With time on my hands, I thought I'd go on Utube and watch carp vids to educate myself
I'm not a total beginner but I am still a novis I suppose
I've been watching vids about marker floats
I was just wondering are marker floats a thing of the past, or are they still used.
Do people just mostly have a lead about these days.
And what about yard sticks or marker elastic
Just wondered what a seasoned carper thought on all this
I'm not a total beginner but I am still a novis I suppose
I've been watching vids about marker floats
I was just wondering are marker floats a thing of the past, or are they still used.
Do people just mostly have a lead about these days.
And what about yard sticks or marker elastic
Just wondered what a seasoned carper thought on all this
In reply to Post #1
Try fishing a place with tight features like elstow with a lead about
since joining there I am seriously considering getting 2 marker floats out there !
Try fishing a place with tight features like elstow with a lead about
since joining there I am seriously considering getting 2 marker floats out there !
In reply to Post #1
Duane
Being able to use a marker rod and float is a valuable skill to learn. It depends on where you're fishing of course. Having a "lead about" will only tell you so much, especially if you're only leading around with mono, the marker float will also give you a clear indication of depth, a visual point of reference and an accurate means to set your distance sticks. I have a deeper too - again great bits of kit but not a complete substitue for a marker rod and float.
If you're starting out a good option is to just get yourself a spod rod, reel and braid, tie a loop on the end of the braid and use a snap-clip to swap between a marker rod setup and a spod rod setup. The Spod rod wont have the depth marks but you can estimate fairly accurately, or just put a bit of tape on the rod at 6 and 12 inch intervals.
Duane
Being able to use a marker rod and float is a valuable skill to learn. It depends on where you're fishing of course. Having a "lead about" will only tell you so much, especially if you're only leading around with mono, the marker float will also give you a clear indication of depth, a visual point of reference and an accurate means to set your distance sticks. I have a deeper too - again great bits of kit but not a complete substitue for a marker rod and float.
If you're starting out a good option is to just get yourself a spod rod, reel and braid, tie a loop on the end of the braid and use a snap-clip to swap between a marker rod setup and a spod rod setup. The Spod rod wont have the depth marks but you can estimate fairly accurately, or just put a bit of tape on the rod at 6 and 12 inch intervals.
In reply to Post #1
Honestly I think there's a time and a place for both (marker float or lead) the more experienced you get with just a lead you can start to get a feel for the depth and the lakebed. A marker float is more foolproof for finding depth, and the braid will transmit more of the feel of the lakebed. If really weedy you're often better with a bare lead to find the clearer areas. You can always switch to a float once you've found them of course for more accurate measurement of the depth.
If you're on a short session and want to limit disturbance, a few casts with a small lead is much more subtle than wanging a marker float about. If you were fishing a week in France you might be more inclined to give the swim a hammering and map it out properly with a marker set up.
Strokes for folks.
As for marker sticks- invaluable in my opinion for being able to fish accurately. Marker elastic does the same thing but means you need to walk the lines out down the bank or cast PST your marker to find it. Distance sticks much more efficient in my opinion.
Honestly I think there's a time and a place for both (marker float or lead) the more experienced you get with just a lead you can start to get a feel for the depth and the lakebed. A marker float is more foolproof for finding depth, and the braid will transmit more of the feel of the lakebed. If really weedy you're often better with a bare lead to find the clearer areas. You can always switch to a float once you've found them of course for more accurate measurement of the depth.
If you're on a short session and want to limit disturbance, a few casts with a small lead is much more subtle than wanging a marker float about. If you were fishing a week in France you might be more inclined to give the swim a hammering and map it out properly with a marker set up.
Strokes for folks.
As for marker sticks- invaluable in my opinion for being able to fish accurately. Marker elastic does the same thing but means you need to walk the lines out down the bank or cast PST your marker to find it. Distance sticks much more efficient in my opinion.
In reply to Post #3
Great advice Jimimak
Cheers
Great advice Jimimak
Cheers
In reply to Post #2
I have a DVD where Jamie Clossick uses 2 marker floats for proper mapping of spots. I think he fished Elstow so that might explain it!
I have a DVD where Jamie Clossick uses 2 marker floats for proper mapping of spots. I think he fished Elstow so that might explain it!
In reply to Post #2
Lol Neil no fish
Lol Neil no fish
In reply to Post #6
Is the dvd on Utube Phil
Is the dvd on Utube Phil
In reply to Post #8
I don't think it is on YouTube sadly. I'm sure there's plenty of videos on using a marker set up if you search though.
