now starting to show the end of its self, we all start looking at our gear and…then it happens, the light goes on! Got to prep the gear for the spring sessions.

well… I do like to take some time to go over my gear pre-spring and that’s why I thought it would be ideal to put together a “Top 5 Picks To Not Leave Home Without”. In my opinion they are some of the best quality items on the market but also at very reasonable cost, not to mention how they can also make us much more efficient when bank side in search of the one! 

In this video I show my personal ”Top Five Picks To Not Leave Home Without”. From Hook baits to batteries, Tackle organization to luggage there is something for everyone. 

To buy and try any of the items seen in this video for yourself. Follow the links below over to Big Carp Tackle.

Armolife

Trakker – Armolife Products

Trakker – Armolife Multi-Fuel Stove

The Armolife Multi-fuel Stove is most versatile of stoves, that can deliver peak performance even in the coldest of conditions. The solid construction offers a sturdy base for a wide range of cooking situations.

The stove can burn a wide range of liquid fuels including regular gas, with instant flame control from simmer to max, the unit has an economical performance and is easily serviceable. Supplied with the stove comes a fuel pump, 500ml fuel bottle, gas canister regulator, gas valves, cleaning needle, spare o-rings, mesh gauze, tools and stuff sack.

To buy and try one or any of the other Trakker Armolife products for yourself, head over to big carp tackle at the link below:

Get Armolife Products now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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Gardner Target Barbel Hooks

Gardner Target Barbel Hooks: The Ultimate Choice for Specimen Anglers

The Ultimate Choice for Specimen Anglers

The medium shank and wide-gape Target Barbel Hooks have garnered a stellar reputation among the best Barbel and specimen anglers in the country, proving their effectiveness time and time again. Designed for ultimate performance, these hooks are not only perfect for Barbel but also excel in targeting other specimen fish such as Chub, Tench, and Bream.

Target Barbel Hooks Features and Benefits

  • Design and Hook Hold:
    • The hTarget Barbel Hooks feature a 5° in-turned eye and a beaked point, creating exceptional hook holds. This design ensures a secure catch and minimizes the chance of the hook being dislodged.
    • The beaked point is advantageous when fishing over large stones or gravel, as it is less likely to be turned over or damaged, maintaining its sharpness and effectiveness.
  • Strength and Durability:
    • Constructed from extra strong forged, double tempered, high carbon steel, these hooks are built to withstand the fight of the largest Barbel.
    • The robust construction ensures that the hooks can cope with the strength and weight of big fish, providing reliability and confidence to anglers.
  • Coating and Sharpness:
    • The hooks possess a matt, anti-glare coating, reducing visibility underwater and increasing the chances of a successful catch.
    • The razor-sharp point guarantees efficient penetration and a solid hook hold, crucial for successful specimen fishing.

Target Barbel Hooks Target Barbel Hooks

Availability

Target Barbel hooks are available in sizes 8 and 10, catering to different angling needs and preferences. They come in barbed only, providing a secure hold once the fish is hooked.

Target Barbel Hooks are a top choice for serious anglers looking to target Barbel and other specimen fish. Their thoughtful design, exceptional strength, and sharpness make them an indispensable tool in any angler’s tackle box.

Get Target Barbel Hooks now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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Gardner HydroSink Braid: A Review

Gardner HydroSink Braid is a fast sinking braid with low stretch and great handling characteristics. It is a combination of Dyneema and Kevlar with a Teflon coating which is certainly a top of the line (pun intended!) combination. Unlike many lines on the market, the breaking strain of the line is rated at knot strength, not some lab test with no knots that can’t be replicated in the real world. This means that you can expect it to actually brake at the stated pound test, which is really helpful in actual fishing situations.

Gardner HydroSink Braid
The 600m Spool can be split up as needed.

