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Crafty Carper /// Issue 227 /// July 2016 /// www.craftycarper.co
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On the cover: Mark Baxter with a stunning 26lb common from his Cambridgeshire syndicate.
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Post-Spawning Spectacle – Dave Lane
Chub Competition
Following on from his feature in the
Here’s your chance to
last issue of Crafty, Dave Lane explains his
win one of Chub’s fantastic new
approach, how it changes after the fish have
bedchairs from their brilliant
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range of flatbeds, which features
rewards when targeting these hungry fish.
something for every kind of angler.
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No.227 July 2016
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ENJ OY SCO RCH ING SUM MER ACT ION
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BY PREBAITING
7
Editorial This month, editor Steve Broad informs us of the recent happenings within The Carp Society, talks about his latest carping adventures, when he took his first trip to the historic Mangrove lake, and admits to a terrible tenching session.
10
Cast With Confidence Ian Stott Captor of six 50s in 6 months, Ian Stott reveals how he ensures that he has the utmost confidence in his rigs when fishing at long range, so they are fishing effectively and aren’t ever tangled.
19
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S HOW TO TACKLE LARGE WATER ALL MARK WATSON REVEALS
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TECHNIQUES
BAG TIE THE BEST SOLID PVA EVER WITH IAIN MACMILLAN
IAN STOTT UNVEILS HIS SIMPLY SETUP AWESOME TANGLE-FREE
ND TIPS E, BAITS, TECHNOLOGY A T H E V E R Y L AT E S T TA C K L
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43
Prebaiting On The Money – Mark Baxter Cover star Mark Baxter has tackled some
difficult venues in his angling life, and one of the secrets to his success is prebaiting. We caught up with him to see exactly how he goes about this brilliant tactic.
4
AND RIGS
2016 On sale 22nd June – 19th July
TACTICS
Reap The Rewards David Cooper Owner of Lac de la Ribière, David Cooper certainly knows a thing or two about French fishing, and gives the low-down on how to get the most from your carp-fishing holiday.
06/06/2016 16:41
25
Two Targets In Two Weeks Simon Crow Crowy has been on fine form in recent months, banking some incredible fish after having a slow start to the year. Check out his latest article on how he went about banking two stunning northern fish.
30
The Big Blue Mark Watson Tackling a large water can be a daunting task in itself, so where do you begin? Mark Watson is an experienced angler on these huge venues, and shares his knowledge on the matter, with some excellent advice.
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99
The Great Crafty Debate Does rig concealment matter? Do we need to spend a lot of time camouflaging terminal tackle, or are we just overthinking things? Our panel of experts give their opinion on the matter.
103
Crafty Carper Under-21s Dan Price continues his monthly blog, and shares his latest carping adventures, including how he has been planning his fishing for when he finishes his busy exam schedule. In the meantime, he has managed to sneak some Zigs out to try to get a few bites.
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INSIDE THIS MONTH’S CRAFTY...
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TECHNIQUES
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LEARN HOW TO
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INSIDE
DARREN BELTON ~ DAVE LANE ~ IAIN MACMILLAN ~ TOM MAKER ~ JOE TURNBULL ~ DAVE LEVY
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CHG E NI N Y A FR H A IS LID F O H
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MARK WATSON REVEALS ALL
TIE THE BEST SOLID PVA BAG EVER WITH IAIN MACMILLAN
IAN STOTT UNVEILS HIS SIMPLY AWESOME TANGLE-FREE SETUP
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Supreme Solid Bags Iain Macmillan PVA bags are a phenomenal tactic when used in the right situation, and here, Iain Macmillan explains how to get the most out of them, and gives a great insight into how to tie up the ultimate oily solid bag.
58
The Question Is Our panel of experts for this issue consists of Jack Meyer, Brad Greening, Ellis Brazier, John Kneebone and Rich Adams, who are all highly experienced anglers in their own right. This month, you’ve asked the guys some great questions, including how to extract fish safely from weed, and how to approach the surface for first-timers.
67
Carp Food This month, editor Steve Broad takes a look at some of the latest offerings from Mainline Baits, as well as Spotted Fin’s new Catalyst and Sticky Baits’ deadly Manilla range, which is set to be a big hit.
113 06/06/2016 16:43
77
The TicketMaster There are three great venues featured this month: Willows Lakes in the south of the country, the fantastic recently reopened Frisby Lakes in the East Midlands, and the ever popular Stanwick Lakes’ Mallard Lake. Be sure to take advantage of the free fishing on offer in this issue of TicketMaster.
81
Carpers’ Kit Bringing you the latest and greatest kit from some of the biggest manufacturers in the game. This month we take a look at some great new products from Prologic, some fish-finding tech from FishHunter, with the 3D mapper, and Dovetail Games’ epic Euro Fishing for those days where you can’t get out on the bank for real.
93
In Too Deep Ellis Brazier Deep venues can be notoriously tricky, especially in the warmer months, when bites can be hard to get. Ellis
115
No Passport Required Lewis Clayton You don’t have to travel across the Channel to get some big fish, and if you look in the right places, you don’t have to travel far at all. Lewis Clayton had a recent trip to Birch Grove, a fantastic UK holiday venue.
