MIDDY MX-100 CHAIRS FIVE TO BE WON! N I W
TOTAL
£999.R9R5P:
Rich Wi lby...
BIG PERCH
Dec 17, 2019 – Jan 14, 2020 £3.90
ISSUE 358
MADE EASY Two rigs guaranteed to catch you great fish like this - use them now!
FISH BETTER WITH...
DES SHIPP
TOP F1 BOMB EDGES
PLUS: Tommy Pickering's tips for feeding accurately | The ultimate silverfish bait combo | Pike on deadbaits - it's easier than you think!
TACKLE: WE TEST DAIWA'S NEW METHOD ROD
This month... Issue 358 December 17, 2019 – January 14, 2020
Fishery Focus 8
34
Tunnel Barn Farm Warwickshire
14
Norfolk Broads Horning
Tactics 24
NEW SERIES!
Rich Wilby Two rigs + three baits = perch galore
30
Lee Werrett
34
Tony Curd
40
Tommy Pickering
44
Quick fix
A maggot feeder revival The ultimate silverfish bait Stick it on a sixpence Pick the right quivertip 30
40
46 50 53 58 61
4 IYCF | Issue 358
Pemb Wrighting Rethink your feeder choice
Know your species Pike
Matt Bingham Dobbing with bread
Rig school Laying on float rig
Ian Nesbitt Grayling on the feeder
14
80
Carp tactics 94
98 100 104
Damo Lee Keep your options open
Rig of the month Chod rig
How to fish a..
Tackle 78
Commercial carp lake
Ian Russell Particles – underused, underrated, yet deadly
80 82
86
Object of desire Matchbox Pro seatbox
New gear The latest tackle releases
On-the-bank test: Daiwa N’ZON 11ft feeder
Six of the best: Winter headwear
Your IYCF 20 90 92 104
Subscribe... For just £3.40 a month
Your letters Have your say
Daiwa Mission Your catch shots
Crossword
108 Win a Korum Lure Bag
86
64 68
Andy Wilson Catch pike on deadbaits
Fish Better with Des Shipp Bomb fishing edges
72 76
Q&A Your questions answered
Below the surface The effects of flooding on our fisheries
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www.greatmagazines.co.uk | IYCF 5
FISHERY FOCUS An in-depth guide to the best stillwaters, rivers, and canals that you can ďŹ sh for the price of a day ticket
14 IYCF | Issue 358
River Bure, Horning
Lure fishing a-Broad! When it comes to pike fishing, the Norfolk Broads is without doubt the most famous and prolific venue you can visit. Dan Brackley is your guide... Words Dan Brackley Photography Mark Parker
www.greatmagazines.co.uk | IYCF 15
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TWO RIGS + THREE BAITS = PERCH GALORE Big-fish hunter Rich Wilby reveals the two rigs and simple feeding trick that have caught him numerous specimen perch
Words James Furness Photography Llyod Rogers
B
OLD stripes. Spikey dorsal fin. Cavernous mouth. Only one species can boast these characteristics… perch. One of the most striking freshwater creatures, small perch are often the first fish many anglers catch due to their greedy nature and the fact that even the smallest is capable of grabbing a double maggot hookbait. Maybe this is why anglers of all disciplines have a fondness for the species. Come autumn, match, specimen, carp and general pleasure
24 IYCF | Issue 358
anglers will often turn their attentions to perch at some point over the following months. And Norfolk-based all-rounder Rich Wilby is no exception to the trend. “I love loads of different styles of angling from stalking big carp to trotting a stick float for roach. But fishing a float for perch has to be right near the top. It’s such a great way to spend a few hours on the bank,” enthused Rich, when we joined him at a quiet Norfolk club water. The venue ticked all the boxes for what you’d want for a perch fishing trip. Lots of marginal cover and overhanging trees, and it looked as if it didn’t suffer excessive angling pressure. “The great thing about perch is that you can find them pretty much everywhere. They are one of those species that even if they haven’t been stocked in a lake still seem to get caught,” observed Rich.