One of the main things about most braids is that they float. This is not a problem under many situations, but when boats and wildlife are around (especially at night) keeping your line out of the way is key. This line sinks extremely well, as good if not better than some of the fastest sinking mono lines.

Gardner HydroSink Braid
Sometimes you need a long cast. This fish was caught at very long range – casting is important!

Low stretch is key to good bite detection (or to tell when you have a small catfish on the hook) and HydroSink is around 4%, so you can really tell whats going on at your hook.

Gardner HydroSink Braid
A nice 52LB (side pot winning!) Grass Carp from an Austin Team Championship event that was taken with HydroSink.

Gardner HydroSink Braid
The green color of HydroSink blends in well.

So, if you are looking for a braid that will help you put more fish on the bank, HydroSink is certainly worth a try – I certainly enjoy using it!

To take a look at more of the range from Gardner Tackle head over to Big Carp Tackle here.

Get Gardner HydroSink Braid now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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fake food bait

What makes Fake Food Bait so effective?

An in-depth look at our full range of plastic hook baits (fake food bait) and what makes them so effective. The use of plastic hookbaits has had a big impact on carp fishing and are now commonly used by many anglers who want a durable bait with some buoyancy to it.

The Fake Food range from Korda started out with just plastic sweetcorn, which came in several different flavour and colour versions, and has since grown to include artificial maize and dumbells as well.

To complete the range a slow sinking match-the-hatch imitation boilie has been added, and we teamed up with Mainline so that they match the freezer and ready-made baits that they produce. Not only do they match the colour of the real Cell, Essential Cell, and Link boilies, but are also impregnated with the same flavour /attractor, and come in a choice of 15mm or 18mm sizes. So you now have the choice of using either an artificial bait that is bright and stands out, or one that is more subtle and matches your freebies.

These baits can either be fished on their own, such as a single piece of maize in a Solidz PVA bag, or as a topper to add a bit of colour to a real boilie, and which is where the artificial corn is especially popular.

All of these artificial baits come in a choice of pop-up or slow-sinking versions, with the buoyancy determined by an air pocket within the bait, and which means that the buoyancy of it will remain unchanged even once it has been in the water for a prolonged period of time – you could leave it in the water for days and know that it will still be popped up, or will slowly sink in the same way that it did when you first tied the rig and tested it in the margins.

fake food bait
Variety of fake food bait

Aside from that consistent buoyancy, the main advantage with a plastic version of these baits is that they are pretty much immune to the attentions of nuisance species such as crayfish or smaller fish species, which could remove real corn from your rig very quickly in some waters. So, if you do want to fish with smaller baits like a couple of grains of corn or a grain of maize, or even a small dumbbell, then you can do so without having to worry that other species, such as roach, have eaten or damaged your hookbait without giving you any indication.

The durable rubber which these baits are made from ensures that they are able to stand up to the attentions of species such as crayfish, or poisson chat if you’re fishing in Europe, without any damage being done to them, as long as the bait is secured to the rig in a way where it can’t come off – all of the baits in the range are supplied with hair stops in a matching colour, but if crayfish are an issue you will need to secure them in a way where the hair stop can’t easily be removed, as they will still try to eat the rubber hookbait.

During the manufacturing process, the flavour – and colour – are added to the plastic before it is moulded, and this means that it retains its smell for far longer than baits that have just been soaked in flavour, although you can of course do that as well to give it a boost.

These baits are compatible with pretty much any rig or set-up, whether you’re looking to add a fleck of colour to a snowman type presentation; using a small, buoyant but durable hookbait inside a PVA bag; or are looking to imitate a pop-up on a spinner rig on a crayfish infested venue; there are loads of different uses for the range.

So, whatever you’re looking for in a rubber bait, you’ll find the perfect size, colour, level of buoyancy, and flavour within this range.

Pop-Up Corn

This has proven to be a phenomenal fish catcher over the years since it became the first product in the Fake Food range, and replicates a real grain of corn in terms of its size.