121
Overnighters Julian Cundiff Jules is back with his regular slot, and this month we joined him on one of his local venues which he regularly fishes. He explains how he goes about getting the most from the limited time he has on overnight sessions.
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5
LINEAR FISHERIES, NEAR WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE, OX29 7QF 06/06/2016 19:45
p a e R ER D AV ID C O O P
O
S D R A W E R ns for top destinatio as re e th p u France are and s, and trips to teresting tips ay in e lid o m h so g s in e iv sh la Ribière, g ard to our fi of Domaine de We all look forw r e n ow r, e p o g. David Co big-carp fishin and catch. to get it right, ow h n o ts h g insi
Thomas Kamin with Alex at 72lb, caught using light leads.
Crafty Carper 019-023_Reap_the_Rewards_CC227.indd 1
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06/06/2016 19:35
Reap The Rewards David Cooper
KNOW THE VENUE
big. I would put myself under pressure
still need to find the spots. With the aid of bait boats and echo sounders, it’s not difficult to see what’s in front of you within a short period of time.
MINDSET
to do well and end up making a lot of mistakes, not enjoying the experience or the holiday. I would kick myself after: Why did I do that? What was I thinking?
Get the map out and add the depths It’s never been easier to research a
and any features to the peg, and then
I love fishing in France, and like many
venue now we have the Internet. Lots
take stock. I always run a lead over
anglers, I have fished a wide range
the added edge of competition. I have
of them have maps of the lake and
the lakebed, to make sure I have a feel
of venues. One thing they all have in
learned now to relax a little more, and
pictures of all the swims, and quite a few
for what I am fishing on – silt, hard,
common is that they are pressured
spend more time on my preparation well
have video clips which can be found on
soft, weed, etc. For me, the depths
and the fish are often very clued-up,
in advance of a trip, especially if it’s a
YouTube. A few hours spent researching
and the key features in front of me
so if you go there thinking it’s going
new lake. Starting with the right mindset
gives you an idea of the lake in your
are so important to unlocking the
to be easy, you can often get caught
is key for my fishing. My preparation
mind, and on paper. The first thing I do
peg. At Ribière, every peg fishes in a
out. Looking back at my records and
focuses on four key areas – venue and
is print off a Google Map of the water
different way. On some you need to
approach over the years, it’s certainly
peg knowledge, bait and bait application,
and start marking the pegs and the lake
fish long in the far margin, tight to
changed quite a bit, hopefully for
rigs and tactics, and finally, watercraft.
depths, including any features I can see.
the bank or under a tree, on others
the better. In the early days, I often
Being prepared allows me to relax and
you need to be at the bottom of the
felt the pressure to catch, and catch
put it all together once I am at the venue.
On Ribière, there are pictures of every swim and you can see each peg drained
shelf, in the silt, or on the edge of the
down. This is very valuable information
silt, and on others you fish short.
because you can see key features
Quite often at Ribière, most of the
such as the drop-off areas and sunken
runs will come from one spot, so getting
bridges, other snags, and nice areas of
the spots to produce can be vital. If fish
hard lakebed. The next stage is to start
are in the area and you aren’t catching,
talking to as many anglers as you can
small changes can be key. I have seen
who are regulars on the lake. You will
spots produce for 3 days and then go
find them in the catch reports and on
dead, but a move of 2-3 yards right or
Facebook pages. There will be someone
left can have the fish back on it again.
you know, and a quick message asking
Anglers here for a week spend
for advice on key spots can be worth its
less than a couple of hours actually
weight in gold. Also, don’t be afraid to
finding out what’s in front of them.
talk to the owner. I am often asked about
Think about it! You have the whole
specific pegs and areas, and I’m happy to
week, so half a day is nothing to spend
give out information, but not everyone
making sure you know what’s out
does this. There is no excuse for turning
there. Equipped with this knowledge,
up in a peg without any prior knowledge
you can make decisions on the spots,
of the venue and the swim itself.
taking into account the weather, fish
Once you’re in your chosen peg, you
If I was with friends, there was also
Remember to try something different. Use Zigs, running rigs, heavy or light leads.
movement, and the key features.
Above: With a boat and echo sounder, it’s easy to map out the swim and any key features. Main: Even in cold weather, the fish will be moving, so stay alert. Right: It’s important to know about any features and potential snags in your peg. The bridge at Ribière needs to be approached with extreme caution.
20
Crafty Carper
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06/06/2016 19:35
Reap The Rewards David Cooper
BAITING AND BAIT APPLICATION
Remember to try something different. Use Zigs, running rigs, heavy or light leads.
How much to bait and how often is another question I am asked a lot. In winter, if the fish are in front of me and I feel they are feeding, I often have a couple of kilos of bait over each rod.