I don't think it is on YouTube sadly. I'm sure there's plenty of videos on using a marker set up if you search though.
In reply to Post #9
Ye I've watched loads on there on marker floats
Ye I've watched loads on there on marker floats
In reply to Post #1
I work not far from the Tackle Box shop in Dartford
I bought 2 11ft 3lb rods
2 shimano baitrunner XT 6000RB reels (got 1 online cos £30 cheaper)
And on Ebay I bought 2 Delkim Ev-D bite alarms
Need to buy spod/marker rod now
I work not far from the Tackle Box shop in Dartford
I bought 2 11ft 3lb rods
2 shimano baitrunner XT 6000RB reels (got 1 online cos £30 cheaper)
And on Ebay I bought 2 Delkim Ev-D bite alarms
Need to buy spod/marker rod now
In reply to Post #11
People fished for many years without spod and marker rods, they're far from mandatory.
You can buy mini spombs that are fine for using on one of your 11ft rods, and a good old catapult can't be beaten for putting boilies out at short/medium range.
I wouldn't rush into buying a full spod and marker set up, and when you do a single spod rod set up can be used for both spod and marker.
People fished for many years without spod and marker rods, they're far from mandatory.
You can buy mini spombs that are fine for using on one of your 11ft rods, and a good old catapult can't be beaten for putting boilies out at short/medium range.
I wouldn't rush into buying a full spod and marker set up, and when you do a single spod rod set up can be used for both spod and marker.
In reply to Post #1
When setting up the marker float, I've noticed a lot of people don't attach the lead to a length of stiff link. Instead they just slide the lead straight onto the line. I think I know why, but can anyone explain why. Just so I know the real reason, and not just think I know why
When setting up the marker float, I've noticed a lot of people don't attach the lead to a length of stiff link. Instead they just slide the lead straight onto the line. I think I know why, but can anyone explain why. Just so I know the real reason, and not just think I know why
In reply to Post #12
Cheers Phil
Cheers Phil
In reply to Post #14
To be honest I'm not looking at fishing long range at first. That's why all my gear I've bought is all mid range
To be honest I'm not looking at fishing long range at first. That's why all my gear I've bought is all mid range
The stiff link on the lead is to just get it out the way of the marker float I believe.
I mostly do days and overnights so thrashing the water I feel is counter productive most of the time, a spod rod and braided reel for baiting up I'd say is a good investment, doesn't need to be expensive though.
Google satellite maps is your friend
I mostly do days and overnights so thrashing the water I feel is counter productive most of the time, a spod rod and braided reel for baiting up I'd say is a good investment, doesn't need to be expensive though.
Google satellite maps is your friend
In reply to Post #16
So why do a lot of people do away with the stiff link then
So why do a lot of people do away with the stiff link then
In reply to Post #17
Because it's not essential, just stops marker float getting bashed about with the lead
Because it's not essential, just stops marker float getting bashed about with the lead
A long stiff boom keeps the marker from getting caught in weed, the lead hits bottom but the float is already 1-2' off the bottom so doesn't get weeded around the swivel. Try casting a marker without one into weed and the float often won't come up.
In reply to Post #17
I saw a video on Utube and the man said if the lead is in weed and there is no stiff link suspending the float 1ft higher, then the float will probably not rise
Cos the float will probably be stuck in the weed also
This tells you that you shouldn't be fishing on this spot
I thought, but why would you want to leave the lead in the weed anyway
I saw a video on Utube and the man said if the lead is in weed and there is no stiff link suspending the float 1ft higher, then the float will probably not rise
Cos the float will probably be stuck in the weed also
This tells you that you shouldn't be fishing on this spot
I thought, but why would you want to leave the lead in the weed anyway
In reply to Post #19
Wouldn't that give you false information though.
Cos if the float doesn't rise, isn't that telling you what you want to know
That you shouldn't be fishing on that spot because the rig would be useless
Wouldn't that give you false information though.
Cos if the float doesn't rise, isn't that telling you what you want to know
That you shouldn't be fishing on that spot because the rig would be useless
In reply to Post #21
If you're markering to find depth you want the float to rise.
If you're markering to find depth you want the float to rise.
In reply to Post #22
True, I'm just trying to understand their way of thinking.
But why would it matter about the depth if the spot is unfishable
True, I'm just trying to understand their way of thinking.
But why would it matter about the depth if the spot is unfishable
In reply to Post #23
Why does it make it unfishable if there's a bit of weed?
