Tuesday 24 February 2009

Carp Techniques - Getting Started


An article on basic carp techniques such as rod setup, fishing techniques, casting and striking.


Setting up a Rod

Put the rod together, make sure the eyes of the rod all line up in a straight line. Attach the reel to the rod, make sure the reel is in line with the eyes of the rod. Take the bail arm off (flip the bail arm from its current position to the other side - the bail arm is the metal wirey looking piece on the reel), thread the line through each eye of the rod.

Next you must decide what sort of fishing you want to do, do you want to fish on the bottom, fish on the surface or float the bait in the middle of the water.

If you want to fish on the bottom or if you want to cast a long way then read the “Ledgering” section.

If you want to fish at various depths and you don’t need to cast a long way then read the “Float Fishing” section.

If you want to fish on the surface then read the “Surface Feeding” section.



Ledgering

Ledger Rod setup - Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section, simply slide a ledger weight onto the line, tie a hook or a hair rig to the end of the line, then slide the ledger weight back up the line and place a bb shot about 12 inches from the hook making sure the ledger weight is the rod side of the bb shot (not the hook side!).
Place your chosen bait on the hook or hair rig.
You are now ready to cast your rod.

Swim Feeding: Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section, simply slide your chosen swim feeder onto the line, tie a hook or a hair rig to the end of the line, then slide the swim feeder back up the line and place a bb shot about 12 inches from the hook making sure the swim feeder is the rod side of the bb shot (not the hook side!).
Pack the swim feeder with some loose feed / ground bait, then place your chosen bait on the hook or hair rig.
You are now ready to cast your rod.


Float Fishing

Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section: choose a float that you would like to use, slide the eye of the float onto the line, tie a hook to the end of the line. Now move the float up the line, the further you move the float up the line the deeper your bait will sit in the water, so for example if you place the float 30cm from the hook, when you cast your bait will be floating 30cm below the surface. Once you have decided how deep you would like your bait to be, place one shot either side of the float. OK you have chosen the depth you would like to fish at, if you wish to change the depth at any time, simply move the float and the two shot up the line if you want to fish deeper or down the line if you want to fish shallower.

The next step is to balance the float: cast the float into the water, if the float lies on its side then you need to add more shot. Place another shot on the line between the float and the hook, repeat the process until the float stands up with just the float tip showing. If the float sinks you will need to take a shot off or replace it with a smaller shot.

Place your chosen bait on the hook and away you go.


Surface Feeding

Close Range: Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section: simply tie a hook to the end of the line.
Place your chosen bait on the hook and away you go.

This technique is used when you can see a carp in the margins but you don’t want to spook them, just simply drop or flick the bait in front of them and get ready for some instant action.

Distance: Once you have set up your rod as detailed above in the “setting up a rod” section: slide a surface feeding float onto the line, then tie a hook to the end of the line, move the float 50cm – 100cm up the line and place one shot either side of the float.
Place your chosen bait on the hook or hair rig.
You are now ready to cast your rod.


Casting

Close Range / Flicking: hold the rod in front in front of you pointing in the direction that you want the bait to go, get hold of the line found running between the reel and the first eye on the rod, whilst holding this line take the bail arm off, line can now easily flow from your reel when you cast the rod. Now swing the bait backwards and forwards by the lifting the rod up and down and when the moment is right flick the rod and let go of the line. This can be quite difficult at first. Now flick the bail arm back.

Distance: hold the rod over your shoulder facing in the direction that you want the bait to go, get hold of the line found running between the reel and the first eye on the rod, whilst holding this line take the bail arm off, line can now easily flow from your reel when you cast the rod. Now in a forward motion flick the rod forward and let go of the line. This can be quite difficult at first. Now flick the bail arm back.


Get the Rod Ready After Casting

If Float Fishing: once you have cast, reel in any loose line until the float starts moving back towards you.

If Ledgering: once you have cast, reel in any loose line until the line goes tight, if the line going from the rod to water is not straight (if it is looping), then you need to reel in more line until the line stays in a straight line. If you find the line won’t stay tight and that you keep reeling in the ledger weight, you may need to put a larger ledger weight on, or alternatively try dipping the tip of the rod into the water (particularly on a windy day).