This version has a pocket of air inside that gives it the buoyancy needed to pop up most rigs – especially if two pieces are used and comes in a variety of flavours and colours.

 

fake food bait
pop up corn

In addition to the original yellow coloured IB flavour, which has always been a big favourite, that same flavour is now also available in bright pink, which has proven to make a big difference to catch rates on some venues at certain times of the year, when it outfishes other colours. There is also a Citrus Zing flavour which now comes in orange (as opposed to the green colour it was previously available in), a pink coloured Fruity Squid variety, and Banoffee in white.

Each packet contains 12 pieces of pop-up corn plus free hair stops in a matching colour.

Slow Sinking Corn

The slow sinking version of the corn is great for situations when you want to be fishing a bait touching the lakebed, but want it to still have some buoyancy so that it is easily sucked in by a feeding carp.

It still has more buoyancy than using real sweetcorn, plus it has all the advantages that come with being made from plastic and being immune to the attentions of nuisance species, plus the buoyancy won’t alter when it has been in the water for a prolonged period of time.

In addition to the original yellow coloured IB flavour, which has always been a big favourite, that same flavour is now also available in bright pink, which has proven to make a big difference to catch rates on some venues at certain times of the year, when it outfishes other colours.

There is also a Citrus Zing flavour which now comes in orange (as opposed to the green colour it was previously available in), a pink coloured Fruity Squid variety, and Banoffee in white.

Each packet contains 12 pieces of slow sinking corn plus free hair stops in a matching colour.

Pop-Up Maize

Maize is one of those baits which has become popular in recent years and is used by many anglers in their spod/particle mix.

This plastic pop-up version is larger than the fake sweetcorn which we do, and reflects the size difference between a grain of sweetcorn and a piece of maize. It means that it is more buoyant, due to a larger air pocket inside, and is therefore more suited to use with larger, heavier hooks, or with rigs that contain more metalware at the hook end, such as a spinner, as it still has enough buoyancy to keep it all clear of the bottom.

In addition to the original yellow coloured IB flavour, which has always been a big favourite, that same flavour is now also available in bright pink, which has proven to make a big difference to catch rates on some venues at certain times of the year, when it outfishes other colours. There is also a Citrus Zing flavour which now comes in orange (as opposed to the green colour it was previously available in), a pink coloured Fruity Squid variety, and Banoffee in white.

Each packet contains ten pieces of pop-up maize plus free hair stops in a matching colour.

Slow Sinking Maize

Maize is one of those baits which has become popular in recent years and is used by many anglers in their spod/particle mix.

This plastic slow sinking version is larger than the fake sweetcorn which we do, and reflects the size difference between a grain of sweetcorn and a piece of maize. It means that it is more buoyant, due to a larger air pocket inside, and is therefore more suited to use with larger, heavier hooks, or with rigs that contain more metalware at the hook end, and it has enough buoyancy that everything sinks slowly and rests on the lake bed, and is easily sucked in by any feeding carp.

In addition to the original yellow coloured IB flavour, which has always been a big favourite, that same flavour is now also available in bright pink, which has proven to make a big difference to catch rates on some venues at certain times of the year, when it outfishes other colours. There is also a Citrus Zing flavour which now comes in orange (as opposed to the green colour it was previously available in), a pink coloured Fruity Squid variety, and Banoffee in white.

Each packet contains ten pieces of slow sinking maize plus free hair stops in a matching colour.

Pop-Up Dumbells

These dumbells can be fished wither on their own or in combination with real baits, such as if you want a snowman presentation.

They come in a variety of different sizes and colours to give you plenty of options when it comes to either fishing a bright hookbait which stands out, or something a bit more subtle, and they come in four different colour/flavour combinations.

fake food bait
fake food bait – popup dumbell

There are three different sizes in the range – 8mm, 12mm or 16mm – so that you can select the level of buoyancy that you require, as well as picking a bait size that suits the rig and hook size that you’re using it on. Each dumbbell features a special recessed slot in the end which the boilie stop fits perfectly into and helps ensure that your bait stays on even if a crayfish has a go at it. A strip of matching colour boilie stops is provided in each pack.