When it comes to bait, for me, the
In November at Ribière, I have caught
starting point, again, is research. How
fish to 60lb with this type of approach.
many fish are in the lake? How big are
I keep it going in every day because
they? Are they young and growing?
I want there to be bait available for
At Ribière we have over 500 fish with
them to eat. At certain times of the
an average weight of mid-40lb, so
year, putting more in when you’re not
that’s 20,000lb of carp in 22 acres,
catching can be a big leap of faith. On
and they need to eat. If you are at a
high-density waters, I have had a lot
venue for a week, you know that the
of success doing this in the spring.
fish will feed at some stage (in normal
It’s not the norm but it can work, and
conditions), so making sure you have
it seems to get them going and they
enough bait in the swim to get them
respond to it. In very hot weather, I have
feeding is key. In normal conditions,
adopted a little-and-often approach by
with carp moving, water temperatures
fishing singles and a few scatterings.
above 11°, and no big natural hatches,
The water is warm, there are lots of
I am more than confident to feed
naturals, and you need to catch them
heavily as the week progresses,
out. Attraction, curiosity, and having
and especially if I start catching.
it in the spot they are patrolling can
However, the first couple of days are always a time for caution. You don’t
Try mixing it up, with chopped boilie, maize and pellet over a wide area, rather than just dropping a tight spot using the boat.
and feel, and not just blind faith.
give you the take when it’s difficult. The wrong way to go about it is to
know how much has gone in the week
come here with a preconceived plan
before, and you have no idea how the
of piling it in and sitting and waiting.
fish are behaving when you arrive. My
It’s a one-chance approach with a very
advice is always to build the swim,
high probability of failure. Once it’s in
and bait easy-to-moderate to begin
you can’t take it out, so build it up in
with. If you’re catching from the off
response to the behaviour and feeding of
and the fish are having it, then it’s an
the fish, not assumptions. By all means,
easy decision. When the fish are rolling
bring the bait and have it with you, but
and moving and you’re not catching,
don’t start on Saturday with 20kg in
or when you get no indication of how
your peg. On good weeks at Ribière, you
they are responding and the lake just
can use 50kg of boilie and particles, no
isn’t fishing, you need to be cautious.
problem. I know Gary Covell very well,
In this case, small clumps of bait, a light
and his recent trip included three 50lb
baiting approach, and even singles can
fish and a couple of 49lb fish over big
work well. The key is to make sure you
beds of bait, but it was applied once
are basing your decision-
the fish arrived, and was consistently
making on observation
fed during the rest of the trip. Bob with a beautiful 53lb mirror.
Crafty Carper 019-023_Reap_the_Rewards_CC227.indd 3
21 06/06/2016 19:35
U “
the more you fish it, the smaller it will
“
feel, and that is key to unlocking it
30
Crafty Carper
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03/06/2016 15:19
The Big Blue
Mark Watson
MARK WATSON Tackling vast waters can always be a challenge, and discovering where to begin can be a daunting task in itself. We caught up with big venue specialist Mark Watson to share his knowledge on how to approach lakes of epic proportions.
Crafty Carper 030-034_The_Big_Blue_CC227.indd 2
31 03/06/2016 15:19
The Big Blue Mark Watson
W
hen I first started on this
work out what is in front of each swim,
huge 200-acre pit many years
the more likely it is to work out where
ago, there weren’t an awful
fish will be. For example, there may be
lot of fish in here, and it made things
plateaus, bars, silt patches, weedbeds,
very difficult. When I say there weren’t
or other kinds of underwater features
many, I’m talking around 30 carp, a good
that fish are attracted to. Initially,
handful of mirrors, with the rest being
the lake will feel massive if you are
commons. As the years went on, it was
used to smaller waters, but the more
stocked with around 800 fish, which
you fish it, the smaller it will feel,
made things a lot easier, but still, finding
and that is key to unlocking it.
them in 200 acres is hard work. As well
Before you even start on the lake,
as the stock of carp being low, there are
do your research, and find out as much
also several elements against you, but
information about the place before you
this should never deter you from taking
even start. There are a lot of things you
on a challenge such as this.
might want to know, such as the stock
One of the most important parts of
levels. If it’s an old pit, find out what it
taking on something like this is your
was originally dug for, as this will help
mindset. You have to be committed to
to know the make-up of the lakebed
the task in hand, and something you
before even casting the lead out. In this
need to take into account is the amount
case, the lake was originally dug for the
of time you are willing to spend to try to
sand and gravel, and if you’ve ever seen
suss out the venue. The more you fish
pictures of these sorts of pits before
the lake, the more you unlock it in your
water filled them, you’ll know all about
head; you won’t fully understand the
the steep slopes and various trenches.
lake if you only stick to one swim where
These can be great features for
it may be comfortable, and you certainly won’t be on the fish every single time by having a one-track mind. Try lots of swims, which may not mean you catch more initially, but when you start to With everything looking pretty, I sit back to watch the water, and the boats.