Striking

When the float goes under or the bite alarm sounds lift the rod quickly and firmly into the air, if you feel resistance you have hooked the fish.

Basic Carp Fishing Techniques


Frustrating as it is, carp fishing is awesome. Carp are really good at sucking in and blowing out suspicious baits. It's such an excitement to see the whole action in a fraction of a second as you hang on for dear life while the reel is trembling with a loud noise.

Carp happily devour on the surface as long as you keep the pellets, biscuits, chic peas, bread, and re-hydrated corn coming in, and these are inexpensive baits as well. Just attach them to the hooks, most preferably the bread. Have the biscuits softened by dipping it in the water for about 2 minutes, then, place them in a sealed sandwich bag for about an hour. Since different brands have different textures, just experiment to know which is firm enough to cast. Another way to hook baits is super gluing the pellet into the shank.

Once they get into feeding, let them feel comfortable around the bait. This gives more opportunity for the fisherman since they begin to not feel picky. This tactic can be useful for zig rigs.

As soon as they're feeding, cast the bait but make sure not to drop the bait directly onto the feeding carp. Cast away from the feeding area then slowly draw it in position. While the bait is till hanging, keep the food coming in so as to keep the carp from going away.

How to Set-Up?

• Use a hair rig to increase your chance of catching. As carp taste food first, if they don't like the taste, they won't come near it.
• You may also use a Spider Line, 50 lbs test, then use a leader material that fits the situation.
• Thread the bait on the baiting needle and hook the hair loop. You may also use foam dipped in a flavor as this enhances the attractiveness of the bait.
• Also make a baiting needle by just straightening a long shank hook. Slide the bait on the shank, then slide the bait from the needle onto the hair.
• Using a float is also an advantage because it adds weight for further distancing and the location is easily identified.
• Don't forget the controller float rig. A leader can be used which is attached to the swivel to its mainline of at least 3 feet length with a 10lbs Drennan double strength. A low diameter mono will do just as long as it floats well enough for visibility.

As experts say, it is not the bait that catches the carp but the method in which the bait is introduced. Pre-bait everyday, in one spot for a few days. This makes the carp think that there is a regular source of food for them and by "word of mouth" there'll soon be a school of fish around. Just be patient and it will all work.

Saturday 21 February 2009

Carp Fishing in Bedfordshire


----- A very picturesque Woburn Sands -----



Airman Pit

Well stocked with carp, as far as we know to about the mid twenties but mainly smaller!
season ticket approx £30 per season Tel: 01462 812323.

Arlesey Lake
An old deep brick of about 12 acres in Arlesey near Hitchin fairly well stocked with carp to the upper twenties, tickets are about £45 per season or £5 per day on the bank, Tel: 01462 731709....*It is worth mentioning that this where the Arlesey Bomb gets its name from as it was developed here by the great Richard Walker for fishing at long range for Perch.*

Elstow Pits
Two pits of 25 and 30 acres in Elstow near Bedford. A great fishery and perhaps one of the best in the country, containing many thirties and forties (fewer fish in No2 and much more difficult). Elstow 2 is a syndicate water costing around £150 per season, once you've joined you're automatically placed on the waiting list for Pit 1 which has a far higher stock density and cost aroung £470 per season. Tel: 01908 645135 or Linear Fisheries, 10a Rackstraw Grove, Old Farm Park, Milton Keynes MK7 8PZ.

Heron Lake
A lovely 6 acre lake with many features and a good stock of carp to over 30lb, you can fish this lake on a yearly membership of £185, for more details contact Alan Fleming on 01480 213664 or visit their web site http://www.heronlake.org.uk

Talltrees Carp Fishery
Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire. 100+ carp from 20lb to 40lb. Current lake record 41lb Common.
Two acres, with island. Front of island 7ft, back from 8-16 ft.
£12 day ticket, & £20 for 24 hours. £120 per day private hire.
No peanuts, no braided lines, no fixed/semi fixed leads and fishing by appointment only.
Call Jay on 07775 613235 - Web site: www.Talltreesfishery.com

