Getting fired up for Fall…

Here in the North East, like many areas the nights are getting longer and the humidity and heat of summer gives way to what some call champagne weather. I hate air conditioning…  so the bright, often cloudless days with clear blue skies and fresh breezes through the open windows make the arrival of the Fall season all the more welcome.

As the water temps drop carp become more active and start to chow down in readiness for the winter months. My records show that more than 70% of my carp over 20 and 30 pounds have come out in Sep, Oct & Nov versus the previous 5 months.

The most important thing is to be prepared.

1. Spool up…

If you’ve been fishing all season then this is a great time to re-spool with fresh monofilament. Mono is relatively cheap and if you’ve enjoyed plenty of hard fighting carp action over the spring and summer months then its probably getting twisted and stretched so now is the time to replace it. The Fall action can be fast & furious so don’t skimp and regret seeing that PB break off right by the net…

One of the most common problems I come across is monofilament line that has not been spooled correctly. The result is twist being added as the new line is wound on to the spool. Once that happens you are stuck with it!

Even if you don’t think you need to replace your line it might at least be worth cutting off 50 feet or so as this is often the section that gets most worn or picks up small knicks and abrasions.

Finally give your line a wipe down with a cloth wetted with a dilute dish soap solution. I find the easiest way is to cast out the line and simply wind back on as the line passes through the cloth. You will probably be amazed at how much dirt comes off the line. This will not only help the line perform better but also help it to break the surface tension and allow it to sink rather than be subject to surface currents and drag.

 2. Don’t Wait for Bait…

There is nothing worse than hitting your stride with a string of big fish only to find your favorite boilie or bait is no longer in stock. Fall is one of the busiest times for tackle stores and bait manufacturers but the last thing they want is to be sitting on unsold baits over the winter months. Now is also a good time to tie up some fresh rigs, buy a few more leads and any other items that you might need. So make sure you get your tackle and bait orders in early and in sufficient quantity to carry you through these magic months.

 3. Power it up…

While top quality alarms like Delkim have incredible battery life it’s often a good idea to make sure you have spares available especially if your alarms take non-standard types. The same goes for cameras and since the nights will be getting longer don’t forget some for your flashlights & headlamps.

Check your gear over to make sure it is in top condition. Attention to detail is what puts those fall monsters on the bank. Check rod rings for any cracks or damage (feel around the tip for any rough spots that might damage line) as well as bail arm line rollers. If you’ve been catching a lot of fish this season a reel service is not a bad idea to make sure drags are smooth and easily adjustable.

 4. Stay Warm…

As the water temperatures drop rapidly with the first cold nights carp will often begin to seek out specific areas. Shallower areas, adjacent to deeper water, and warmed by the afternoon sun are hot favorites. Wind will also blow warmer surface water (together with food items) to the windward shoreline and can help concentrate feeding fish with the result of some excellent late season opportunities. I’ve consistently caught big carp in water temps down to 40F… and even a bit below. At these lower temps a carp’s metabolism slows considerably so my recommendation is to chum very sparingly and switch to a top quality, easily digestable boilie rather than particle baits.

5. Watch your rods…

It’s also critical to be on your game as the takes in these colder conditions are often much slower and more hesitant than the screaming runs in summer. I would certainly be ready to hit even a 2 inch lift or drop back…  stay close to your rods as the results can be spectacular with some of the biggest fish coming to the net as a result!