I like to use heavier indicators to help combat the severe undertow.
a decision of where I want to be on the lake, and I can batten down the hatches finding fish, but can cause you to lose a lot of fish due to the sharp rocks and
32
On your first visit to the venue, it’s very
things which may be there. Use the
important to choose a swim with a view of
Internet and maps for an aerial view
as much of the lake as possible, because
of your chosen water, and if you look
you need to be watching it at all times. By
closely, you will see the difference in
doing this, you can work out where fish
areas; the shallower areas are lightly
are in the current conditions, which helps
shaded, and the deeper areas are
give a starting point for the next session
generally a lot darker in colour. They
if the conditions are similar. You can use
can often reveal things which you can’t
this knowledge to your advantage, which
actually see from the bank, such as piles
may mean fishing a different swim, but
of boulders, as at this venue. These are
if you’ve seen fish there, you stand a
obviously very attractive to fish because
good chance of getting a bite, rather than
they provide cover and give an element
sitting behind motionless rods for your
of safety. This means they will be
session. Take into account all the different
confident to feed in these areas, as they
elements which create the conditions,
have the security of the rocks near them.
make a note of them, and then choose
While on the subject of maps, take
Using a weather app can help predict your next move on to fish.
ready for an incoming weather front.
your swim based on this, as you stand a
note of wind directions. Print off a map
good chance of locating the fish. On these
of the whole lake with a compass in the
massive venues, you can’t just turn up
corner; this will help you work out wind
and expect to catch. A lot of research has
directions, so you are ready to jump on
to be done, and for the first few sessions,
to a new wind, or steer clear of a wind
you shouldn’t be disheartened if you don’t
if it’s a bitterly cold northerly. As well
catch. Eight-hundred fish sounds like quite
as this, you can be prepared to make
a few, but when you put that number
moves before the changes in weather
of fish in 200 acres, they can be hidden
even happen. I do this with the aid of
anywhere. Fish in big pits are generally
a reliable weather app, so I can make
fairly nomadic. The odd few will group
Crafty Carper
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03/06/2016 15:20
The Big Blue
Mark Watson
Two very simple rigs which lend themselves very well to my style of fishing.
Heavy leads and anti-tangle sleeves are the main factors to ensure my rigs are set correctly.
up, but compared
Undertow can be a nightmare,
to commercial-style
and in really harsh conditions you
venues, where you can
may find that your rigs have been
expect many big hits in
moved. Lines get caught in the tow
quick succession, with this style of
and pull the rigs about, which means
fishing you may get one or two fish
you have to keep an eye on them. I use
in a shorter period of time, and be
large leads to try to keep everything
waiting quite some time for a hit.
anchored, and to be able to cast my rods
Before this lake was restocked, and
out there, which can be very difficult
the original ones were all that was in
in serious crosswinds that are all too
here, I remember being the top rod
common when tackling big venues.
for one of the seasons, with only five
Whilst on the subject of strong
fish to my name. Five fish in a season
tackle, this is replicated in my rigs.
doesn’t sound a lot, but when you
The thing with big pit fish is that they
catching five of the 30 fish in 200 acres, it’s actually quite an achievement. I was very pleased with this,
“
aren’t massively pressured compared to those in smaller
The fish can very much be loners in the world of carp, so it pays to be fairly mobile.
although it’s not for the impatient anglers.
“
think about
Stay active and on the move, and be prepared to change swims at the drop of a hat.
venues. This is because they obviously have a lot more space to escape angling pressure, and because they aren’t pressured
Another big pit victim; fish like this make the time and effort worthwhile.
all that much, they aren’t riggy. I use very simple
The fish can very much be loners
but strong rigs, and this is another thing
in the world of carp, so it pays to
to remember when tackling lakes of
be fairly mobile. You may be able to
such large proportions. Big strong hooks
drive around the lake, but if you can’t,
and strong braided rigs are what I use,
strong, lightweight gear is important.
and I don’t stray away from two rigs
It may not feel windy when you’re
which have worked very well for me to
loading up the car for your trip, but
date. I tend to use a blowback-style
on these huge expanses of water,
rig for my bottom baits and
the slightest of breezes can feel like
Snowman presentations,
gale-force winds! This means you
usually around 7-8ins long, with
may have to balance the lightweight
a big, strong curve shank hook, a
properties with strength; your kit is
bit of shrink tube over the eye as
going to be facing elements which you
a kicker, and silicone on the shank
may not be used to if you usually fish
of the hook to keep the Hair in position.
secluded lakes. Across this much open
The other is the rig I use for pop-ups,
water, the wind can pick up easily,
and that is the Multi-Rig. It’s simple to
which also affects the undertow.
tie and very effective, so I can be sure
Crafty Carper 030-034_The_Big_Blue_CC227.indd 4
33 03/06/2016 15:20
The Big Blue Mark Watson Returning a big pit beast – back to the depths it goes.
Giving my bait a good glugging using some KS15 liquid for extreme attraction.
I’m not shy when I’m putting bait in, and I like to use a very potent bait.