Toddington Fishery
Set in a quiet corner of rural Bedfordshire. Originally dug out some 15 years ago and stocked with a variety of coarse fish including roach, perch, tench, bream, with carp to 22lb and catfish to 37lb. This coarse fishing complex has seen many changes over the years and the site is constantly being improved. Day tickets may be purchased on the site and matches can be booked.
The ponds can be found adjacent to the car park, which itself is a long way from the main road. Safe car parking, a short walk, quiet location and excellent fishing, bed and breakfast accommodation, what more could you want?
Open all year from dawn to dusk with night fishing by special arrangement, please call John Lydon on 07855 321 781.
There are no bait bans, ground bait is allowed in cups and feeders but no fixed leads or 'method'. Keep nets in matches only. Barbless hooks only. Also visit - www.toddingtonfisheries.co.uk

Woburn Sands
A picturesque, two and a half acre Carp syndicate situated 10 minutes from Milton Keynes, Bucks on the Bucks/Beds border which has only 16 members. The lake holds approx 60/70 English fully scaled, linear and common carp to low twenties and is ideally suited to those anglers seeking quiet, peaceful fishing away from the crowds and those that prefer to use traditional methods. There are no facilities on the lake but shops, pub and an hotel are close by. Parking is fairly limited. There are currently some vacancies in the syndicate for the right kind of angler at a cost of £150.00 for 12 months fishing. There is no close season and night fishing is permitted but there is and 24 hour stay rule. If interested contact Gary Edwards telephone 01525 375361 or mobile 07702432948 alternatively e-mail: edwardsmeow@aol.comfor full details.

Carp Fishing in Berkshire

Englefield Lagoon
A 40 acre gravel pit in Pingewood, Berkshire with depths between 2 and 9 feet, the pit contains carp to around 32lb but has produced bigger in the past, a big weed choked pit this making fishing very difficult at times but as the pit contains such large carp it's well worth a visit or two, club tickets are from £10 for juniors to £30 for adults, there is also a specimen group supplement ticket costing around £45, for more info Tel: 0118 981 7342.

Southlake Angling Society
A thriving angling club, situated in Woodley, Berkshire. Established in the 1960's the Society has three venues, catering for the specimen hunter, match and pleasure angler alike.
Southlake at 18 acres with around 30 swims is our main carp fishery. There are at least 10 different 30lb fish including 2 commons and the lake record, a mirror at 39lb 10oz. These are supported by a stock of 20lb fish with a large proportion of these being upper twenties.
Tippings Lane is an 11 acre gravel pit with 35 swims. The lake holds a reasonable head of carp with the largest reported last season a 36lb common, being a new lake record.
Redlands is just over 8 acres with 40 swims. A good head of carp with the lake record being a heavily scaled mirror of 36lb. There are several upper 20lb original fish including 2 commons of 28lb. These original fish are supported by a quantity of fast growing "Fishers Pond" mirrors. The majority of these were stocked in 2001 at just over 6lb and several of them are now over 20lb and the best last season was reported at 25lb 4ozs.

Membership is Senior £65.00, Senior Citizen £30.00 and Junior £30.00 ( Initial joining fees of £20.00 apply) Night Fishing is allowed on all waters.
Members are able to purchase a third rod permit which runs from November 1st to March 31st and are priced at £20.00. For the rest of the year the society operates a strict two rod limit.
Visit the SAC web site at www.southlakeas.co.uk

Swan Valley
A four lakes in Darby Green, Sandhurst, Berkshire containing carp to over 30lb, lake four the Specimen Lake is the main lake for big carp on this complex, day tickets can be bought on the bank at £10 per 24 hours for two rods and £2 extra for a third rod, for more info Tel: Chris Hill of Academy Angling Center on 01252871452.

The Wasing Carp and Tench Syndicate
Washing fishery comprises 4 lakes; Oxlease - 9 acres - Carp to 35lb+, Cranwells - 20 acres - Carp to 35lb+, Staghead - 2 acres - Carp to 29lb and Middle Lake - 1 acre - carp to 21lb or 31/2lb for Crucian carp. Staghead and Middle lakes are spring-fed lakes from the Wasing Wood and were created before the 17th Century and have been restocked since 1988 with carp. Approx. middle depths run to 20ft, shelving off from 5ft. Oxlease and Cranwells are restored gravel pits which have been maturing since 1994. Cranwells is more shallow with middle depths averaging 4ft, and Oxlease has middle depths up to 25ft. These lakes are restored spring fed gravel pits some of which have won environmental restoration awards.
Wasing Fisheries also has four miles of double bank fishing on the renowned River Kennet in Berkshire, just 45minutes from London, providing excellent fishing opportunities for Chub to 8lbs and Barbel to 17lb and a 40-acre predator lake with some enormous Pike and Perch. Newly opened in 2003, Rowney Lake is proving to be a massive success and one of the best predator lakes around.

