Q&A How do I feed this Autumn?
HOW should I change my feeding now it’s autumn? I’m fishing a commercial fishery for carp, F1s and skimmers.
Ron Cliffe, Northampton
Dramatic changes in temperature can trigger great changes in how the fish react to feed on commercials, but if there is a gradual cool down then this change should be much slower. At present, things are changing at a snail’s pace, so you can still feed a reasonable amount of bait without doing the swim too much harm.
However, as you rightly sense, dumping in pots and pots of bait on the pole or blasting in pouches of loosefeed won’t bring you much of a response. Quantities need to be reduced and introduced more precisely to keep the bites coming throughout the day.
Pellets and corn are the two king baits for autumn carp. You can feed these together as a combo, but go easy at the start with just half a large pole cup if fishing the pole or a couple of pouches on the waggler. This will be ample to draw fish in, but the tricky part then begins.
Whereas in summer you could regularly top up the peg, at this time of year you have to go very carefully. Judging how many fish are in the swim and what size they are will help as more mouths and bigger appetites mean that more bait will be eaten and so more needs to be fed. On the flip side, if only an odd fish seems to be about, you’re better off feeding and waiting until you catch. Under no circumstances should you pile in the feed to make something happen!
Precision is vital, as the fish won’t be wandering about too much looking for a meal. Try to group loosefeed tightly on the pole, or line up your feeding with a marker so you know it’s going in the same spot every time.
Remember – feed to your bites at all times. The more you are getting means the more that can be fed!