The Pop-Up Dumbells are available in white Banoffee; yellow IB; pink Fruity Squid; or Fishy Beige. Each pack contains ten 8mm, eight 12mm, or five 16mm baits.

These dumbells have been designed to sink slowly and are perfect for use with rigs that you would normally fish a wafter on.

They come in a variety of different sizes and colours to give you plenty of options when it comes to either fishing a bright hookbait which stands out, or something a bit more subtle, and they come in four different colour/flavour combinations.

There are three different sizes in the range – 8mm, 12mm or 16mm – so that you can select the level of buoyancy that you require, as well as picking a bait size that suits the rig and hook size that you’re using it on. Each dumbbell features a special recessed slot in the end which the boilie stop fits perfectly into and helps ensure that your bait stays on even if a crayfish has a go at it. A strip of matching colour boilie stops is provided in each pack.

The Pop-Up Dumbells are available in white Banoffee; yellow IB; pink Fruity Squid; or Fishy Beige. Each pack contains ten 8mm, eight 12mm, or five 16mm baits.

Mainline Slow-Sinking Boilie

These slow-sinking rubber boilies perfectly imitate the Mainline range of freezer and shelf-life baits, so are perfect if you want a more subtle hookbait that matches your loosefeed.

They are made from tough plastic which will withstand the attentions of nuisance species such as crayfish and you can rest assured that you will always have a bait on. They feature a recessed hair stop cavity to make sure that your stop stays in place and can’t easily be pulled off, as well as giving a neater finish.

fake food bait

These baits are impregnated with the same Mainline Cell, Essential Cell, and Link attractors that are used in their boilies, and are also the same colour as those, with a slightly more washed-out look, so that they perfectly match whatever you are baiting up with.

fake food bait
Slow sinking boilies – fake food bait

They’ve been made in a way that ensures that they sink slowly and also maintain the same buoyancy even once they’ve been in the water for a prolonged period of time, and they can be used with any of the normal rigs that you’d fish a wafter style hookbait on.

The slow-sinking boilie comes in a choice of 15mm or 18mm sizes and with nine or six in pack, depending on which size you opt for.

Get Fake Food Bait now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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Inline Leads

Barry Delderfield: Inline Leads Expert

Barry Delderfield talks about why he uses Inline Leads. He excels as one of Korda’s most reliable team members, persistently capturing fish from diverse, challenging waters. Stealth is crucial to his tactics, and his go-to rig consists of small inline leads and extended, rigid hook links.

Barry’s preferred Inline Leads arrangement for weedy, close-range waters, up to around 15 wraps, involves a drop-off inline system. A relatively tight clutch enables the lead to detach almost instantly during a strike, mitigating the likelihood of weed accumulation and facilitating easier fish handling, while minimizing the risk of hook loss.

Inline Leads

Barry’s chosen lead arrangement promotes immediate reaction when a fish consumes the hookbait. Combined with an exceptionally sharp Kamakura hook, this setup significantly improves hooking rates over a season. In high-pressure scenarios with cautious carp, the rig’s split-second faster reaction time can mean the difference between a secure catch and an ejected rig. Inline systems offer direct contact, outperforming Lead Clip or Helicopter arrangements.

Tools for the job are essential. A small inline pear sits inconspicuously on the lake bed, flatter than a distance or ball lead, making it harder for carp to detect, aligning with Barry’s emphasis on stealth.

Inline Leads

Consistency in carp fishing is capturing fish even when they’re not feeding voraciously. Barry believes this approach outsmarts the wariest carp, leading to more bites and increasing the chances of capturing that target fish. His preference for the lightest lead possible, often just 2.5oz, allows him to discreetly position rigs with minimal disturbance.