Why does it make it unfishable if there's a bit of weed?
In reply to Post #24
The man said if the float doesn't rise, then the rig wouldn't be any use on that spot
Plus he said if the float was risen above the weed, and not getting stuck.
Then your not being told how snaggy the spot really is
The man said if the float doesn't rise, then the rig wouldn't be any use on that spot
Plus he said if the float was risen above the weed, and not getting stuck.
Then your not being told how snaggy the spot really is
In reply to Post #23
Fish love weed mate. It holds all kinds of natural food and provides shelter. The magazine's and DVDs often promote finding firm, clear areas. This is because it is easier to ensure neat and tidy presentation and because these firm areas can be a sign of feeding fish. But not always.
There are many ways to present a bait to carp whilst in weed, but it can be tricky to get right.
I meant to add that it can also depend what type of weed is in the area. That bit can be equally important.
There are no hard and fast rules at all.
Fish love weed mate. It holds all kinds of natural food and provides shelter. The magazine's and DVDs often promote finding firm, clear areas. This is because it is easier to ensure neat and tidy presentation and because these firm areas can be a sign of feeding fish. But not always.
There are many ways to present a bait to carp whilst in weed, but it can be tricky to get right.
I meant to add that it can also depend what type of weed is in the area. That bit can be equally important.
There are no hard and fast rules at all.
In reply to Post #26
The man said if the float was risen by a ft then you wouldn't of been getting a true indication of how weedy the spot was
But I thought wouldn't the lead of told you that when you was dragging it along to fi d spots
The man said if the float was risen by a ft then you wouldn't of been getting a true indication of how weedy the spot was
But I thought wouldn't the lead of told you that when you was dragging it along to fi d spots
In reply to Post #27
https://youtu.be/Mh4JTe5ldHY
That's the short video
https://youtu.be/Mh4JTe5ldHY
That's the short video
In reply to Post #27
If it was heavily weeded I'm sure you would feel it as heavy resistance. If it's just light weed then maybe not so much.
The video is a little misleading, although I think it's unintentional.
When it's all setup. You cast it out, wind down till the float is pulled under and stops at the lead.
Then you can begin to slowly draw the lead, with the float butted up against it, back towards you.
Depending on the vibrations, resistance, thumping, felt in the rod at the time will teach you what the bottom consists of. A lot of time and practice needs to go into this.
Every now and then, you can allow the float to rise to the surface by pulling off 1ft of line at a time to tell the depth.
As a tough guide anyway.
If it was heavily weeded I'm sure you would feel it as heavy resistance. If it's just light weed then maybe not so much.
The video is a little misleading, although I think it's unintentional.
When it's all setup. You cast it out, wind down till the float is pulled under and stops at the lead.
Then you can begin to slowly draw the lead, with the float butted up against it, back towards you.
Depending on the vibrations, resistance, thumping, felt in the rod at the time will teach you what the bottom consists of. A lot of time and practice needs to go into this.
Every now and then, you can allow the float to rise to the surface by pulling off 1ft of line at a time to tell the depth.
As a tough guide anyway.
In reply to Post #29
I'm a novis, but am I right in thinking it does make sense in having no stiff link.
But instead have the float and the lead almost touching each other
That Ian bloke in vid was obviously trying to big up the product so it sells
But it did make sense what he was saying I thought.
But I'm not a experienced carp fisherman, I'm a beginner
I'm a novis, but am I right in thinking it does make sense in having no stiff link.
But instead have the float and the lead almost touching each other
That Ian bloke in vid was obviously trying to big up the product so it sells
But it did make sense what he was saying I thought.
But I'm not a experienced carp fisherman, I'm a beginner
In reply to Post #30
I guess so if you are wanting to be as accurate as possible. Some of the kits that feature a stiff boom take into consideration the length of the boom and the length not the float. So that both together equal 1ft for instance.
I tend to not overthink it personally. I use a bare lead for 'leading about' and then use a marker float setup when mapping out a swim in more detail. I usually only do this during the closed.season or when not fishing.
I guess so if you are wanting to be as accurate as possible. Some of the kits that feature a stiff boom take into consideration the length of the boom and the length not the float. So that both together equal 1ft for instance.
I tend to not overthink it personally. I use a bare lead for 'leading about' and then use a marker float setup when mapping out a swim in more detail. I usually only do this during the closed.season or when not fishing.
In reply to Post #31
Do you think all the crashing about with the marker and lead, would kill the days fishing then.