This stunning mirror is one of the 800 stocked, which has now darkened up.
that if I hook a fish, I’m confident I will
fish often show themselves early in
away, I don’t put any bait over them, or
savage undertows on these big waters,
land it. When you have waited so long for
the morning. If I’m there when they
try to figure out what they are showing
the scent can travel a long way, and
a bite, the last thing you want is to lose
are showing, I can often get amongst
over with a marker float. I simply put
carp can home in on this from greater
the fish, especially if it’s the one you’ve
them quickly, and set up on the fish
single hookbaits over them – and the
distance than just a standard boilie
set your sights on. I don’t use things
without having to do too much work.
best single hookbait anglers are all
being put into the water. I also use
like swivels and bits of putty all over
I can figure out where they might be,
from Yorkshire! If I catch one or two
particles, but they are only worth my
my rigs, as I like to keep them simple.
and this goes back to knowing more
from the showing fish, I wait until there
while when bream are not a problem.
The only thing I do use on them is an
than just one swim. The fish could be
hasn’t been anything showing for a
You can cause a lot of disturbance
anti-tangle sleeve, and this is because
anywhere on the lake when you arrive,
little while to avoid spooking them off
when wading through shoals of
when my rigs go out, I need to be 100%
but you’ll have a rough idea when you
the area, and that’s when I put in my
bream, because of having to keep
confident that they aren’t tangled on
suss out the wind direction, and this
freebies. When I do this, contrary to the
baiting and recasting onto the spot.
the lakebed; they may be out there for
is where knowing features in different
Yorkshire stereotype, I actually put a
a day or more while I wait for a bite.
swims can pay off. If they are in a swim
fair amount of bait in. I glug my boilies
the lake, things will become easier.
When you really get in tune with
When I turn up for my sessions on
you know, then the chances are that
for maximum attraction in the water,
It doesn’t feel like the mammoth
this venue, I often arrive at the crack of
you’ll be able to put rods onto known
as I want lots of food signals out there
challenge it started off as, and
dawn. Something I have noticed from
spots you have fished previously.
to keep the fish searching long after
eventually, things will come good and
the last bait has been eaten. With the
those big pit fish will soon be yours! CC
fishing here over the years is that the
34
If I turn up and see the fish straight
Crafty Carper
030-034_The_Big_Blue_CC227.indd 5
03/06/2016 15:21
The
POST-SPA W
SPECTACLE The majority of the fish across the UK have now finished spawning, possibly even more than just once. It’s safe to say they are at their lowest weights, and the fishing can be very difficult. Dave Lane has tackled this issue year in, year out and gives the low-down on how to get the most from this tricky time.
Playing a fish from a big bed of bait in late summer.
50
Crafty Carper
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06/06/2016 22:05
The Post-Spawning Spectacle Dave Lane
A WNING S
o, the summer is passing and
gained almost 5lb in weight, which is a
point of attack is to learn where the
for 3.30 a.m., which is a hideous time
the fish have completed their
pretty amazing statistic, but one that
fish do the majority of their feeding,
to be waking up, but once you are
spawning ritual, maybe even
cannot be denied; the same scales,
and then gave them exactly what
up and about, it is by far the most
more than once, but we will forgive
the same angler, and digital dating on
they are looking for. Carp can get very
magical time of all. Watching the
them that. After all, they have waited
the photographs, let alone the obvious
predictable for a while, and use the
world come to life is a spectacle in
a whole year for the chance! After
physical changes. Obviously, eating
same routes, the same feeding areas,
itself, but seeing how the carp behave
spawning, the fish are obviously at
went a long way towards this process,
and lay up in the same safe houses
as the sky breaks each day is a very
their lowest weights of the year,
and I would imagine that bait was the
during the day. What we are looking
revealing process that cannot be
but they will be keen to replace that
greater part of this feast, but here is
for is where the fish are during feeding
replicated at 8.00 a.m., or whenever
weight and repair any damage they
an interesting fact that I never knew
times, and midnight to mid-morning
else you crawl out of the sleeping bag!
may have sustained, and a good food
before then. Female carp actually start
source is the quickest way to achieve
to grow spawn,
this. Depending on the sort of weather
or eggs, for
we get, there may well be hard times
the next year
ahead from an angling perspective.
very soon after
For example, a roasting-hot August
clearing out
often puts a spanner in the works,
what they were
but for now it is full steam ahead.
already carrying.
