Improve Your Coarse Fishing (UK)
Neil McKinnon
The stockie carp that went into man-made venues have typically grown into doubles that require big-fish tactics to catch. Neil McKinnon explains...
Commercial specimens
SNIPPETS of information are constantly being exchanged by anglers from different branches of the sport. General pleasure anglers who fish for their quarry from the comfort of a seatbox often lean on tactics used by specimen carp enthusiasts in order to get an edge. But Neil McKinnon thinks they should be taking more than just a few tips from the bivvy boys. If you want to keep catching these bigger carp, your whole approach might need an overhaul.
“When commercials first opened they were exclusively targeted by anglers using float and feeder techniques as the fish were of a fairly small stamp,” explains Neil. “Things have changed drastically and specimen carp anglers whose tactics are completely different now visit these waters because the fish have become a desirable size. “This has changed the way fish feed and behave so it is time to overhaul your tactics if you want to keep fooling giant carp on your favourite waters.”
Bide your time
Feeder fishing is Neil’s tactic of choice targeting a small number of carp well into double figures. Modern feeder fishing on commercials is often done at pace, with regular casting part of the routine to build up a bed of bait. But this is usually the approach when you are after dozens of fish of a small stamp. A different mindset is required for their bigger brothers and sisters.
“These fish have been around a long time and have seen every trick in the book. They’ve come to associate the noise of a feeder entering the water with danger so it is best to leave it on the lakebed for longer.” Neil has no qualms about leaving it in place for up to 30 minutes, confident that the trap he has set will fool cagey fish once they arrive. As the feeder is out for such a long time, he makes sure it is cast to a spot where he has the maximum chance of getting a bite. If he misses the area, either falling short or going too far, he winds in, rebaits and casts again because 30 minutes is a long time to waste with a rig in the wrong place. To compensate for the amount of time it is sat on the deck, a large Preston Innovations Method feeder is used to maximise the payload of bait delivered on each cast.
Big bait edges
When pleasure anglers talk about using a big bait they are often referring to something like an 8mm pellet. A 4mm or 6mm is seen as their usual go-to option, with an 8mm offering regarded as the upper limit. You need to consider the size of a double-figure carp’s mouth though. They can easily hoover up a large hookbait. “I have turned to much bigger baits in recent months and I am catching a better stamp of fish as a result,” he reveals. “A 10mm wafter is my first choice and I tend to use them in bright colours such as white or pink. These stand out and produce quick bites when fish come over your rig.” The pellets around his Method feeder are also given a boost with a blend of pungent liquid and dried groundbait added to them.
“I have two different flavours that I rely on after discovering specimen anglers use them a lot. It is all about trial and error at your local fishery to see which is most effective. “The first is a fishy scent and I use Sonubaits Krill and Squid Bait Booster liquid and dry Meaty Salmon groundbait poured to create a cloud. “A sweet taste is my alternative and to get this I use the Banoffee Bait Booster combined with F1 Sweet Fishmeal groundbait.”
Win every battle
You could well be looking at banking dozens of fish when smaller carp and F1s are the mainstay but you are likely to see much less action when after double-figure fish. “There is every chance you might only get a handful of bites all day so it is vital that you convert every single one,” he says. “You can do this by taking no chances with your terminal tackle. What I use may seem heavy to some but there is no point hooking a fish if it is going to snap you up seconds later.” Neil uses 8lb Preston Innovations Sinking Feeder Mono mainline when fishing up to 40 yards, stepping down to 6lb with a shockleader when going any further to make the distance achievable. His hooklength is 0.19mm Powerline monofilament to a size 12 MCM-B hook. A big hook is essential when using a large bait as this prevents the point being masked when a fish picks the rig up. “Commercials have changed over the years and the stamp of fish means there are more specimen anglers visiting them. “Replicate the tactics they are using to succeed and you will soon be hauling out giant carp.”