This month... Issue 362 April 7 – May 5, 2020
Fishery Focus 8
35
New Mainline Canal Birmingham
NEW SERIES!
14 Stait Lake
Cotswold Water Park
Tactics 24
Andy May
30
Steve Parry
10 ways to bag more silvers in spring Enjoy the best of both worlds
35
Tony Curd
40
Tommy Boyce
44
Tom Scholey
48
Don’t forget your zig rigs Bag up on canals for a fiver! The carp trap
Bradley Gibbons The No.1 bait for early season bites 58
53 58
62 65 70 4 IYCF | Issue 362
Tommy Pickering Find the feeding depth
72
Big carp at range on the feeder
Matt Powell Revealed: The maggot parachute!
Quick fix How to spool up your reel
Fish Better with Des Shipp
76 82
Robbie Griffiths
Q&A Your questions answered
Rig school Hybrid feeder rig
Wag & mag to the rescue
Know your species Crucians
84
Below the surface How many fish are in your peg?
88 86
Tackle 86 88 90 24
94
Object of desire Kodex CX-i X-i Bite Alarms
New gear The latest tackle releases
On-the-bank test: MAP Dual SUV 12ft Feeder
Buyers guide to... Carp keepnets
Carp tactics 102 108 110
112
90
Rich Wilby Spring baits
Rig of the month Solid PVA bag rig
Carp Q&A Sticky’s experts solve your problems
Oz Holness
Your IYCF
Lakebed types: weed 102
20 98
Subscribe... For just £3.40 a month
Your letters Have your say
Daiwa Mission
100 Your catch shots
Crossword
116 Win a Korum Roving Pouch
8
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www.greatmagazines.co.uk | IYCF 5
New Mainline Canal, Birmingham
City centre congestion Congested with fish, that is! John Hudson negotiates his own route to silverfish heaven slap bang in the middle of our second city Words Tony Grigorjevs Photography Lloyd Rogers
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FISHERY FOCUS An in-depth guide to the best stillwaters, rivers, and canals that you can fish for the price of a day ticket
A
S BRIEFCASE-swinging businesspeople trotted behind us and the high-flyers in the expensive restaurant opposite gazed at what was unfolding, it was clear today’s venue was somewhat out of the ordinary. Fishing is often heralded as a pastime that enables participants the chance to venture into rural beauty, escaping all the humdrum day-to-day realities. But today had flipped that theory on its head as John Hudson was busy bagging up in one of the country’s most urban locations. Sat beside the Birmingham New
Mainline Canal, the Bait-Tech man was well and truly in the zone, winkling out dumpy roach almost every put in. “There’s something special about coming into the middle of a major city and finding your own little piece of angling paradise,” beamed John. “Plenty of passers-by have asked me in previous sessions whether there are really any fish in the canal. They’re amazed when they see me catch one after another in a few minutes. It’s absolutely stuffed with silverfish and I’ve had some amazing catches from different pegs over the years.”
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"I've caught so many fish following the advice in IYCF"
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Bag up on canals – for just a fiver! Tommy Boyce reveals how you can break away from the pack on your stretch of cut, without breaking the bank Words Tony Grigorjevs Photography Lloyd Rogers
Bread: One loaf, 75p Worms: Small handful, £2
TACTICS: POLE SPECIES: BREAM / PERCH DIFFICULTY:
40 IYCF | Issue 362
Maggots: ¼ pint, 75p
TACTICS
W
ALK passed any skilled canal angler and you’ll notice they always have an array of baits on their side tray. Worms, maggots, casters and bread are housed in bait boxes. With so many options on hand, it is easy to understand why many are convinced it is an expensive style of fishing. Tommy Boyce has spent years learning his craft on the nation’s canals and is widely seen among his peers as one of the best in the business. He fully subscribes to the idea of having your sidetray covered with bait boxes, but you may be in for a shock when he reveals just how much comes out of his wallet to pay for it. “A fiver is all you need to get the bait you require for a day of bagging on your local canal,” he told us. “While having plenty of bait choices is important, you don’t need large quantities of each and it is all about being clever with what you buy.”