Carp can feed heavily after spawning,
I only learnt
and the food source we offer them is
this through a
particularly good. High-quality boilies
conversation
contain just about everything a carp
with Simon Scott
needs to aid healing and bulk up.
from Sparsholt
I have witnessed some
“
are the classic times during this period
It’s amazing how much there is still to learn about carp, even after a lifetime spent pursuing them
Fishery College,
“
E
DAVE LAN E
First light and last light are quite
of the season.
often the calmest times of the day as
As with all
far as wind is concerned, and during
carp-angling
these periods it is often possible to
scenarios,
see where the fish are feeding. Scan
there is no
the water with binoculars, and look
substitution for
for bubbling and fizzing, which is
observation.
a sure sign of feeding carp. It’s my
Watching the
considered opinion that the evenings
water is always
are not what they used to be as far as
the greatest
feeding carp are concerned, hence the
way to invest
early starts. As a kid, I remember that
your time
the last vestiges of light were always
spent on the
the trigger for feeding activity, and I
bank. You will
used to hang on as long as possible,
learn nothing
staring through the twilight at the
at all from
top of a quill float when fishing for
amazing growth rates in the
shortly after
period from spawning through to
this capture. It’s
early autumn; a pound a week is
amazing how
not unheard of with larger carp,
much there is still to learn about carp,
your phone, Facebook, Twitter,
small wildie commons. Nowadays
once they get on the munch.
even after a lifetime spent pursuing
Instagram or any other distraction.
though, the evenings seldom seem to
them. This little snippet of information
Observing will help you catch carp,
produce for me, and I put my full faith
Northampton where I caught a
isn’t going to help you bank any more
or find where they are feeding.
in the coming of each day, learning
spawned-out mirror on 17th July. She
fish, of course, but I just felt like
was a little battered after her ordeal, and weighed 32lb. On 7th August
I remember fishing a lake in
I caught her again, and she looked
I always like to be awake and
as much as I can to keep me going
sharing it with you. Now we are all
watching just before it gets light. It
until the next dawn comes around.
that little bit smarter – cheers Simon.
always amazes me how many anglers
So what will help us bank more fish
Once you have identified the
sleep through the most telling times of
areas where the carp are during the
fantastic, weighing a few ounces
after spawning time has passed? For
the day. In the height of summer this
hot times, it’s just a case of giving
under 37lb. In 3 weeks exactly she had
this month at least, I reckon the main
may actually mean setting an alarm
them what they need in the right
Crafty Carper 050-054_Dave_Lane_CC227.indd 2
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The Post-Spawning Spectacle Dave Lane
All spawned-out at 32lb.
areas, and making sure your rigs are
am moving on to fish which are already
do it well ahead of the predicted bite
positioned, and undisturbed, well ahead
feeding, then I am happy to fish singles
time, probably the evening before,
of time. What they need, of course, is
or a very small and delicate scattering
and then sit and wait, causing as little
top-quality boilies, or at least that’s
of bait, rather than risk spooking them,
disturbance to the swim as possible.
what always works for me at this time.
but if I have identified a good area and
Quite often I actually bait the swim, clip
I know you read a lot about particle
I am setting traps, then I feed a lot
up all three rods, and then go off for a
use in the summer – hemp, tigers, corn,
heavier than in previous months. At
walk or a social barbecue with mates
etc. – and this approach will work, but
this time of year, I like nothing better
on the opposite bank, leaving the swim
after spawning, I think that a bed of
than to have all three traps set over
rested and free of lines for hours at
boilies gives the carp exactly what they
a bed of good food, and know that
a time. If I am convinced that I know
need in an easy meal, apart from the
each rig is presented as well as it can
the bite times, then I cannot see the
odd one with a hook in it, of course. If I
possibly be. This may take time, but I
point in risking spooking the fish before Three weeks later and nearly 5lb bigger.
52
“I like nothing better at this time of year than to have all three traps set over a bed of good food and know that each rig is presented as well as it can possibly be”
Weed changes the game completely!
Crafty Carper
050-054_Dave_Lane_CC227.indd 3
06/06/2016 22:05
The Post-Spawning Spectacle Dave Lane
they get settled by thrashing about in the swim. Just three quick casts with clipped up rods before I retire for the night is often the best method. In the morning, nice and early, I will be hovering over the rods and watching the spots, although this can sometimes be frustrating. Quite often it’s almost impossible to resist the urge for a recast when the fish are bubbling all over you and you still haven’t received any action, but it is
Carp spawning on a big gravel pit.
seldom the right answer. I always try to sit tight and leave the rigs in position, putting faith in the fact that I have cast them out perfectly the previous
The end of the point rod, a bite every night.
evening. Sometimes it can take hours for a feeding carp to actually make one mistake, and I often wonder how many times they have rejected or purposely avoided the hookbait before slipping up. Once again, keeping everything low profile and the swim undisturbed will help speed things up, as will bait application over the previous days or weeks. Prebaiting, or regular baiting of the better areas will always work in your favour, but on a lot of the busier pits it is just as likely to work in someone else’s favour. If you can get an area going and keep some freebies going in when you aren’t actually fishing, this will vastly increase your
One of my many hot spots last year.
chances of a bite. Even baiting when you leave the lake, as long as you are Better than Facebook – why would you rather stare at a tiny screen?
fairly sure that nobody else is just about to move in, can help lower the defences of the fish as they feed on bait without lines or rigs present. Going back to the Northants pit for a moment; I discovered an area at one end of the lake where the fish were feeding every morning, during the first 3 hours of daylight. It was in a large bay and easily fishable from the side of a small point which jutted out into the lake and actually formed one side of the bay. More importantly, however, while watching the water in the evening, I spotted a fish very close in to the end of the point, only a rodlength or so from the bank. Normally this swim would be fished at range, but that single sighting changed the course of the following few weeks for me. I had stumbled across the route the
this helped a lot with my catch results.