tactics
tactics: FLOAT / Leger species: perCh difficulty:
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TACTICS: POLE SPECIES: SILVER FISH DIFFICULTY:
The ultimate silverfish bait combo
When carp move into open water, the margins become rich pickings for silvers. Tony Curd details the baits he uses to plunder them Words Tony Curd Photography Ryan Hayden
34 IYCF | Issue 358
TACTICS
F
ISHING the short pole on commercial venues is responsible for an incredible number of big weights and match wins during the warmer months. But as Jack Frost puts in an appearance, carp generally move into open water areas of lakes. The short pole line now becomes the perfect area to target a bag of quality silver fish that abound in many commercial venues. There are a few ways to target the larger stamp of silvers and the main element is to be positive with your feeding – thinking about when to feed, in what amount and also whether you want to concentrate the fish on the bottom or catch them shallow. To demonstrate how to get the most from
the tactic, I’ve brought the IYCF cameras along to Wold Farm Fishery near Rushden, Northamptonshire, for a session on the silverfish-only Moat Pool. This is the perfect location to bag big weights – with the correct approach. Fishing at short range lends itself to amassing a big weight. Not only can you fish at speed, but feeding and accuracy is also a whole lot simpler. And let’s not forget the difficult weather conditions we can face during winter – holding just 5m of pole is possible in all conditions so you won’t be fighting a long length of carbon. Today I have plumbed up at 5m straight out in front and, typically for a commercial water, this puts me at the base of the marginal slope – prime silver fish territory!
A soil, worm and caster combo will catch lots of silvers
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TACTICS: POLE SPECIES: VARIOUS DIFFICULTY:
N O T I STICK E C N E P A SIX hat’s close ‘t a , g in d e e es to f ys When it com titude just won’t do sa enough’ at my Pickering Tom d Rogers ography Llyo igorjevs Phot Gr ny To ds or W
40 IYCF | Issue 358
TACTICS
1 TURN TO A BUMP BAR
Many pole anglers own a bump bar but they rarely use it in calm conditions. Rather it is seen as a tool to help combat the wind. Tommy, however, believes it needs to be used on every winter session, regardless of the weather conditions. “You may think you are holding your pole perfectly still but if you are sat there
for a few minutes, you’ll find it moves a few feet either way. Use a far bank marker and you’ll be able to reposition back to where it should be but the hookbait will have moved and may have cost you a bite. “Fish prefer the bait nailed to the bottom when it is cold and I use a bump bar all the time to make sure it never unintentionally moves an inch.”
HOW TO USE A BUMP BAR
S
Use a sturdy bump bar with grooves in its construction. This ensures the pole goes in the same spot every time
The bump bar should be attached to the front two legs of your seatbox’s footplate like this
Make sure the bump bar is at a height where it is roughly in line with the pole rest installed in your seatbox
Your pole tip should sit just above the water. Adjust by sliding the bump bar up or down the legs on the footplate
A sturdy bump bar with st grooves is be
PREADING bait left, right and centre is always going to hinder your results in winter, but just how tight do you need to keep things to earn every possible bite? “A lot of anglers feel that keeping it in a ‘rough’ area is enough but I am a firm believer in keeping every morsel you feed and your rig over a space no bigger than an A4 sheet of paper,” said Tommy. “Start fishing outside this zone and you spread the fish and increase the chances of foul-hooking which will spook every other carp in the shoal.” It sounds simple but keeping everything inside such a small area is trickier than you think. But as with almost everything in fishing, the best in the business have worked on tactics to make it possible and Tommy shows how to achieve this crucial skill.
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TACTICS: FEEDER SPECIES: BREAM DIFFICULTY:
46 IYCF | Issue 358
TACTICS
WHY IT’S TIME TO...
