what tips n tricks have you found, such as, casting to a far margin, where the lead hits the water a ring appears and gets bigger, when the ring hits the bank look at the distance from the centre of the ring and the SIDE, thats how far away it is.
having trouble opening the loop on a braid hair, push one side of a set of tweezers through then turn it, now the loop is more of a circle.
having trouble opening the loop on a braid hair, push one side of a set of tweezers through then turn it, now the loop is more of a circle.
In reply to Post #1
Be quiet - the most common failing I see on busier waters is people's inability to do that. Yelling all day long to their mates in the next swim, talking into their mobiles like the character from Trigger Happy TV, walking away from their rods and chatting in groups, constantly pissing around with their alarms, hammering in sticks and pegs, oh, f uck me the list is endless. So my top tip to catch more carp is to do it quietly and these guys wonder why the only time they catch is at night, when they're all asleep
Be quiet - the most common failing I see on busier waters is people's inability to do that. Yelling all day long to their mates in the next swim, talking into their mobiles like the character from Trigger Happy TV, walking away from their rods and chatting in groups, constantly pissing around with their alarms, hammering in sticks and pegs, oh, f uck me the list is endless. So my top tip to catch more carp is to do it quietly and these guys wonder why the only time they catch is at night, when they're all asleep
Never leave litter....
When setting up your reels on buzz bars ,always make sure the reel handle is above the reel housing and at two oclock ,reason is...it will not attract grit ,or debris so much,and if one insists on fishing reels too close together when you get a take ,you`ll not take the other rod `out` as the handle is above the other reel and rod...
Put a thin unhooking mat on your barrow frame,this will stop damage to your bedchair,and barrow frame...and stops water temporarily getting into your barrow bag as well..
Always take a basha...
use your car as a `hub`,so there as spare bits,bait..
leave the Spomb at home ,causes a lot of disturbance,on small waters ,and could cost you a friendship and fish..
In the winter always have a plan B,lake or venue...!!!
When setting up your reels on buzz bars ,always make sure the reel handle is above the reel housing and at two oclock ,reason is...it will not attract grit ,or debris so much,and if one insists on fishing reels too close together when you get a take ,you`ll not take the other rod `out` as the handle is above the other reel and rod...
Put a thin unhooking mat on your barrow frame,this will stop damage to your bedchair,and barrow frame...and stops water temporarily getting into your barrow bag as well..
Always take a basha...
use your car as a `hub`,so there as spare bits,bait..
leave the Spomb at home ,causes a lot of disturbance,on small waters ,and could cost you a friendship and fish..
In the winter always have a plan B,lake or venue...!!!
check your hook for sharpness
In reply to Post #1
In reply to Post #3
Adam !! OMG everything you said is spot on, my blood boils when....
fishing in close margin, then, walking towards me on the edge close to the water and shouts out "MORNING"
Adam !! OMG everything you said is spot on, my blood boils when....
fishing in close margin, then, walking towards me on the edge close to the water and shouts out "MORNING"
In reply to Post #6
There's a guy on a lake I fish who only fishes the near margin under bushes and overhanging trees. He has a sign which he puts up on the bank 20 yards or so either side of where he is telling passers by to be quiet and walk quietly as he is margin fishing. Respect.
There's a guy on a lake I fish who only fishes the near margin under bushes and overhanging trees. He has a sign which he puts up on the bank 20 yards or so either side of where he is telling passers by to be quiet and walk quietly as he is margin fishing. Respect.
In reply to Post #1
A few I've been doing recently....nothing new by any stretch, but new to me.
Coated braid straight through for bottom baits, hair and all, size 5 trighammers.
And to attach that rig im tying a decent size loop to a uni-ring, loop-to-loop style. Acts as a kicker, without adding more jangle to your rigs.
Stopped using hair stops entirely, just pull the uncoated braid or floss and burn it.
Matrix digging bar, wide enough to push in the ground to hold down two rod buts.
Long chod sections.
Scent from hell popups tamed with essentials Thaumatin B.
Preferences rather than tips, but heyho.
A few I've been doing recently....nothing new by any stretch, but new to me.
Coated braid straight through for bottom baits, hair and all, size 5 trighammers.
And to attach that rig im tying a decent size loop to a uni-ring, loop-to-loop style. Acts as a kicker, without adding more jangle to your rigs.