for them, and hopefully, was part
The rod on the end, fished on single
of the reason they stayed so long.
carp were using to go in and out of the
banksticks and a sounder box, produced
bay to feed, and during the night, on
at least one fish every single night,
the weed growth greatly affects the
a single rod on the end of the point,
and always between midnight and
fish and the areas they are using,
I caught as many carp as I did during
2.00 a.m. The bay, on the other hand,
and even within a swim, things can
the hot times from the bay. I had not
never gave me a bite at these times,
change dramatically. Last season
one, but two, target areas which fished
and it was usually first light as they got
I fished a certain swim on St Ives,
at different times of the day, and I
settled in, or occasionally, an evening
as often as I could get in there, and
managed to land a good number of fish
bite before they left again. I think the
over the year it accounted for 10 of
in a short period, culminating in the
fish had originally started using the bay
my total of 18 carp from the lake.
three largest fish in the lake in a frantic
in the mornings because of the way it
I always keep a record of all the
12-hour spell. I kept both areas topped
faced the sun, and the abundance of
spots I fish, particularly those I catch
up with bait and loaded the swim
fresh weed and natural food in there.
from, and the period between the
before I left each week, and I think
My bait had come as a welcome bonus
end of June and mid-August tells an
During this latter part of summer,
Crafty Carper 050-054_Dave_Lane_CC227.indd 4
53 06/06/2016 22:05
No Passport Required Lewis Clayton
After a short rest in the sling, she was ready for some pictures.
spots, where there was a clear gap between the pads and snags. Bait boats are allowed on Birch, so I thought that these spots had probably been pretty well-fished over the years. I’d fallen into the same trap on the first night, and fished my rods in these gaps, but I’d received no action so a rethink was the cards. I decided to fish to the middle area of each set of pads. I looked for any indentation or Vs in the pads that I could fish to, and once I’d picked
W
ith the onset of the warmer
a small stalking swim at the far end
weather, the inevitable
of the lake. The stock is a mixture
spawning up and down the
of mirrors and commons to well over
country has been taking place, the
30lb, and although it can be a tricky
result being that my current syndicate
water, the rewards are there to be
was closed for a month, so I was
enjoyed. There’s also a small lodge
left pondering my options for a few
with a stunning view of the lake, which
nights on the bank. During a chance
houses a flushing toilet, shower, a
conversation with Jemima at Angling
kitchen with a fridge, and freezer. This
Publications, the subject of Birch Grove
is perfect when you book the lake for
came up. She let me know that nobody
a full week, and allows you and your
was fishing the venue for the next few
party to eat like kings, which really
days, so plans were quickly made for a
does add to the whole experience.
couple of days on the historic water.
I made a quick phone call to my
Birch is a stunning, beautiful 5-acre
mate Si to ask if he fancied it, and to
mere which offers anglers the chance
see if he could get the time off work
to fish one of the most famous waters
at such short notice, and the next day
in the UK on an exclusive basis. Its
we were Shropshire-bound. I had fished
peaceful surroundings, comfortable
the lake once before, so I gave Simon
swims, and good facilities attract
the choice of swims. He opted for the
anglers from all over the UK, who want
last swim known as the Main Boards,
to sample a piece of carping history.
and I dropped in the middle swim to Si’s
There’s the added advantage of not
left, called the Helipad. It was around
having to mess around with long drives,
teatime by the time we had the rods
ferries, or passports, and it’s surprising
sorted, and the weather wasn’t great. It
how this keeps the cost manageable.
was reasonably high pressure, but was
Birch Grove features include a
Safe and strong was all that I needed.
due to drop over the next 48 hours.
smooth, silty bottom, bloodworm beds,
The first night passed without
overhanging trees, lily pads, reedbeds,
event, although in the night I heard
and deep margins with lily beds and
a few fish crashing in the pads to my
overhanging trees. The water is around
right in Si’s swim, and also at the back
13ft deep, and houses four comfortable
of the pads and snags on the far side
pegs, comprising the Caravan Swim,
in front of me. It’s a good chuck from
the Compound (often used as a double
the middle swim, and ask anybody
swim to ensure the lake is fished as
who knows me, distance casting is not
efficiently as possible), the Helipad
my forte! However, the spots I fancied
and the Main Boards. Birch can be
were around 135 yards, so not out of
fished by a maximum of four people
range for me. I figured the majority of
at any one time. In addition there is
anglers might well fish to the obvious
116
Home from home – the Birch lodge.
Crafty Carper
115-118_Lewis_Clayton_CC227.indd 2
06/06/2016 15:08
No Passport Required Lewis Clayton
three spots, the rods were dispatched
promised, and there was heavy cloud,
had rods on the deck, line tangled round
and I spread a kilo of boilies all across
so I couldn’t see a thing. At such a range
alarms and reel handles, both rods on
the pad line. I settled in for afternoon
with snags and pads all over the show,
the floor with open bail arms, and line
of rig-tying and coffee drinking.
