MISTAKE NO.4

NOT CONSIDERING WATER TEMPERATURE

Understanding the water temperature, and finding even the slightest bit of warm water, can be the difference between a pass and a fail in spring.

Carp will always find an area they are comfortable in, and often that’s the warmest bit. Sometimes it can be just a degree or two warmer than the rest of the water, but that can be enough.

It’s time to move away from the winter banker spots, even if it seems cold to you. Springs are a perfect example. In winter, springs and any inlets of groundwater are great places for fish to hang around as the water is often warmer than the stationary cold lake water. However, come the spring, that groundwater will probably be colder than the rest of the lake so they simply won’t be there.

Keep your eye on the temperature and you can write off a lot of areas of water.

There’s been a lot spoken about temperature over the years, but not so many modern day carp anglers take notice of it. A castable thermometer will show you the difference between the temperature on top of a gravel bar and the bottom, for example. That difference could be crucial at this time of year, and the same goes for the margins.

Even though it may seem cold in the edge or the quiet corners, a lot of the time the fish will be in there if it’s a little warmer or gets the sun.

TOP TIP

Be accurate, especially if you are fishing up on a bar or a shallow area. A mis-timed cast means the lead can fall into an area of water that is devoid of fish, as it will be a lot colder. than the shallows. Feel your lead when you reel it in. If it feels really cold, then you’re probably in the wrong place.