10 AUTUMN FISHING TIPS WITH Dean Macey
FIND THE FISH
I’m always more confident after seeing fish show themselves. Dawn and dusk are the best times for locating them.
BAIT UP HEAVILY
Heavy baiting works really well at this time of the year, as carp will be preparing for colder times. Really attack your swim, even if you’re just fishing for the day.
GET ON THE WIND
If there’s a fresh wind blowing, get on the end of it. I’ve had lots of success by moving swims after a change of wind direction.
MIX THINGS UP
Don’t be afraid to mix your flavours and boilie sizes. I’m a big fan of combining fish and fruit.
FISH BIG HOOKS
If you’re fishing smaller hookbaits, don’t be obsessed with using small hooks. I still use a size 6 or even a size 4 when using tiger nuts and fake corn. Carp find it more difficult to eject a big hook.
HIT THE LINE CLIP
When casting to your chosen spot, always make sure that your hookbait flies past your lead before the rigs hits the surface to help ensure a good presentation. Either use a line clip or stop the line by applying your finger to the spool of your reel.
TIGHTEN THE CLUTCH
Don’t have your clutch set too loose and allow the fish to take loads of line on the initial take. You hear so many screaming reels these days, but I’m sure this compromises your hookhold.
BRING ALONG HEMP
Hempseed is a massive favourite of mine. I don’t just feed it – I often soak my boilies in hemp juice too. Hemp is really easy on the carp’s digestive system.
KEEP RIGS SIMPLE
Keep things simple. I don’t like a rig with loads of metalwork. One of my favourites features a length of N-Trap, a Krank hook attached with a knotless knot and a 15mm wafter hookbait... that’s it.
GO LONGER
If you’re fishing over a soft bottom don’t have too short a hooklink. I often use them over a foot long.