Night fishing is permitted but strictly by arrangement with the office. Day tickets are not available. The lakes syndicate costs are £150 per year.

The syndicate is highly exclusive and competitive at £250 for the River Kennet and £150 for the lakes syndicate. More information on the fishery and the prices is easily available at the website www.wasingfisheries.co.uk or alternatively, please contact Kirsti by email on kirsti@wasing.co.uk or phone 01189 714 140.

Tri-Lakes
Situated in Sandhurst two nice lakes with many good features such as bars and so on totaling 13 acres, the carp run to around the 40lb mark. This fishery is only open on weekends from 8am to sunset and only from November 1st to March 14th this could of course mean its tough to get a swim but I can't say that for sure as I haven't visited personally. For more info Tel: 01252 873191.

Carp Fishing in Buckinghamshire

----- Harrow Angling Societies Rowley Lake -----

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Farlows Lake (main lake)
A 25 acre lake close to the M25 containing many good carp, lots of 20'so and plenty of 30's., also plenty of other good coarse fish to be had all running to good sizes. Night fishing is allowed and both day ticket and season tickets are available, season tickets cost around £275 per season and £225 for OAP's and the disabled. Parking near the swims is possible on many parts of the lake...... well worth a visit.....For more info Tel: Boyer Leisure on 01753 630302 or visit the web site -
www.boyer.co.uk

Furzton Lake
A 35 acre lake (approx) in Milton Keynes which contains approx 2500 fish of between 5lb and 33lb.
The lake has 2 islands at 100 yards and old stream bed, an average depth is 6ft (2ft - 10ft), one bank is unfishable (houses). Generall rules apply (2 rods only), no bait boats. Ticket costs are £4 a day (midnight to midnight). Contact the Milton Keynes AA or visit the web site for more info.

Manor farm pools
Two lakes of 1 acre, and the other a little smaller. situated in a very peaceful setting near Buckingham
Just stocked with over 200 carp around 3lbs but with some of the originals topping twenty pounds, there are also tench and loads of rudd topping 2lbs.
The small pool is shallow around three feet, with the bigger pool having depths to over 15 feet, there are a few over hanging trees at one end with a few reed beds, and pads.
Parking is behind your swim on one lake,
There are only a few rules, no night fishing, no keepnets, and barbless hooks.
This is a very prolific water with multiple catches all year around, and will be a great big fish water in a couple of years as the carp have put on over 2 pound in 4 months.
Costs for a years fishing is £65.00 and will be limited to 20 to keep it quiet

This is a water for the angler who wants a bit of fun fishing, and a regular bend in the rod, But also wants a bit of peace whist fishing, which is getting hard to find nowadays
For more details contact Gary Edwards on 07702 432948/ Email edwardsmeow@aol.com

Mount Farm
Milton Keynes. Buckinghamshire, next to the Beacon Pub.
Mount far is stocked with a good head of doubles and twenties, there here are 2 thirties, a Common and Mirror.... at the right time of year there could be 3 or 4 30+ fish. The lake is around 35 acres and has a large island as well as reed lined banks, lilly pads and overhanging trees. The average depth is artound 4 feet but goes from around 18inchs to 6feet and there is a system of bars running from the pub end to the roundabout end. There is also a smaller section of lake that can be fished under the same ticket. the small lake also contains a good head of bream and tench. and can throw up a couple of 20+ carp per season.
The bream and tench can be a problem. Using bigger baits has avoided the snotties and tench.
Mount farm receives alot of bait in the summer. Using a stringer of boileys 5-6 baits is a successful method.
The price is £20 per year for 2 rods, and £30 a year for 3. They operate with a closed season March 15th until June 16th. Contact Milton Keynes Angling centre for information and tickets.

