Improve Your Coarse Fishing (UK)
HOW OFTEN TO RECAST SINGLE HOOKBAITS?
The must have book for all carp anglers!
Q
When fishing bright popups as a single hookbait, how often would you recast and reposition them? Also, would you cast to a completely different part of the swim or just move the bait by a few feet each recast?
Lucy Hodge, email
JONNY FLETCHER: This is completely situation- dependant. I could quite easily cast a single for a few hours if I was confident the fish were in the area, but I could just as easily cast out for a few minutes and then move the rig if I saw a sign elsewhere in the swim.
I always cast to either showing fish or bubbling activity with single hookbaits. I would never cast them blindly around the swim as it’s a tactic I reserve for areas of fish activity. As such, there are no set rules to how singles work, but they work best when used where the fish are. Unless I see something to go on, I would always use something more attractive to try and get the fish grubbing around.
Q
What items would you put in a solid PVA bag at this time of year? Also, should I start to decrease the size of the bags I’m using from a medium to something a little smaller?
Richard Curtis, email
TOM MAKER: During the winter, I love using solid bags of maggots. You can get away with it in the winter as smaller fish tend to be less active. I do use small bags too, as you can get a hell of a lot of maggots in them. Once on the bottom they spread out to make a glowing patch of bait for fish to home in on.
You must be very careful when loading the bag as any burst maggots will melt the bag. I often find adding something like Manilla Active mix helps dry the maggots and it’s also useful for adding to the top and bottom of the bag to avoid any maggot mishaps!
Q
If carp move around less in winter does that mean fishing over a spread of boilies becomes less effective? Would tighter piles of bait be more effective?
Simon Perring, email
JIM WILSON: The fact that carp move around less in winter is something that many anglers struggle with. It’s a broad phrase so it’s no wonder there’s a bit of confusion, but it mostly refers to the way carp shoal up in cold months.
They slow down in terms of their distribution around the lake and their metabolism slows, so they won’t eat as much. It’s therefore important to use much less bait, but make sure it’s in the right place as fish won’t move around the lake as much.
With this in mind, tighter baiting makes more sense as you are using less bait so there’s more chance of your hookbait being picked up if the feed bait is concentrated around it.
Q
I’m thinking of using PVA bags of maggots and casters this winter. What liquid could I use to coat them to boost scent levels in my swim?
Eddie Grey, email
SCOTT LLOYD: I think natural baits are best kept that way, especially with maggots and casters, because some liquids can create problems with storage.
If I had to choose one liquid to use with naturals, it would be Pure Calanus Liquid. It is a natural liquid itself but it doesn’t have an overpowering smell and it goes quite well with natural baits.
I would never just pour it on directly because it can mess live maggots quite easily and they end up crawling away! I use a bit of active mix, or crumbed boilies as a carrier and then pour in the liquid a little at a time so it doesn’t make the mix overly damp.
INSIDE this brilliant 132- page book you’ll find a wealth of top tips and tactical advice from the biggest names in carp angling.
For any newcomer to the sport, or those anglers stepping up to target big fish for the first time, the world of carp fishing can seem a minefield, with complicated rigs, complex bait recipes and confusing tackle choices.
However, the easy- to- follow advice and well illustrated features in this book will dispel the myths and help you put a new personal best on the bank this season!
The book covers everything from choosing the right rod, reel and terminal tackle, to picking the best bait and tying top- quality rigs – it’s all explained. There are even chapters on how to cast like a pro, and how best to play big carp so that you never lose another one!
What’s more, the Expert Masterclass taps into the knowledge of some of the country’s leading carp anglers, who show you how to do everything from stalking carp in the margins to catching them off the surface.
This limited- edition guide is essential reading for all carp anglers – so order your copy today!