When fishing snags, tree lines or next to awkward features you will generally have more success if you place the rig tight under the tree coverage or very close to the snag during the day. The reason is that many carp, especially in pressured waters, tend to hold up tight under the trees or directly in the snags during daylight hours. This may be because there is noise and/or a disturbances, or probably due to the general angling pressure from fishermen. Whatever the reason, carp prefer to hold up in “safe” areas where they rarely get caught. In the past, I have placed effective carpfishingrigs up to 12 feet away from hanging trees when casting to the opposite bank, and on many occasions, have not caught all day. (more…)
Hi, I just watched the longdistancecastingvideo (part 1) with the legend that is Mark Hutchinson, and I am slightly confused! In the video under reels he is using a shimano ultegra 5500 xtb and he mentions and i quote:
by Shaun Harrision Following on from my previous blog regarding stopping the bite alarms constantly bleeping in a bigwind I would like to share another little method I have developed since I wrote the last bit.
This has all come about since joining a large deep clay pit in Cambridgeshire. I have never fished anywhere before that gets so windy so often. It’s as though it has its own mini climate. The drive to the pit will often see barely a rustle in the trees but once there white caps can often be seen with huge waves breaking over the bank on the prevailing wind. (more…)
(All loaded & ready to go)
On one of the lakes I fish you need to place your baits out a good old distance and in a good size amount. But not having to worry too much about placing them exactly on the same spot every time but being able to create numerous feeding beds. So my initial approach was to opt for a simple throwing stick, and dot boiles around a marker, but soon came to realise that it was an option that had serious disadvantages. On one hand there is the limit to the bait that can be used and on the other hand there is the annoyance of seagulls. Many of you reading this most
likely at some point have experienced seagulls picking up your boilies in mid air or as they hit the water. Gulls have come to recognise the sound of the boilie as it
leaves the throwing stick and quickly gather in large flocks
ready to pick up the bait in flight; those baits that escape are soon picked off as soon as they hit the surface of the water. Therefore I decided to give myself more of a fighting chance and get the trusty spod out.
(Gulls that’s what you get when living by the sea!)
How often should you change your line and what causes the deterioration in it’s stated breaking strain?
I changed my main line prior to my recent trip to France and have already stripped it back off to be replaced.
Replaced after just one week may seem excessive to some people but if you think about it thats 7 days solid angling, fishing near overhanging trees with some underwater debris. Not to mention a few Carp played on it and in hot sunny conditions.
I use Berkeley Big Game for most of my general fishing and at around £10 for 1700 odd meters, it’s not exactly expensive. A useful tip is to have backing line on your spool and only replace around 250 meters. The reason for 250 meters is that it is well past my maximum castingdistance and if I have to strip back a few yards near the hooklink then I have a bit to play with. This also applies to if I have a crack off for some reason. (more…)
I hate spod spill! - all those bits of spod mix flying out of the top of the spod when you cast it out, leaving a trail of bait short of the marker float and right where your lines will be when you cast your rigs out. Watch the Korda Underwater videos and one thing comes across loud and clear - if carp feed over line (or leadcore / tubing) and pick this up with their lips when they feed they spook straight away, putting other fish on guard and drastically reducing your chance of a take. (more…)