Stopped using hair stops entirely, just pull the uncoated braid or floss and burn it.
Matrix digging bar, wide enough to push in the ground to hold down two rod buts.
Long chod sections.
Scent from hell popups tamed with essentials Thaumatin B.
Preferences rather than tips, but heyho.
In reply to Post #8
if some people don't know about you info then they are tips
if some people don't know about you info then they are tips
In reply to Post #2
Amen to that!! Oh ! And take a but plug!
Amen to that!! Oh ! And take a but plug!
In reply to Post #10
If, like me, you struggle threading cotton through a needle eye when fishing with bunches of maggots, use the wire thing that korda (and other brands) sinkers are mounted on....the wire fits neatly through the eye of a needle, pop the cotton through the wire, pull it back through the eye, sorted!
If, like me, you struggle threading cotton through a needle eye when fishing with bunches of maggots, use the wire thing that korda (and other brands) sinkers are mounted on....the wire fits neatly through the eye of a needle, pop the cotton through the wire, pull it back through the eye, sorted!
In reply to Post #2
NO NO make as much noise as you like. You and your mate take two bivvys each then drive those pegs in good and deep, even though the ground dry and rock hard. Don't worry if it sounds like someone is putting a fence up, it'll be fine.😀
My tip - find an area where the decent fish move to if it gets busy or noisy, could make your arms ache a bit though.
NO NO make as much noise as you like. You and your mate take two bivvys each then drive those pegs in good and deep, even though the ground dry and rock hard. Don't worry if it sounds like someone is putting a fence up, it'll be fine.😀
My tip - find an area where the decent fish move to if it gets busy or noisy, could make your arms ache a bit though.
In reply to Post #12
I must admit, your on the right lines, if there was noise at one end of the lake and I was at the other , it was just a matter of time....
I must admit, your on the right lines, if there was noise at one end of the lake and I was at the other , it was just a matter of time....
In reply to Post #13
Clean your pans out with used tea bags
Gently simmer for a few minutes and all the ***** comes off 👍🏻
Clean your pans out with used tea bags
Gently simmer for a few minutes and all the ***** comes off 👍🏻
In reply to Post #14
That's gross.....😋🤮
That's gross.....😋🤮
In reply to Post #11
Good tip👍
Good tip👍
In reply to Post #1
Bread bags make a perfectly sized rubbish bag for short sessions.
I'm giving away my edges here lol
Bread bags make a perfectly sized rubbish bag for short sessions.
I'm giving away my edges here lol
In reply to Post #14
leave it on the long grass overnight and slugs will go through years of build-up carbon leaving it like new.
discovered by accident.
leave it on the long grass overnight and slugs will go through years of build-up carbon leaving it like new.
discovered by accident.
In reply to Post #17
also perfect size for a bog roll, or better still NY Deli bagel bag perfect toilet roll holdall and a bonus of 5 free bagels
also perfect size for a bog roll, or better still NY Deli bagel bag perfect toilet roll holdall and a bonus of 5 free bagels
In reply to Post #19
Dip your line then lift when playing a fish in the dark aids location.
Dip your line then lift when playing a fish in the dark aids location.
In reply to Post #1
Winter tip
If it ever gets super-freezing cold and your 'regular' lake freezes over. . .keep an eye on the temps and if it rises slightly visit the lake and make a note of where the warm spots are, as they'll be the ones melting faster than the others . . .if nothing else the location of the melting holes may surprise you so take graffs / make a note (draw a map) or even bosh out a light lead and break out the wrap sticks if you're keen to know the exact distances for future use . . .
Summer tip
Mozzies. Forget Avon skin so soft / deet etc (you'll need that anyway) Mozzie coils hung in a brass holder / container in your bivvy doorway or elevated on a spare bankstick will deter all know flying biting insects . . .for at least 4-6hrs. (I'd actually be confident to be naked in my bivvy without fear of getting bitten on the crown jewels with this method
)
Rig tips
1 - When using soft baits / multiple baits / long hairs / braided hairs create a standard loop and use cheap drennan float stops on the hair itself to keep baits bunched and up the hair as required.