Casters: ½ pint, £1.50
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REVEALED
THE MAGGOT
PARACHUTE! Matt Powell explains how hooking your maggots differently can boost your F1 catches Words Tony Grigorjevs Photography Lloyd Rogers
ISHING is all about fine margins. Use a hooklength that is fractionally too thick or a hook that is a size too big and fewer bites could be on the cards. The same principle applies to your hookbait. Believe it or not, even the way you actually hook it can have a big impact on your success rate. There seems to be a little debate about
F
TACTICS: POLE SPECIES: F1s DIFFICULTY:
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how you hook certain offerings, with casters, expanders and worms often attached slightly differently by anglers. But there is little flexibility in the way that maggots are hooked. It is widely accepted that the point pierces the end, allowing the grub to wriggle freely. It’s time to prepare for a bombshell because Matt Powell reckons we’re all missing a trick
TACTICS
“It is only a subtle switch but I am convinced it makes all the difference”
when it comes to hooking maggots for F1s. “The slower your hookbait falls, the more chance you have of tempting a big F1 into taking it,” explained Matt. “I’ve started hooking my maggots in a different way so that they sink a fraction slower. It is only a subtle switch, but I am convinced it makes all the difference to the number of bites you get.”
Parachute maggots F1s are renowned for exploring every inch of the water column at this time of year. One moment they could be sat on the bottom mulling around and seconds later they have spread throughout the layers to compete for falling loosefeed. With that in mind, a hookbait that falls painfully slowly is always going to give you the best chance of enabling fish to engulf it properly. Matt has fiddled with several elements
of his rig to make this happen but he reckons hooking the maggot straight through the middle is the most important move of the lot. “It creates a bigger surface area horizontally, slowing down the speed of the hookbait as it drops through the column. “I’ve nicknamed it ‘the parachute maggot’ because of how it looks once hooked and the effect it provides. “It will take a second or two longer to get to the deck and in that added time you often get a bite from a big F1.”
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IL SK
LS I EASY
I EA
L
SKILLS
EA SI
QUICK
ING
SY ANGL IN
AN
GL
HOW TO: FIX SPOOL UP YOUR REEL CORRECTLY G
LI N G S ANG KI L SY
It’s one of angling’s less glamorous tasks, but it’s essential to do it right PRIL is that time of year when many of us begin digging our kit out after winter. And even if you have been getting out on the bank over the colder months your gear is probably due some TLC. One of the main tasks at this time of year is to respool your reels. This should be done at least once a year to ensure the line is in tip-top condition. You’d be kicking yourself if you lost a decent fish because your line was past its best. Let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a tedious task, especially if you’ve got multiple reels to do, but it’s worth doing properly because otherwise you’ll suffer all sorts of problems, including line twist and tangles. This month we look at how to fill up a spool with fresh line…
A
TOP TIP Leave your line to soak in warm water overnight, or at least for a couple of hours, before spooling up. This will make the line more supple and it will go on much better 62 IYCF | Issue 362
HOW TO ATTACH THE LINE TO YOUR SPOOL
HOW TO FILL THE REEL
Wrap your new line around the spool. Form a loop with the tag end and lay it against the line on the other side of the spool
Drop the mainline into a bucket of water. This will make it easier for the line to come off the spool in the correct direction and prevent twisting
This bit can be a little fiddly - pass the tag end through the loop and around the line three times
Use either a hand towel or your finger and thumb to keep the line going on to the reel under tension. This creates a more even line lay
Now, moisten the loop and pull the line tight to form a neat little knot. You will now be able to push the knot towards the spool
Now you can steadily wind the line on to the reel. Don’t go too fast, just keep to a nice even rhythm
Position the knot near the base of the spool (some spools have a small reccess to house the knot) and then trim the tag end
Keep filling the reel until the line reaches the spool lip. Don’t overfill as these will cause the line to loop and fall off the spool
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TACTICS
WAG & MAG TO THE RESCUE... It may be a traditional tactic, but Robbie Griffiths shows it can still cut it on modern commercials Words & Photography Tony Grigorjevs
HE versatility of waggler fishing is what makes it a popular choice for many commercial anglers. Whether you are fishing corn on the deck for fickle-feeding carp and skimmers in winter, or chucking a pellet waggler to fool big fish that are sat shallow in summer, it can pull you out of trouble when all else fails. But for some unknown reason, very few anglers rely on arguably the most traditional style of the lot – waggler and maggot. It is the tactic responsible for giving thousands of anglers their first taste of fishing and a lifelong passion.
