EMBRACE THE WEED
In the summer months there is nothing that causes carp anglers more problems than weed. This month, Adam Penning shares with us how he gets the most out of a weedy situation…
IT SEEMS that anglers everywhere just hate dealing with weed, and often struggle with how to fish and present their rigs in it.
Conversely, there is nothing that carp like more than weed, so when you think about it, it’s a bit of a paradox!
I really do love weed – it makes the fishing so much more interesting, it’s healthy for the carp, and very often it actually makes the fishing a bit easier and not harder, as many people assume. First up, the carp can be easier to find and they will also be less flighty when faced with any disturbance.
Weed provides carp with shelter, safety and security – as anglers we should not be afraid of it, instead we should embrace it.
Finding spots
The main issue that anglers have when faced with a weedy swim is locating areas of clean, fishable bottom to present their rigs over.
There is no denying that on some occasions this can be really hard work, but a lot of the time I see anglers making it much harder than it should be. The first thing you need to do is completely ditch the marker float and get rid of those leads that have prongs on them. A float coupled with a lead of this type is the best thing you could possibly use to jam in the weed! The process will be utterly soul-destroying and you’ll get nowhere very quickly.
Instead, using a spod rod (the extra stiffness is a real benefit) and a braided
mainline, attach a smooth, streamlined distance-style lead, to the end. I usually attach it via a quick link and then sheath that in a tail rubber. This means that when I have found a fishable bottom, I can measure the distance and change from a lead to the Spomb. The process involves working along the skyline with the lead, carefully feeling for the drop.
If you cannot feel the lead land then it will either be in solid weed (which will be determined as soon as you try to drag the lead), or it will be in very shallow water. Lakes that are shallow and very weedy are tricky and, because the drop is so vital, always be prepared to reduce the lead size as much as you need, to give yourself time to feel the impact.
I often use as little as 1.5oz-2oz. Don’t just search for the drop, gently coax the lead back towards you - if the weed is high-rising Canadian then you’ll be able to bring the lead back between the stems quite easily and you’ll feel a distinct difference once the lead pulls free and travels smoothly. Take your time and be methodical.
Anywhere the lead slides without resistance can be fished with confidence. Don’t worry whether it is silt, clay, sand, gravel or mud – if it’s clean then you can fish it. Build a database in your phone using the wrap sticks. An afternoon or evening mapping is time well spent.
Accurate baiting
Thick weed requires localised, accurate baiting. There is nothing better for this than a Spomb.
Don’t spend ages finding small spots surrounded by thick weed and then attempt to bait them with a catty or throwing stick. It’s false economy.
Drop the lead
It is imperative that you fish locked-up. This doesn’t mean super tight lines, it simply means that on the take, the fish is not allowed to travel far due to a tight clutch. For this, put your tips up so the rod absorbs the bite and use solid, secure back rests.
Hooks need to be sharp and strong. I use the range from Thinking Anglers with complete confidence, preferring the curve points in a size 4 or 5. This hook has a wide gape and a beaked point which is invaluable for solid hookholds.
Remember, the further a fish goes, the less chance you’ll have of landing it! So only fish as far out as you have to. Finally, it’s imperative to drop the lead on the bite. Whichever system you choose, this must happen quickly and easily.
Landing them
The final point is an important one. If a fish locks up in weed (which it probably will at some point) then keep the rod high and the pressure on. Remain in that position for as long as it takes.
I’ve waited as long as half-an-hour at times, but eventually the fish will kick out. At that point, walk backwards to gain line, rather than lowering the rod, which could give the carp the advantage once again.
Fish strong, fish safe and learn not to be afraid of weed!