Rowley lake
Rowley is the Harrow Angling Societies jewel in the crown, this beautiful man made 4 1/2 acre estate lake is surrounded by willows, silver birch, alders and oak. It has lily beds and is fringed with rushes and supports an abundance of wildlife. In 1988 and 1991 the lake was restocked, the lake now holds a very good stock of Roach and Perch, Tench, Crucian Carp, Bream, and Carp. A peaceful and tranquil place, wonderful for getting away from the pressures for a while.
- Further info available via the website - http://www.harrowangling.co.uk

Carp Fishing in Cambridgeshire

..... Ron Middleton with a good Ashmire carp .....

ASHIMIRE CARP SYNDICATE, Earith, Cambs.
Requires good responsible members to complete a sixty-strong syndicate. Cost per season of £250 for the twelve months fishing, using three rods.
This overgrown lake, owned by Ron & Betty Middleton, is stocked with carp up to 33lbs and also very large pike (best 27¾lbs). There are also good specimens of rudd, tench and eels (up to 6lbs 6oz), but there are no bream. The lake was dug around 1940 and remained unfished for many years. Since Ron purchased the property in 1993 countless carp over 20lbs have been landed, including eight different carp over 30lbs to date.
This is an ideal water for the type of angler who enjoys quiet and peaceful surroundings, catching nice clean fish with a good chance of a BIG ONE. The beautiful, reed-fringed lake extends fifteen acres and has eight islands and many bays. It has an average depth of ten feet.
There are toilet and shower facilities on site.
For further details please contact Ron or Betty Middleton on 01487 740943 (evenings).

Earith Lakes
Two gravel pits with carp into the thirties!
Syndicate only approx £150 per season, also owned by the same company are two carp syndicate waters with carp just over 35 lb for any further information on this and on Earith Tel: 01487 740701 or Mobile: 07759 199256 or visit the web site -
http://www.earith-carp-lakes.co.uk

Gingerbread Lake
A 20 acre lake in Eaton Socon, St, Noets which is controlled by the Biggleswade and Hitchin AA which contains carp well into the thirties including an uncaught fish which is said to be around the 40lb mark, boilies are said to be the main bait for carp here. Club members only on this lake but anyone can join at a cost of around £35. For more info Tel: 01767223147.

Carp Fishing in Cheshire

Boothsmere
A fairly shallow 7 acre mere in Knutsford containing carp to around the 30lb mark. Tickets are from Altrincham DAC and cost around £30 per year plus a £15 joining fee & around £8 for juniors plus £3.50 joining fee. Tel: 0161 969 7475.

Brereton Pool
14 acre sand pit near Congleton, some carp to over 20lb in this water!
Day ticket, on the bank £3, night fishing for club members Tel: 01477 534115

Brereton Quarry
Exact carp sizes not known for this fishery but we have reports of some large carp! Day tickets cost around £3, Tel: 01477 534 115

Doddlespool Farm Lake
A nice small lake this in Betley, near Crewe, well stocked with carp to ever 20lbs!
Day ticket £5, Tel: 01270 820216.

Gale Green Farm Fishery
Now a syndicate water, we have no other up to date details on this water.

Knights Pool
A nice lake in Macclesfield which contains carp to around the 40lb mark plus big pike and tench, this is a day tocket fishery where night fishing is allowed, the fishery is open all year round and is suitable for disabled anglers. Floater fishing is said to work well here. For more info Tel: (01625) 612956.

Moore Quarry
An 8 acre pit in Moore, Warrington stocked with carp to around 25lb, season tickets from £26 plus a one off £20 joining fee, Tel: 01928 716238

Roman Lakes Leisure Park
Lakes Road, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 7HB
The park consists of a 9 acre shallow lake with islands and over a mile of wide backwaters all set in a beautiful situation. Being shallow the waters are productive all year (we are open every day except Christmas Day). The waters are stocked with Carp over 30lb, Pike over 20lb and there are also also large Bream and Tench, Roach and Perch.
Day fishing only, 8am to dusk £5 per rod, (16 and under £3 + other concessions)
Cafe, Toilets, Free parking, flat access. Well stocked Tackle Shop Saturday and Sunday with fresh bait.Tel: 0161-427 2039 email info@romanlakes.co.uk website - www.romanlakes.co.uk