T
TACTICS: WAGGLER SPECIES: MIXED DIFFICULTY:
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WAG & MAG TO THE RESCUE Despite this, most anglers don’t feel wag and mag has the attributes to outscore other tactics on their local commercial – but Robbie Griffiths thinks they need to quickly reconsider that opinion. In an age where most fisheries are dedicated to a mixed stocking policy of carp, F1s and silverfish, the Preston Innovationsbacked star reckons wag and mag should play a big part in your angling. “I see a lot of anglers fishing the waggler with pellets and, while this is certainly a great tactic, they are missing out on the chance of a stunning mixed bag,” said Robbie. “Ide, big roach and even chub don’t have the biggest appetite for pellets and will often ignore them. “If you fish with maggots, these silverfish will keep the float going under while you wait for the carp and F1s. The end result is almost certainly a much bigger catch than you anticipated.”
ROBBIE’S MIXED SPECIES WAGGLER RIG
Waggler A semi-loaded version removes the need for lots of big shot that can damage the mainline
Catch through the column Different species will mix together in a swim, but they’ll often choose to sit at different depths. Use a rig that forces the hookbait to the bottom quickly and there is every chance you will miss out on the chance to catch certain species. “Ide, roach and chub often prefer to sit mid-water and if you use a rig with a lot of shot down the line, the hookbait will bomb past their faces and give them hardly any chance of taking it. “The answer is to use a lightly shotted rig,” explained Robbie. “I use a semi-loaded float and then place 90 per cent of my shot around the base. “A couple of dropper shot are placed between there and the hooklength knot to keep a little tension in the mainline, improving the number of fast bites you hit. “I also connect my mainline to the hooklength with a small swivel that acts like another small shot,” confirmed Robbie. His tactics make sure the hookbait falls at a slow pace, enabling fish at all depths to snap at it. If tiny silverfish are proving a nuisance in the upper layers, add a few more shot down the line to increase the pace of the fall ever so slightly.
Mainline A light mainline runs through the rod rings with ease and aids casting. Use 4lb mono
Shotting Place a couple of small shot towards the bottom of the rig to keep tension under the line
Swivel This acts as another small dropper shot and prevents line twist from occurring
Hookbait Rotate between single and double red maggot on the hook
Carry a selection of loaded and semi-loaded wagglers so you can set up for a variety of conditions
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Fish better with...
DES SHIPP HIPP Brush up on key angling skills with England International Des, to put more fish on the bank
THIS MONTH: CARP AT RANGE ON THE FEEDER
F
EEDER fishing has become incredibly popular in recent years and that is down to a number of factors. There is minimal preparation required - one or two rod and reel setups are all you need - and to top it off you can catch some seriously big fish on it! As with any form of our sport, anglers love to challenge themselves and try their hand at something new and fishing at distance is something a lot of people are dabbling in. Chucking a feeder to the horizon looks difficult and if you lean on the wrong tackle, it definitely is. But carefully analyse everything aspect of your equipment and you’ll soon be casting further than you could have ever previously imagined.
TACKLE:
ESSENTSIAL ITEM
MAINLINE
REEL Go with a good-sized reel in order to help you retrieve the feeder quickly. I use a Preston Innovations Centris 520 which has plenty of power to help me coax big carp to the bank
Big fish may be on the horizon but your mainline shouldn’t be too heavy. I use 6lb mono which flies through the rod rings. Stepping up to 8lb would be an error as it has a thicker diameter, making it more difficult to flow through the rings and reach the required distance
FEEDER An 45g feeder will hit distances of up to 100 yards. A Method is the best type and, where permitted, use an elasticated version to stop hook-pulls
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ROD A fairly long rod with plenty of casting power and well-sized eyes is key. I use a 12ft 6in Preston Innovations Distance Master. Longer rods can be difficult to handle and you’ll often struggle to compress the rod in the necessary fashion if you aren’t used to it
SHOCKLEADER A shockleader is essential as it absorbs the power of the cast and helps prevent breakages. Your relatively thin mainline could snap once you hit the clip but a short and strong line prevents this. My shockleader – which is tied to the mainline and has the feeder run on to it – is three times the length of the rod. I use 10lb Preston Innovations Sinking Feeder Mono
HOOKLENGTH Carp in reservoirs run big and you need to land them all. I use a pretied size 14 Preston Innovations MCM-B hook to 0.19mm line
TOP TIP
Always use a rod that has sizeable rod rings when fishing at range. A shockleader is an essential part of making sure your rig hits the mark intact and in order to get the knot that attaches it to the mainline through the rod rings effortlessly, they need to be of a good size
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY EXPERTS... What rig should I use when fishing the margins for carp and big F1s at this time of year?
