BACK OPEN WITH A BANG
Peacock Waters carp and silvers on the feed
VENUES that have been rested for a while tend to be in electrifying form when fishing resumes, and tha’s exactly what has happened at Peacock Waters.
The Lincolnshire lake has just reopened from its winter break, and the first visitors to wet a line have reported some very impressive action.
Big nets to over 50lb of roach and bream, along with some stunningl-marked carp well into double figures, have been banked, and the shoals are seemingly well spread.
With average depths of 12ft-15ft, it drops off to 20ft in the centre and can cater for around 20 anglers at any time.
Pole and cage feeder tactics are the dominant approaches for the silvers, while the Method or a more specimen-orientated bite alarm attack are both solid options for the carp.
HUNGRY RESIDENTS
Treading carefully on the bait front is often the way forward at this time of year, but there’s no need to hold back here. Local angler Dave Eastwood has fished the venue countless times, and he told Angling Times: “These fish haven’t seen much bait for a few months and they’re definitely ready to feed now that they have the opportunity.
“The silverfish sport on the pole is amazing, and I like to introduce my groundbait in different ways to draw fish in.
“Several tightly-squeezed balls go in to deliver food straight to the deck, with another couple going in more loosely.
“These will break up as they sink, creating a cloud of attraction that will grab the attention of fish that are sat just outside your target zone.
“Rotation works a treat when it comes to hookbaits, with expander pellets, maggots, worm segments and casters all worth trying.”
SETTLING THE SHOAL
Although the bream will prefer to feed on the deck, they won’t necessarily be sat on it when you start, and your first job to
get them to drop down.
Resist using a catapult, and instead introduce all your loosefeed via groundbait so that the fish don’t ascend the water column to be the first to the bait.
A heavy float is best to help you maintain rig control, as the deep lake is likely to produce underwater tow.
Start with a 1.5g pattern but be prepared to step up to 2g if the rig is still moving slightly.
Bream are reluctant to eat a bait that is bouncing around unnaturally on the bottom, so nailing it down is essential.
A grade 8 elastic might sound a bit on the heavy side, but something with a fair bit of strength is essential to set the hook in deep water.
Go with 0.15mm mainline to a 0.11mm hooklength and a size 18 hook, shotting it with an olivette that sits around 2ft from the hook at the start, with a few
No8 droppers below.
The rest has definitely done Peacock Waters the world of good, and you’ll struggle to find another venue in the region that can match its current form.