By Jamie Simpson
1) Observation is vital, take advantage of trees and high banks to get a good view point.
2) If you are heading to a new lake for the first time and don’t know what to expect, do as much groundwork as possible. For example Carp Talk, Carpworld, Crafty Carper, forums and carp meetings are a great source of information. Position yourself on a peg that gives you a view of as much of the lake as possible. Watch what others are doing and you can build up a picture of how to approach the venue. Don’t be afraid to ask the regulars, but don’t be pushy either. On 99% of lakes you will find people more than willing to help once you get to know them.
3) Whilst the carp are now becoming far more active, they will not be in full gorging mode just yet so go steady with the bait and gradually increase the amounts depending on results.
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4) Don’t be afraid to be different and try zig rigs, or a particle approach etc. You will often find that on most venues people will say that such and such doesn’t work on here. The truth is often that no one has even tried it or they have done at the wrong time or in the wrong place. The best way is often to try it for yourself. I know this seems to slightly contradict tip No. 2 but you will only do as well as others if you do what they do all the time.
5) PASTE! I cannot emphasise enough how many fish I have caught that I believe was largely down to its use. Here are a few advantages; instant attraction, different shape to that of a round ball which spells danger, hook point protection. It will break down over a period of hours anyway… so there’s really nothing to lose anyway.
6) Carry a bag of floaters just in case. I have had a couple of occasions late March and April where they have been ready for the odd floater and if you can be one of the first to use them during the year the chances are you will catch them out before they become wary of them again.