By spooking all the fish in that area
Do you think all the crashing about with the marker and lead, would kill the days fishing then.
By spooking all the fish in that area
In reply to Post #32
I personally prefer not to risk it but it can be very venue dependent. If you are fishing short sessions then personally I would look to fish towards physical features such as reeds, islands, margins etc or fish to showing fish.
If you can spend time at a venue without actually fishing, just mapping out marginal shelves, shallows etc it can really help. It's not always possible. A simple bare lead is much less likely to spoil fish if you are careful. It takes practice to feel a lead.down and read a rod top.
Alternatively, you can map out swims quickly using a waggler float and float fishing for a day. Keep a notepad handy with a simple map drawn on a page and record depths using a plummet.
I personally prefer not to risk it but it can be very venue dependent. If you are fishing short sessions then personally I would look to fish towards physical features such as reeds, islands, margins etc or fish to showing fish.
If you can spend time at a venue without actually fishing, just mapping out marginal shelves, shallows etc it can really help. It's not always possible. A simple bare lead is much less likely to spoil fish if you are careful. It takes practice to feel a lead.down and read a rod top.
Alternatively, you can map out swims quickly using a waggler float and float fishing for a day. Keep a notepad handy with a simple map drawn on a page and record depths using a plummet.
In reply to Post #33
I only started carp fishing again last Yr. I've got a caravan in Sandwich Kent. We go there every weekend. We'll until lock down. Sandwich Leisure Park is shut now.
I've been fishing at Sandwich lakes, I'm just fishing the match lake for now. The carp go up to about 18lb.
I need to learn my watercraft and how to play a carp properly. Before I hook a bad boy lol.
I hadn't fished for yrs before last Yr, and there was non of this feathering the cast and feeling the lead down when I fished yrs ago
When I started up again and started watching vids on Utube, I was like wow carping has really moved on from when I last fished
But I want to learn the art properly, leading, feathering the cast, feeling the lead down, making my own rigs
Ive spoken to a couple of people, and I could tell when I said what I wanted to learn to do, that they don't do all those things
I still can't cast properly, trying to trap the line just before it hits the water. Then raising the rod to tighten the line, then following the lead down till it reaches the bottom.
But I will get there, I'm determined lol
I only started carp fishing again last Yr. I've got a caravan in Sandwich Kent. We go there every weekend. We'll until lock down. Sandwich Leisure Park is shut now.
I've been fishing at Sandwich lakes, I'm just fishing the match lake for now. The carp go up to about 18lb.
I need to learn my watercraft and how to play a carp properly. Before I hook a bad boy lol.
I hadn't fished for yrs before last Yr, and there was non of this feathering the cast and feeling the lead down when I fished yrs ago
When I started up again and started watching vids on Utube, I was like wow carping has really moved on from when I last fished
But I want to learn the art properly, leading, feathering the cast, feeling the lead down, making my own rigs
Ive spoken to a couple of people, and I could tell when I said what I wanted to learn to do, that they don't do all those things
I still can't cast properly, trying to trap the line just before it hits the water. Then raising the rod to tighten the line, then following the lead down till it reaches the bottom.
But I will get there, I'm determined lol
In reply to Post #34
keep practicing - there's just a bit of knack to it, but once you've got it sorted it will change your fishing.
Knowing that your rig touched down firmly on a clear area rather than lobbing it into a weedbed without realising - you'll be fishing a lot more effectively. There's better for your confidence than feeling the lead crack down and thinking 'that's a bite'
keep practicing - there's just a bit of knack to it, but once you've got it sorted it will change your fishing.
Knowing that your rig touched down firmly on a clear area rather than lobbing it into a weedbed without realising - you'll be fishing a lot more effectively. There's better for your confidence than feeling the lead crack down and thinking 'that's a bite'
In reply to Post #35
I won't be happy till I'm doing it all properly. Fishing blind is not something I want to carry on doing.
I won't be happy till I'm doing it all properly. Fishing blind is not something I want to carry on doing.
In reply to Post #34
If it's shallow n layered with silt you won't feel a thing if fishing any distance
If it's shallow n layered with silt you won't feel a thing if fishing any distance
In reply to Post #36
Don't ignore the margins
Don't ignore the margins
In reply to Post #38
OK thanks
OK thanks
In reply to Post #38
https://www.sandwichlakes.co.uk/our-lakes/
https://www.sandwichlakes.co.uk/our-lakes/
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