THE RETRO THRILL OF CARP ON THE FLOAT
Staying with the theme of this issue, we’re highlighting one of the forgotten arts in carp fishing – using a float. Never done it? You don’t know what you’re missing!
IN A WORLD of gadgets and modern techniques which almost do the fishing for you, is there really a need for traditional float tactics for big carp? Angling Times news reporter Jake Benson certainly thinks so…
“Those of you out there who are already scoffing at the thought of carp fishing with a float could be missing a trick!
“Many anglers will assume that it’s a small-fish tactic best suited to small venues, but nothing could be further from the truth. Some very large fish can be tempted on this exciting approach.
“Recently I’ve been targeting a windswept brick pit of over 60 acres, with a low stock of around 40 carp, and have managed to successfully catch one out the edge on the float.
“I grew up watching John Wilson, Matt Hayes and John Hofgartner all stalking specimen carp on the float, and instantly fell in love with the idea.
“The nature of this style of fishing lends itself perfectly to a stalking approach, which can be deadly. Stealth plays a part in introducing your hookbait, there’s finesse in the set-up, and you have total control over it.
“With no lead, introducing or moving your hookbait causes very little disturbance, and enables a very natural presentation that is unlikely to be rejected by a feeding carp.
“Stalking carp in general will put you well in tune with what’s going on, but the effect is amplified when using the float. As a feeding carp twists and turns, its fins brush the line, causing your float to tremor and wobble – often mimicked by your heartbeat and shaking knees!
“It’s this anticipation that makes it so exciting, not to mention addictive – as an angler I don’t think I could ever tire of watching a float bob and dance.
“The adrenaline is fuelled further if you can see your quarry, which is why I always use polarised glasses. In clear water you will be able to watch your target feeding, and if you’re lucky, actually watch it take the hookbait. In less visible areas, plumes of bubbles, knocking reed stems, tail patterns and clouds of silt will have you on the edge of your seat – if this style of fishing doesn’t get the juices flowing, nothing will!
“Fishing the float will involve the use of some very un-carplike tackle. Your 3 ½lb test curve rods and big pit reels will be far too heavy for the job. A lighter, through actioned 1 ¾lb to 2 ½lb rod is far better, coupled with a small fixed-spool reel (or a centrepin if you want to go the whole hog), loaded with 15lb monofilament. I favour GR60.
“The up close and personal nature of floatfishing will result in some hectic battles should you hook a carp, and you may often find yourself fishing near marginal snags, which is why strong line is essential. I also use a nice big hook because of this – a size 4 in a wide gape pattern wouldn’t be over the top, I reckon.
“The rig itself couldn’t be easier to put together. I start by
threading two slivers of silicone tube on to the mainline, and into these I push the opposite ends of a piece of reed or a small waggler, fixing it firmly in place but still enabling me to adjust the depth easily. The next step is to slide on a float stop and tie on your favoured hook with your preferred knot – I use a five-turn grinner or Palomar knot.
Now you’ll need to attach some form of weight to your line to get the bait to the bottom, and there are two ways to do this.
My first choice, and the simplest option, is to use tungsten putty – I mould a small blob around the float stop 4ins-6ins from the hookbait. Alternatively, you can use an SSG shot attached linkleger style.
How do I present the float in a fishing situation? I set the depth so that the float lays flat on the surface. I can then tighten up accordingly to create an ultra- sensitive set-up. If you can’t actually see the carp take your
hookbait you will be relying solely on the float for any indication of a pick-up. In most situations you will get line bites, which register as a quivering or slight twitch on the float.
“The trick is not to strike at liners or you may well foul hook a fish or spook the swim. My top tip would be to fish on your side of your loosefeed, as this greatly reduces the problem of line bites.
“When the float slides away and stays there, that’s when I’ll strike – in most cases I count to two to be certain it isn’t a liner.
“So there you have it – find some fish in your local water, drop a float among them and hold on tight when you hook one!”