Rethink your feeder choice It may contradict conventional “wisdom” but the Hybrid feeder is spot on for commercial slabs, says Pemb Wrighting Words & Photography Tony Grigorjevs
T
HE cage feeder is the weapon of choice for a huge proportion of bream anglers. Presenting the hookbait away from the main body of bait is seen as the best way to trick the species, with the majority of anglers convinced they shy away from the feeder in cold water.
But there is a growing number who are taking a completely different view when targeting slabs, especially on commercials. Pemb Wrighting is well and truly in this camp and he states that the feeder tactics you have used all summer for big bags of carp could be just the trick.
“The Hybrid or Method feeder is extremely popular when it is warm but many don’t give it a look in for winter bream fishing and that’s an error in my eyes,” said the Guru-backed star. “It has numerous benefits that will help you put bigger bags together when the temperatures dip.”
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G I R OL SC H
O
LAYING-ON A FLOAT RIG
A rarely-used set-up these days, but one that is excellent on rivers when your hookbaits needs to fished hard on the deck
T
HIS almost forgotten method is very effective when fishing rivers of slow to medium pace when a hookbait needs to be fished hard on the bottom. This presentation is especially effective for larger fish that are unlikely to come off the deck, such as bream, big roach and barbel. While this rig can only be presented at the end of the rod tip this is often an advantage, as the distance fished is
effectively fixed – maximising accuracy. By incorporating a float the rig is also more sensitive and offers less resistance than a leger fished at the same distance. It is essential when laying-on to ensure that the bottom of the shelf is less than a rodlength out. Careful plumbing is important to ensure the river bed is flat. Very often, though, this close-in area will be a magnet for fish, especially if there is
overhanging bankside cover. This method works best when a big float is used because this will lend the rig stability and prevent changes in the current from dragging the hookbait. In recent years flat floats, originally developed for pole fishing using a technique very similar to laying-on, have been incorporated as they offer maximum buoyancy in a relatively slim body profile.
HOW TO TIE A LAYING-ON FLOAT RIG
Attach float to the mainline Slide an olivette, at least using three pieces of silicone 2 1g heavier than the float 1 pole tube along the wire stem loading, on to the mainline
Next, tie a small figure-ofPinch a No.6 shot just above eight loop in the end of the 3 the loop knot. This prevents 4 mainline the olivette sliding off
YOU WILL NEED
Tie the hook to 30cm of the Attach the hooklength to Adjust the depth of the float hooklength line using a 12the mainline with a loop-to- 7 so that it cocks against the 5 6 turn spade-end knot loop knot weight of the olivette
58 IYCF | Issue 358
✔ 2g-10g flat float ✔ 2g-10g olivettes ✔ Size 14 hook ✔ 3lb / 0.16mm hooklength line ✔ Size 6 shot
FLOAT
Flat floats offer maximum buoyancy in a slim body profile. Attach to the mainline using at least three pieces of silicone pole tubing along the wire stem to spread the load
MAINLINE
The 4lb mainline is attached to a 3lb mono hooklength with a loop-to-loop knot
OLIVETTE
The olivette needs to be at least one gram heavier than the float loading. The float should be set to a depth so that it cocks against the weight of the olivette when it is resting on the riverbed
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: T S E B E H T OF your head? of your body heat through ID you know that you lose 10% s figure thi thermal suit without a hat bank And if you’re wearing a thick the on rm So if you want to stay wa g out can increase significantly. kin for nt poi no your head covered. There’s d hea r this winter it’s vital to keep you ve bib ‘n’ brace outfit if you lea ble hats... for an expensive jacket and our favourite beanies and bob of e som of k pic our re’s He exposed!
