Carp fishing can be an expensive hobby. But before you rush out to buy the latest gadget or gizmo, take a look at these tips to help you become a better angler – for free and you will be catching more carp!
Observe
Always watch the water and make sure that you don’t just drop in the first swim that you find when you arrive at the venue. Take time to walk around the lake and keep an eye on the water at all times. Look for any signs of fish, such as bubbling coming up in the water that can indicate the fish are feeding on the bottom. A fish jumping out is another indication. Also, look for a little ripple of rings that could be where their dorsal fin just leaves the water and leaves a little reflection. It’s obviously a lot harder when it’s windier, but spending the time walking around the lake, looking, will help you find the fish. If you find the fish and you’re getting a swim near them, you’re much more likely to catch them. Don’t forget to look for signs of fish in the open water, as well as right in the edges under a tree and in the margins.
Research the Venue
If it’s your first time going to a venue, do your research first. There is so much information available online, and the first place to go is YouTube. Search the venue name, and you’ll find lots of videos available where you can pick up some tips about where the good areas are and other bits of advice from anglers who fish there regularly. Go to the website of the fishery, and you’ll most likely find write-ups where other anglers have said how they’ve caught fish on zigs or where they caught fish on the bottom. You might even get a bit more information about the depth of the lake, which is the deeper end, and which is the shallower end.
Check the Weather
One topic that we love to talk about in the US is the weather, and there are plenty of apps available that you can download to get accurate forecasts. Understanding the weather conditions while you’re at the lake is one of the best pieces of advice to help you catch more carp.
One such app is Windy, which tells you which direction the wind is blowing and how it will change every hour during your session. For instance, if you have a nice Southwesterly wind coming that’s warm, then quite often the fish will follow this wind if it’s blowing into the one corner that’s a good chance where the fish are going to be. However, if it’s a Northerly wind, it tends to be really cold, so sometimes you will find the fish on the back of this wind.
Also, and this may sound completely obvious, but understanding the weather will also have an effect on what you need to wear to make sure you’re comfortable in all conditions while on the bank – sometimes the obvious tips are the best ones!”.
Master Your Accuracy
Tip number four is to master your accuracy. This is something that can only come with time and practice. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep a rod with a reel and a lead in your car, so anytime you get an hour, you can get down to a lake and practice casting at the same marker in the distance or even over to the far margin. Another way to be accurate is to learn how to wrap up. Once you can wrap up and once you’ve found your spot, you know that you will always be casting into exactly the same area. This means that you can accurately bait the same spot and then place your rig exactly over the bait, increasing your chance of a catch massively.
Learn How to Feel the Lead Down
This is also called looking for the ‘donk’ and is a technique that takes a bit of practice. However, once mastered, it will give you valuable information about how your lead is sitting and the nature of the lake bed. When you cast out your rod, keep your line tight as the lead hits the water. As the lead falls through the water, you will feel a slightly different sensation when the lead hits the bottom. For instance, if the lake bed is firm, you will feel a ‘donk’ sensation through the rod. If you feel it very lightly, then it’s an indication that there could be silt. If you don’t feel anything, then you are definitely in some thick weed. The sensation is always felt best when using braid on your spod and marker rods.
Maintain Your Gear
Keeping your gear clean is crucial not just for protecting your carp fishing essentials but also for optimal performance. For instance, ensure the rod’s eyes stay dirt-free to prevent casting issues, and run your line through a towel when reeling in to eliminate any sediment.
After using bite alarms, ensure they’re dry before stowing them to prevent moisture from causing malfunctions during your next session. Maintaining clean gear not only ensures its longevity but also enhances your comfort on the bank.
Organize Your Tackle Bag
Maximize your fishing time by keeping your tackle bag well-organized, ensuring quick access to hooks, leads, lead clips, and other terminal tackle. A designated place for everything streamlines rig adjustments after a bite or when switching tactics, making your fishing experience more efficient, even in the middle of the night.
Be Ready
Always be prepared for the specific lake you’re fishing. Have pre-tied rigs and ready-tied PVA bags to minimize time spent preparing and maximize time spent fishing.
Put in the Effort
While the closest peg to the car park may be popular, exploring more distant pegs can pay off, as they receive less fishing pressure. Putting in the effort to walk around the lake can lead to better results. Stay flexible and be willing to move to where the fish are, even if it means packing down and setting up elsewhere.
Be Courteous
One of the most, if not THE most important tip, is to be nice and polite to fellow anglers and lake bailiffs. Building good relationships can provide valuable information that can give you an edge. Bailiffs often possess extensive knowledge about the lake, so take the time to chat, offer them a drink, and you might gain insights that make a difference. Remember, manners cost nothing!
Summary
These tips, whether obvious or simple, can help you catch more fish without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, continuous learning is key to success in carp fishing!