FLOAT Use a diamond shaped float with a fairly thick tip to help you differentiate between liners and genuine bites. A 0.3g or 0.4g version is ideal for the margins
SEAN LAWRENCE, EMAIL
A
The rise in temperature has led to fish moving around more freely and the margins are now more likely to produce the goods. But the fish will still have an air of caution when coming so close to the bank and it is important to use the correct rig and baiting style in order to prevent them from spooking once they arrive.
LINE The biggest fish in the lake often come down the edge and you need tackle that can land them. Use 0.18mm mainline to an 0.16mm hooklength
SHOTTING Place all your shot in a bulk on top of the hooklength knot. This helps anchor your hookbait to the deck and prevents the rig from wafting around when fish are creating a disturbance when feeding
BAIT A small cup of micro pellets and corn is enough to trigger a response without overfeeding any fish that turn up. Use either single or double corn on a size 16 hook
76 IYCF | Issue 362
Q
I recently bought some ready-tied hooklengths with quick stops on the hair rig. How do I attach a hookbait to the hair rig? DANIEL CARLTON, EMAIL
A
Quick stops are fantastic for keeping a hookbait on the hair rig when fishing the feeder or bomb. They are particularly effective with baits such as corn, cubed meat and mini boilies, keeping them on the hair during the cast and when winding in.
HOW TO USE A QUICK STOP
Q
What are the advantages of using an elasticated feeder instead of an in-line version? NEIL SIMPSON, EMAIL
A
There are several advantages to using an elasticated feeder. The additional cushion it provides is arguably the biggest of them all. If a fish makes a lunge at any point during the fight, the elastic stretches to absorb it and prevent a hook-pull.
An elasticated feeder is usually attached to the mainline by a small hook and this enables you to switch to a different size in an instant. You can also load other elasticated feeders while you wait for a bite and then attach it to the mainline seconds after reeling in.
Take a fine baiting needle and place it inside the quick stop
Q
I have just bought a new pole with three top kits and can’t decide what elastics to put in them. I usually fish on commercials and like to catch carp, silvers and F1s.
Force the quick stop into the bait, allowing it and the needle to push through to the other side of it
DARREN HUGHES, EMAIL
A
Your pole elastic needs to act as a cushion during the fight to prevent hook-pulls while also having enough power to prevent the fight going on for too long. Using Preston Innovations’ hollow elastics as an example, go for 8 Dura Hollow for species such as skimmers and tench, 10 Dura for F1s and either a 12 (for fish up to 4lb) or 14 Dura when carp come into the equation.
Q
How much bait should I introduce at the start of a session when fishing for F1s?
TOBY STEVENS, EMAIL
A
F1s can be extremely cagey and their appetite can change by the day. Feed too much on the wrong day and the fish will come in, take a few morsels and then disappear. With that in mind, it is best to start negatively. Use a small pole cup on the end of your top kit and tap in either 30 pellets or maggots. Do this on two lines so that you have somewhere to resort to as a back-up, and top up with the same amount after every fish.
Remove the needle from the quick stop and pull it back through the bait. The quick stop will now sit neatly under the bait to stop it sliding off the hair rig
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GUIDE TO...
KEEPNETS Each month our team of experts at IYCF HQ take a look at some of the best tackle items on the market. This month we focus on carp keepnets EEPNETS are designed for match and pleasure anglers who need to retain caught fish for short periods so they can be weighed in or simply admired at the end of a match or session. When using a keepnet it’s important to look after your catch and most fisheries set sensible limits as to how much weight can be placed in one net. When carp are the target
K
94 IYCF | Issue 362
we would never advise putting more than 50lb in one net. If you are unsure of what weight you have put in, it is much better to be on the safe side and begin filling a second net. The majority of nets are now made from a carp-friendly mesh which helps to prevent damage to fish fins and body, but always check when purchasing a net that the mesh offers the highest quality of fish care.
