The Same but Different - An Approach to Fishing Pressured Carp Waters
by Kieron Axten.

Part two.

By hook or by crook

I suppose after that heading I ought to be writing about hooks? I am actually referring to the fine line between determination to catch and accepted fishing ethics. I feel the need to stress that common sense should always prevail and at no times should you put yourself or the fish in any unnecessary danger. Also never bend or break any rules laid down by the club or owner, and respect other anglers how you would like to be respected by them.

There are always neglected areas on lakes, ones where carp love to be because they feel safe. Identify these areas and if you can come up with a safe and legal way of fishing them then do so. I am saving my opinion on bait boats for another article, but if the situation occurs that I need to use one and it’s allowed then I will. People who refuse to use one because it takes something away from the capture, have probably blanked unnecessarily at some time in their lives.

I am afraid that my own ethics go somewhat beyond mere bait boats, if need be I would don scuba gear if I thought it meant the difference between blanking and catching a target fish. Get a bait to a rarely fished spot and as long as it’s a viable feeding area then you’re cooking on gas!

Here are some tips on putting your end tackle where the sun don’t shine!

using a roasch pole to place your hookbait in those tight spotsRoach pole

Using a roach pole with a bait tipper attached can get you in some cracking spots, even under lily pads and overhangs, it’s a killer on the canals and any over fished lake. If you don’t own a roach pole, even try winding your lead up to the top eye, and get your rod tucked right under those marginal bushes and trees. Another edge is to use PVA bags in such areas, most people wouldn’t dream of wasting a PVA bag in the margins. I fed a crumb filled PVA bag under a bush just a few feet from my rod tips and it was "wasted" on this 39lb 2oz (the biggest in the lake) A fish which had been presumed dead or stolen for several years!

Wading

If it’s allowed and it’s safe to do so, getting in the water can be of huge benefits. It’s really a long session tactic though, and make sure any neighbouring anglers are okay about it. Always use a landing net pole or something to steady you. If possible don’t wear waders, they are deadly! Water rushing down your waders will quickly topple you over then any air in the legs can flip you straight upside down! It’s much safer to go in wearing shorts or even your pants if you must, wear old trainers on your feet though, there’s no telling what you might tread on.

Sometimes you only need to go in to get that impossible cast, but walking out baits opens new possibilities. Used in conjunction with storm poles you can fish round corners and all sorts. You can even do things like burying everything but the bait or making your own feeding areas, clearing debris and lifting branches etc.

The sort of swim which may be crying out for a snide rodSnide rod

No not using one more than you’re allowed, but sometimes that impossible area to cast to might just be fishable from the spot itself. As long as there is sufficient room to play and land a carp properly, and it’s not too far from your peg. Remote alarms are practically an essential if you’re going to do this. If it’s a tight spot you’re fishing away from instead of to, then fish will usually bolt out of harms way into open water or at least the opposite direction of the rod tension.

Use this method sensibly as I do not endorse dangerous fishing, and neither do the environment agency. Be warned!

All you need to reach some of those uncastable areasOn your markers… get set…go

Imagine there’s a small gap in the trees on the far bank, it’s un fished and you’ve seen carp crashing out several times now! It’s well out of your casting range and nothing but a boat or Frank Warwick will get you there. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and no you’re not going swimming!

You need to get organised now, so have a baited rig, and lead attachment, perhaps some scissors and glue if needed. Also some PVA string, I will explain in a minute. Attach to a spare rod, a heavy in line lead ideally fixed to a treble hook. On your fishing rod attach a marker float or a pike float fixed with enough of a lead to cast but not sink the float. Stay with me, this is better as a two man operation, but I have done it myself in the dark using a betalite attached to the marker float!

Okay cast your fishing rod as close to the desired spot as you can. Put your rod on the rest, open the bail arm or loose the bait runner. Grab your bits and bobs now go around to the desired gap in the trees.

Obviously you have sussed it out before now and know there’s enough room to do this manoeuvre. Cast over the marker float with your lead and treble hook and tow the lot back in. Tie your rig on and drop it wherever you want. If you are wondering what the PVA was for, just to complicate matters it is possible to do a little "false" cast with your spare rod by tying it to the top of your fishing rod, it’s easier to do if your rig has tubing on. Drop your rig exactly where you want it, wait a few seconds and "Voila!" Again a roach pole can be used if needed, but generally if the area is clean dropping it in by hand is sufficient.

Using this method, in theory "twice" your casting range can be achieved, but it is just as effective on nearby features. Sometimes all you have to do is cast a lead over to the desired bank if the swim is open enough, then go round with your box of tricks.

I have caught many fish when takes have been rare, and I have helped people catch by inspiring them to try a bit harder. I hope I have inspired you a little and remember to keep thinking ahead of those carp and your fellow anglers. You’ll get a real buzz………..literally!

 

Did you miss Part 1? If so click here to read all about it!

Cheers Kie, yet another great article which will help us all put a few more fish onto the bank. We look forward to your next article! Fletch