ALTERNATIVE HOOKBAITS

FINDING the right hookbaits for surface fishing can be a problem. A piece of bread crust can often do the trick if the fish are close in and you are expecting an almost instant bite. More often than not, though, bread will fall off the hook too quickly.

If you are feeding mixers or floating pellets it makes sense to use these as hookbaits too.

Once again, these tend to be a little fragile, soaking up water quickly and starting to break down... ideal for a quick bite, but not so good if repeated casting is required.

Most of my surface fishing uses pop-up boilies fished on a very short hair tight to the back of the hook. These hookbaits will last indefinitely, and I go out of my way to find baits that match the colour of my feed pellets as closely as possible. Starting with a 15mm pop-up, I trim away the sides until the bait is the same size and shape as my feed so that it is regarded with less suspicion.

Recently, I have been experimenting with artificial hookbaits that will remain buoyant indefinitely. These are useful when fishing with anchored floaters and zigs, as once the rig is in position it can be left out all day. My coated hookbaits look more natural than a pop-up, and by adding a small shot they can be made to match the buoyancy of the free-offerings perfectly too.

If you are carp fishing this summer then make sure you pack some floating baits and some suitable gear for catching carp off the top.

Often bites can come almost instantly, and sport can be fast and furious.

You will also learn so much more than sitting behind static rods – this is the most exciting way to catch carp, bar none!