TIPS AND TACTICS
Being able to fish snags safely is a major edge in autumn. SCOTT LLOYD shows how to target big carp from these spots...
Scott Lloyd on why you must target the snags in autumn.
AT THIS time of the year, carp will often migrate to the cover offered by snags and overhanging trees.
Any such ‘safe area’ around the lake is appealing to them, and even in the coldest of weather the fish can be found hiding in these sanctuaries. While snags can be a great place to locate carp, and indeed catch them from, it is paramount to do so in a safe and responsible manner.
The first stage in the process is to scope the spot out properly, to see if it is safe to fish it without putting the carp’s welfare in jeopardy.
If the light levels are decent, then a quick lap of the lake while scanning any likely-looking areas while donning a pair of polarising sunglasses will give you a basic indication of whether they are home to any fish. If it’s safe to do so and fishery rules allow, then gaining elevation by climbing any trees nearby will give you a far better view of things.
If the water clarity isn’t great or there is a chop on the water, then keep an eye out for small bubbles and other subtle signs that give away their presence.
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For this type of fishing, I use a baiting pole quite a lot, as it is both extremely accurate and a supremely inobtrusive way of getting a bait right on the money without spooking the fish.
It allows me to place my rig right under small overhangs and areas that I would never be able to cast to, making it a really decent edge, especially at this time of the year. Again, I have to emphasise here how important it is to check that the lakebed beneath the overhang is clear and safe enough to present a bait over. Dropping a rig into a jungle of branches and twigs is rank bad