Get Inline Leads now at Big Carp Tackle Store:

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40lb UK Catch: Securing My First UK Forty (Hanna Newell)!

40lb UK Catch: Securing My First UK Forty (Hanna Newell)!

In a thrilling tale of triumph, Hannah Newell (supported by Trakker), shares her exhilarating journey to landing her inaugural UK 40lb ‘er.

True to its name, this experience left me utterly astounded. My recent trip to the breathtaking Hacche Moor fishery in Devon was nothing short of remarkable. Accompanied by my husband, we embarked on this adventure alongside some of the Carp Particles UK team, eager for a bit of socializing and, more importantly, some quality angling time after enduring a lengthy summer holiday with the kids.

Departing from Oxford on a Thursday morning, anticipation and excitement filled the air as we braced ourselves for what lay ahead. We were well aware of an impending weather front, heralding heavy rain, thunderstorms, and a drop in air pressure—a perfect storm, so to speak, compounded by the harvest moon weekend. With conditions aligning so perfectly, we couldn’t help but anticipate a memorable outing.

As we neared north Devon, the skies opened up, unleashing a deluge that tested the limits of our windshield wipers. The contrast between this downpour and the sunny journey down the M5 through Bristol was stark, to say the least.

Upon our arrival at the fishery, we rendezvoused with the rest of the group and embarked on a tour of the lakes. Spread across three small, intimate pits, these waters promised exciting prospects. “Jakes Lake,” the smallest among them. It boasted a healthy population of carp, with specimens reaching up to 29lb.

The “bottom lake,” the largest of the trio, housed around 140 carp, including stunning scaley mirrors weighing up to 35lb. However, it was the “Top Lake” that truly captured my imagination, with its impressive roster of 57 carp, several weighing in the 30s, and two behemoths tipping the scales at over 40lb. Naturally, I hoped to secure a peg on this coveted lake—our chances would depend on the upcoming swim draw.

Luck was on my side as I drew the coveted number 1 ball, granting me first pick of pegs on the Top Lake. Opting for a spot at the lake’s lower end, where I had observed some promising activity earlier, I wasted no time setting up my gear. However, a minor hiccup arose—I realized my reels were devoid of line, having just acquired them. After hastily erecting our bivvy amidst the rain, I spooled up the reels and rigged up my rods, eager to get started.

The first rod was deployed near a pipe adjacent to a bed of Canadian weed, armed with a bright pink Hell Pop Up to stand out in the murky waters churned up by the inclement weather. As I prepared the second rod, I was rudely interrupted by a sudden bite on the first, highlighting a rookie oversight—I had neglected to apply putty to my Ronnie rig, jeopardizing the hookup. Despite the setback, I managed to hook a carp briefly before it escaped—a promising start amidst the challenging conditions.

As evening fell, news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing cast a somber shadow over our idyllic surroundings. Amidst introspection, I was jolted into action by a slow, subtle take on my rod—the same one that had earlier enticed a bite.

With bated breath, Hanna Newell engaged in a cautious battle with the unseen behemoth, which initially offered little resistance. However, its sudden burst of energy transformed the encounter into a thrilling ordeal, as it darted through the underwater obstacles, testing my resolve. Eventually, I triumphed, netting the prize—a magnificent carp that would soon reveal its true magnitude.

Upon closer inspection, it became evident that I had landed the biggest fish in the lake—the legendary Bullet, weighing in at a staggering 43lb 10oz. The sheer disbelief and euphoria that engulfed me were palpable as I shared the moment with fellow anglers, capturing memories that would last a lifetime.

Following the commotion, I sat in quiet contemplation, savoring a well-deserved glass of red wine. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, one thing was certain—this remarkable 40lb catch would forever be etched in my memory as my first UK 40lb. A testament to the unpredictability and magic of angling. ~ Hanna Newell