D
Drennan knitted beanie
RRP: £8.95
Featuring a traditional heavy knit design complete with a cosy fleece lining. The brim can be rolled up or down to suit. Also available in black. www.drennantackle.com
Preston Innovations Bobble Hat RRP: £11.99
Dual layers help to minimise any wind chill and the internal layer is soft and comfortable as well as incredibly warm. www.preston innovations.com
86 IYCF | Issue 358
Sticky Knitted Beanie
RRP: £9.99
Maroon has become the colour of choice for carp anglers wanting something different from olive or brown. Knitted using the Fisherman’s Rib Stitch, the beanie has a slouchy design with a subtle logo tag. www.stickybaits.com
R A E W D A E H WINTER Middy Beanie Hat RRP: £9.99
The perfect addition to Middy’s MX-800 clothing range. Black with a discreet orange logo, the hat has a stylish loose fit. www.middytackle.com
Kodex Beanie Hat RRP: £9.99
Stylish and durable with a slightly loose fashionable fit at the top and a snug fit elsewhere. Discreet branding and carpy green colour. www.kodextackle.com
Guru Bobble Hat RRP: £9.99
With it’s distinctive black and orange strips, the Guru bobble hat will not only keep you warm but also ensure you stand out from the crowd. A firm favourite in the IYCF office. www.tackleguru.com
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GIVE THEM A CHOICE When bites are hard to come by, it’s no use putting all your eggs in one basket, says Damo Lee
Words James Furness Photography Llyod Rogers
94 IYCF | Issue 358
CARP
W
INTER carp fishing brings with it a number of challenges. One of the biggest is that carp become much less active and will often only feed for short periods of time during the day. Obviously, this means it’s imperative that you give yourself the best chance of getting a bite during these limited windows of opportunity. The easiest way to do this is to keep your options open. It’s no use having three rigs out in the lake with the same hookbait on each one. We all know how fickle carp can be. One day you can get run after run on yellow hookbaits only to struggle to buy a bite with the same hookbait on your next session. Which is why Kodex’s Damo Lee refuses to restrict himself to just one colour hookbait at this time of year.
Different colours do the trick
“At the start of the session I’ll put a different coloured hookbait on each rod. Yellow, white and pink are my three favourites,” said Damo. “All three colours have a good track record of producing carp so the chances are that whatever their mood on the day, at least one of these options will tickle their fancy.” Carp don’t have a massive appetite at this time of year, so when one does decide to pick up a bait Damo wants to make sure it is his hookbait and not an item of loosefeed. For this reason, he doesn’t feed anything and just fishes the hookbaits as singles. And although a pop-up is capable of pumping out plenty of attraction on its own, Damo uses liquids to further enhance the attraction but without putting any additional food items into the swim. “Kodex Ectoplasm is a really thick liquid loaded with attractors that will stick to your hookbait when you squeeze it on. Not only does it leak flavours, it creates a colourful cloud around the hookbait which also encourages any carp in the area to come and investigate.” The only time Damo will put the same colour hookbait on each rod is if one colour starts to produce and it becomes apparent that the carp have a clear preference for it. “If I start getting bites on one colour then I’ll switch the other rods over and cast them to the
Ectoplasm adds flavour and creates a cloud of attraction around the hookbait
same area. Carp tend to group more tightly at this time of year so if I’ve caught one, the chances are there will be other carp close by.”
Rely on the Ronnie rig
Although Damo mixes it up when it comes to hookbait colour, he is happy to put his faith in one rig. In recent years the Ronnie rig has become a firm favourite of many carp anglers, including Damo. “The presentation is easy to tie and incredibly effective at hooking fish. I have so much confidence in it, that I’m happy to fish it on all three rods,” he said. “Because the hook is mounted on a swivel it can rotate and grab hold no matter what direction the carp approaches it from. It might not sound that important but this minor detail massively increases the number of positive bites you receive,” he added. Damo ties his Ronnie rigs using size 6 Kodex Genomic Wide Gape hooks attached via a quick change ring swivel to a 25lb Micro-Strip coated braid hooklink. Turner Baits pop-ups in yellow, pink and white are Damo’s top options
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