I just started pumping the fish away
everywhere – not what I needed at all!
Dusk soon descended, and as I stood
Somehow, and I have to say more
watching the water, a whopping great
way I knew which direction the fish
by luck than design, I managed to
carp came crashing out at the back of
was heading was by feel, and it soon
finally slip the net under a rather large
the pads. My confidence was growing
made its intentions known by kiting
common. I took one look at the sea of
as I went to bed that night, and it
right into Si’s swim. I had snags close in
carnage in my swim and thought I could
was well founded because I was soon
to my right, in the shape of some fallen
do with another pair of hands on the
scrambling from my sleeping bag to hit
trees, so I knew I needed to gain line. If
job, so I went and woke Si. The fish was
the first bite. The rod was locked up
it carried on going
solid so the fish couldn’t go anywhere,
I was in trouble.
which is a must when fishing like
Luckily, I
this. It was one of those pitch-black
managed to turn
nights; the low pressure had rolled in as
the fish, but to be completely
A stunning 34lb 7oz common, proof that Birch still has it.
honest, it didn’t feel particularly large. I wasn’t too concerned until it surfaced just my
“
unhooked but I thought I’d leave weighing her until the morning, as I
It was reasonably high pressure, but was due to drop over the next 48 hours
side of the close-in snag to the right. I could then clearly see its frame, and
“
I put a good spread of bait along the edge of the pads.
from any potential problems. The only
now had all three rods out of the water. It was just after 3.00 a.m. and it would be light in an hour or so, so I slipped her into a retainer and proceeded to sort out my swim. Morning was
realised it was a better carp than I’d
soon upon us, and after a quick coffee
originally thought. At this point it was
to kick-start the day, we weighed her at
doing its utmost to get into the snag,
34lb 7oz. After taking a few photos in
and I was giving it everything, hoping
the morning sun, she was slipped back
and praying that the hookhold held. I
to her watery home. Just 10 minutes
knew I’d won the battle when a change
later I was standing at the front of
of tack from the carp saw it scream
swim watching the lake, when I saw
across the front of the swim in the
one of Si’s lines cutting through the
opposite direction to the snag. It wiped
water. He was in! After a fairly short
out both my other rods, and it could only
spirited fight, a lovely mirror around
be described as a scene of devastation! I
the mid-20 mark went into the net
Si’s cracking mid-20 – a real bruiser of a fish.
Crafty Carper 115-118_Lewis_Clayton_CC227.indd 3
117 06/06/2016 15:08
No Passport Required Lewis Clayton at the first time of asking. We’d both
so I was brimming with confidence. I was
had a carp, so we were really happy
woken from my slumber by just a couple
with how things had gone so far.
bleeps in the middle of the night. I was on
An hour later, the same rod on which
it instantly, and was soon battling another
I’d had the common was away. After
carp at range. This fight was much more
just a few bleeps, the bobbin pulled up
straightforward than the common, and
tight and I was instantly on it. I walked
it wasn’t long before I was netting a
back to steer the fish away from danger,
stunning heavily-scaled mirror. It went
but unfortunately, I gave it a little too
just over 22lb, and it was evident that
pulled. However, you can’t take risks near snags, and I’d rather have a hookpull in open water than have a fish snagged. I’d already had a mid30 so I wasn’t too despondent, and
“
they were feeding hard. I’d put my last 2kg of S-Core in the previous evening,
After just a few bleeps, the bobbin pulled up tight and I was instantly on it
it gave me hope that there was a good chance of another bite or two. After a quick phone call to Jemima,
“
much and the hook
and this carp was passing it out all
Gently returning her to the tranquil waters of Birch.
over the mat. It was a great way to finish the session, and I can’t wait to return.
The perfect hooklink for silty meres.
If you want to give this fantastic little water a go, you can book it exclusively
for 7 days. For more information visit
we managed to arrange to stay on for
birchgrovefishing.co.uk. It was the
one more day. Friday night plans were
ideal break for us, without the hassle
cancelled, and after a quick supermarket
of travelling down south, across the
run to stock up on provisions, just over
Channel, and then a few hours at
an hour later we were ready for the final
the other end. Instead we enjoyed
night. The carp were still crashing in the
some great fishing where there was
pads on the far side as I retired to bed,
definitely no passport required. CC
A stunning 22lb mirror which obviously loved its food.
118
Crafty Carper
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06/06/2016 15:08
IN NEXT MONTH’S CRAFTY CARPER THE RIG MECHANIC IS B AC K W I T H L E E WAG N E R
M A R K BA RT L ET T S TA R T S H I S FA N TA S T I C NEW SERIES.
+ F E AT U R E S F R O M TOM MAKER D A R R E N B E LT O N JULIAN CUNDIFF
ON SA LE: W E D N E S DAY 20T H J U LY 2016
NextMonth_CC227.indd 1
06/06/2016 21:50