Improve Your Coarse Fishing (UK)
CATCH CARP IN CLOSE
Big carp will patrol the margins of all commercials. Robbie Griffiths shows how to target them...
IF YOU are aiming to catch a few big fish the margins should be the first area to think about attacking. Hard-fighting carp will be exploring their habitat in search of food and this inquisitive nature always leads to them patrolling zones inches from the bank.
Time it right
There is a chance of landing some huge fish down the margins but it is extremely rare to keep the bites coming throughout the whole session. Wait until a couple of hours into the session before you start feeding the margin and only fish it an hour or two before the end. By this point the fish will have gained confidence feeding in the shallow water and you will be able to get a bite every time you drop in the rig.
Feeding options
There are two different ways of feeding the margins. The first is to feed via a big pole pot, dumping in large quantities of groundbait laced with dead maggots, luncheon meat or pellets. Feed this after every fish, but cut back to every two or three fish if you get line bites indicating there are too many carp in the swim. Sonubaits Supercrush Expander is a great groundbait for this.
If the water is 2ft or shallower introduce it loose to create a cloud. In deeper water squeeze it into a ball to ensure it gets to the bottom where the fish are feeding. The second way is to feed small quantities of baits such as pellets on a regular basis, creating plenty of noise in the process. Only feed this way if there is 2ft of water or less as it will encourage fish to come shallow and this causes line bites and foul hooking.
The perfect strike
When it comes to striking pull gently towards the bank. Fish will instinctively head the opposite way to any pressure being exerted and this sends them into open water. Strike into the open water and the carp will go straight for any snags. Make sure you have a maximum of 6in of line between the pole tip and float to reduce the chances of catching any bankside vegetation on the strike.
Take no chances
Your tackle needs to be up to the job to ensure you land any big fish you hook. Use 0.19mm mainline to a 4in, 0.17mm hooklength. For worm, maggot or meat hookbaits use a size 14 PR456 hook and a size 14 PR27 for banded pellet. Elastic choice is 13H or 15H, using the latter with bigger hooks. The ideal float is a Preston Innovations Shallow. In 18in or less use a 4x10, or 4x12 if it is any deeper.