TACKLE
MIDDY BAGGIN’ MACHINE CARP-SACK KEEPNET
MIDDY STARGRIP 5IFTY KEEPNET
RRP: £54.99
RRP: £59.99
Made using tight knit fast-dry mono material, creating a safe-haven for carp, the fishery-approved Baggin’ Machine Carp-Sack keepnets have a Six-Plus adjustment angle lock and a thick 10mm polymer bottom ring with stake out D-rings. The thick bottom ring adds strength and weight to the base. These nets are seven-stitched with an anti-rot thread for durability. Lengths available: 2.7m, 3m and 3.6m www.middytackle.com
The StarGrip 5ifty is made from a thick polyester, super soft carp sack material and it has been uniquely designed to attach perfectly on to seatbox systems. The attachment thread is fixed but is fitted to the top ring at a special fivedegree angle which sets the net at the perfect level for putting in fish. The 10mm diameter bottom rings are super strong with a steel clamping device to keep them weighed down. The compact size of the StarGrip 5ifty is ideal for fishing a multiple net set-up where fisheries impose a 50lb net limit. It is also compatible with Middy’s StarGrip360 Keepnet Arm fitting and further features include pull-out weighing-in handles and cushioned intermediate rings with anti-wear protective webbing. Length available: 2.7m www.middytackle.com
PRESTON INNOVATIONS QUICK DRY KEEPNETS RRP: £49.99 - £59.99 Manufactured from a brand new material which is extremely robust and durable and designed to cope with the demands of the modern angler. Each ring features a rubber protector sleeve and you’ll also find a fix angle locking mechanism, pull-through handles and a built-in rodrest. The 2.5m model is the ideal length when fishing close in or down the edge, the 3m makes an excellent all-rounder and the 4m version is designed specifically for deeper venues where the extra length is needed. Lengths available: 2.5m, 3m and 4m www.prestoninnovations.com
TIPS, TACTICS & RIGS TO CATCH MORE
INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS
THE EARLY SPRING BAITING GAME Top carp angler Rich Wilby reveals the simple bait mix that ticks all the boxes at this time of year... Words James Furness Photography Lloyd Rogers
T’S easy to get carried away when spring finally arrives. After months of casting out single hookbaits or a PVA bag at most, it can be tempting to start being a tad more liberal with the throwing stick or the number of Spombs you put out. But this carefree baiting attitude could still quite easily cost you fish at this time of year, as fishery owner and experienced carp angler Rich Wilby explains... “A lot of anglers are so glad to see the back of
I
102 IYCF | Issue 362
winter but you have to remember that it’s only early spring. Yes, the fish are waking up but their full metabolism won’t have kicked in yet. Their sight and smell still won’t be anywhere near as strong as in the height of summer,” he says. Bait choice and quantity both need to be taken into careful consideration at this time of year. We met up with Rich at a lake deep in the Norfolk countryside to get a closer look at the food items which he puts his faith in for the weeks ahead.
CARP
CORN
HEMP
A classic bait for cool wate r
Adds instant visual attraction
ROCK SALT lt,
Carp love sa especially in the spring
BOILIES Pal
e, creamy boilies ar e easy for carp to sp ot
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CARP Q&A
IN ASSOCIATION WITH STICKY
HOW TO KEEP KIT TO A MINIMUM AND REMAIN COMFY
Q
I’m fishing a large water this year and want to be able to travel light and move swims with ease. What are the bare essentials that I would need and have you got any tips for keeping kit to a minimum but staying comfortable? Tony Worth, email SCOTT LLOYD: It’s really all down to how many nights you’ve got at your disposal. I do a lot of big-pit fishing and generally have a few nights ahead of me when I arrive. It’s a balancing act between enough ‘essentials’ to keep you comfortable yet travel light enough if you need to move.
