Stalking Carp part 4 by Mathew Woods

Here is a rig that will take any pop-up.

Another fantastic way to stalk carp is to use a humble float set-up. I prefer to use the Goose Quill Floats made by angler Mark Price, they are superbly hand crafted and look perfect in the water.

Float fishing is a very silent task, it is very subtle, and hooklengths of 8-10lb are better than thicker lines, although I do like to use my usual rigs tied onto the end underneath the float.

This is a great little guide that shows how best to use a float. From the swivel I like to use snakebite, or kryston multistrand, a great hooklength when float fishing.

Now you've got your rigs and bait sorted out, you need to equip yourself with the correct gear. It is no use using your distance rods to fish the margins, as you will be far too overgunned and may suffer hookpulls, resulting in damage to the carp.

You can buy specialist rods for the task, but anything from 2.5lb downwards is suitable. I like to use a strong barbel rod of around 2lb, these are strong and have the perfect amount of give for fishing in close.

10-15lb line is your best bet, I like Diawa Sensor, although I am impressed with Sufix's Magic Touch which I have recently spooled up with. Bear in mind that many of the areas you're fishing will be full of snags, so choose a good strong line.

That's all from me at the moment, I know it might seem like hard work to begin with but once you start getting your rewards you'll never sit still again. If you're struggling to locate carp, get your **** up the nearest climbing tree [Be careful] and start looking.

My eyes are buggered from trying to stare through the water so often. Keep your eyes out for muddy waters, dark patches, the shapes of carp, bubbles from a carps mouth, or the most obvious things, like a carp jumping clear of the water.

Keep it simple and keep it quiet and I'm sure those margin carp will come your way.

All the best and tight lines.
Mathew Woods.