ASK US A QUESTION... Email: IYCF@bauermedia.co.uk Write to: IYCF Magazine, Bauer Media, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA www.facebook.com/iycfmag @iycfmagazine
Generally, my kit stays the same. The only variable, depending on the number of nights ahead, is food, bait and water. A good idea for tackling down is laying out all your kit and assessing what you really need on every session, every day. If there’s some ‘maybes’ about some items, that’s not good enough for them to stay in the bag! The only ‘might need’ item is a sling or sack! Some items can always be left in the van if it’s safe to do so. My spare clothes, leads etc all go in a spare bag in the van stashed away. Your inclusion of luggage alone can help you tackle down massively. The main Thinking Anglers bit of luggage which will help you is the rucksack, it’s a perfect size and soon shows you that you don’t need everything and the kitchen sink when fishing!
“Some items can always be left in the van if it’s safe to do so”
Q
I’ve just kitted myself out with a two-rod set-up for the first time. Would you recommend fishing the same rigs on both or is it best to try different tactics on each? Neil Pillman, email JIM WILSON: With two rods now at your disposal, I’d recommend giving both options a try! You may find a spot on the lakebed which is only suitable to fish one rod, which means you’d have to find an alternative area to place your second. In this instance though, let’s say you’ve got both rods in the same area. This would be a perfect time to stick to a rig which is suited best, but maybe try hookbaits of two different colours This can often make a big difference as you may find one colour works better than the other on the day. If you notice a pattern you can make the decision to change all the rods to the winning colour. Signature’s have three different colours, ideal for this approach. I’m sure that out of the three colours, one will work on the day! t
110 IYCF | Issue 362
feren Try fishing with a dif h rod eac on ait okb ho r ou col h wit gin to be
YOUR CARP QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY STICKY’S EXPERT ANGLERS
Q
For spodding and marker float work, do I need to use monofilament or braid as a mainline? For either, what breaking strain should I use?
Braid is much more effective than mono for spod and marker work
Martin Rees, email
Q
How long should I soak my boilies in water so they are washed out?
Dan Clarke, email
TOM MAKER: Washing my baits is something I love to do all year round. As a rough guide, I try do it a few days before I’m going fishing to allow enough time for the full effect. It also ensures that they take on the water and extra Cloudy Liquids (Krill or Manilla) that I add. This gives the baits a washed out look, yet they remain packed full of attraction as they absorb all the goodness, while remaining incredibly soft. I would avoid leaving them too long in the bucket, especially in summer as the warmer water will increase the speed at which the boilie reacts and you’ll end up with a bait that’s almost too washed out!
JAKE WILDBORE: I would
always use braid when doing spod and marker work, especially when you’re wanting to paint an accurate picture of the lakebed using a lead. Braid has far less stretch than mono, so the lead will transmit a lot more ‘info’ through the rod. It also casts very well as the diameter will be far less than a mono. When fishing long distances and exerting far more pressure on the braid, it’s a good idea to use a shock leader. This will help relieve the stress on the braid and decrease the chances of any mishaps. Also, wetting the braid will decrease the chances of ‘frap ups’ and will help the braid on its way through the air.
Q
HOW TO MAKE A LEADCORE LEADER
Is it best to fish on the top of a gravel bar or at the base because I’ve heard conflicting advice? Ben Gray, email
Start by removing 6in of the inner core at one end of the leadcore
Insert the splicing needle where the lead wire breaks
Push it out just short of 3in up the supple length
Hook the top of the tag end and pull it back into the leadcore to create a neat loop
Thread on a Thinking Anglers Tungsten Safety Leadcore bead followed by your swivel
Now thread on a buffer bead, thin end first
Splice on a small oval clip on to which you can attach your lead
Clip on your lead and pull the buffer bead down to cover the clip
OZ HOLNESS: Either can be a great
location as you’ll sometimes find fish prefer to feed in the silt than on clean gravel bars. If you’re unsure on whether you’re doing the right thing, maybe fish one rod on the bar and then a rod off it and let the carp tell you what’s best. One thing about fishing on bars is ensuring you’re set up to withstand the substrate. I’d suggest using a leader, such as leadcore, which will blend into the lakebed, yet ensure you’ve got maximum protection against any abrasive elements such as sharp stones that could be under water and can easily damage your mainline. If you’re unsure on how to use leadcore or to tie it, the sequence (left) will help you!
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