2 - When using bait floss ditch the hairstops / lassoo knots and just thread and blob with a lighter
3 - Solid PVA bags. Forget PVA tape - use a slightly longer, thinner bag and only fill 3/4. Carefully cut the excess PVA vertically on both sides to create 2x 'bunnies ears' of PVA and pull tight with an overhand knot / tie together around the stem for a mega tight bag that is more big chuck proof than simple twisting
4 - Never trust PVA nuggets as they can sometimes never come off - instead cut up 3-4 nuggets and create a golf ball sized funnel web bag . . nick this onto your hookpoint for guaranteed softdrop on the rig and more visibility of successful rig placement once melted and on the surface . .
Other General tips
Always bring a pack of baby wipes
Always salute single magpies
Always set up your landing net first and pack away last
Always use freebies in groups of 7 - ie. 7/14/28/35 etc . . .any other number the fish will know and you will blank
Always pay the lake at the end of your session . . .the carp gods will know if you've missed a payment
Winter tip
If it ever gets super-freezing cold and your 'regular' lake freezes over. . .keep an eye on the temps and if it rises slightly visit the lake and make a note of where the warm spots are, as they'll be the ones melting faster than the others . . .if nothing else the location of the melting holes may surprise you so take graffs / make a note (draw a map) or even bosh out a light lead and break out the wrap sticks if you're keen to know the exact distances for future use . . .
Summer tip
Mozzies. Forget Avon skin so soft / deet etc (you'll need that anyway) Mozzie coils hung in a brass holder / container in your bivvy doorway or elevated on a spare bankstick will deter all know flying biting insects . . .for at least 4-6hrs. (I'd actually be confident to be naked in my bivvy without fear of getting bitten on the crown jewels with this method
) Rig tips
1 - When using soft baits / multiple baits / long hairs / braided hairs create a standard loop and use cheap drennan float stops on the hair itself to keep baits bunched and up the hair as required.
2 - When using bait floss ditch the hairstops / lassoo knots and just thread and blob with a lighter
3 - Solid PVA bags. Forget PVA tape - use a slightly longer, thinner bag and only fill 3/4. Carefully cut the excess PVA vertically on both sides to create 2x 'bunnies ears' of PVA and pull tight with an overhand knot / tie together around the stem for a mega tight bag that is more big chuck proof than simple twisting
4 - Never trust PVA nuggets as they can sometimes never come off - instead cut up 3-4 nuggets and create a golf ball sized funnel web bag . . nick this onto your hookpoint for guaranteed softdrop on the rig and more visibility of successful rig placement once melted and on the surface . .
Other General tips
Always bring a pack of baby wipes
Always salute single magpies
Always set up your landing net first and pack away last
Always use freebies in groups of 7 - ie. 7/14/28/35 etc . . .any other number the fish will know and you will blank
Always pay the lake at the end of your session . . .the carp gods will know if you've missed a payment
In reply to Post #21
That's actually a really good idea with frozen lakes and warm spots, never though about that myself!
That's actually a really good idea with frozen lakes and warm spots, never though about that myself!
In reply to Post #21
ooo ive just ordered a thermal imaging camera for work, that'll be its first job.
ooo ive just ordered a thermal imaging camera for work, that'll be its first job.
In reply to Post #21
Always use freebies in groups of 7 - ie. 7/14/28/35 etc . . .any other number the fish will know and you will blank
I guess my obsession with the landing net motif been facing upwards is nothing now
Always use freebies in groups of 7 - ie. 7/14/28/35 etc . . .any other number the fish will know and you will blank
I guess my obsession with the landing net motif been facing upwards is nothing now
In reply to Post #24
Always set up your landing net before casting out.
Always set up your landing net before casting out.
I always use pva tape backstops, on chod or helicopter set ups, if i get cut off the fish isn't swimming around with a leader to find a snag to pull a bead off... Unleaded leader as well, i wouldn't use leadcore...
In reply to Post #26
If your on furlough piss off home before the weekend 😂
If your on furlough piss off home before the weekend 😂
In reply to Post #1
Buy a set of cheap wrist bands. Wet with hot water and place over your reels a few hours before your session. Line is then like silk when you cast out.
Buy a set of cheap wrist bands. Wet with hot water and place over your reels a few hours before your session. Line is then like silk when you cast out.
In reply to Post #1
Buy a set of cheap wrist bands. Wet with hot water and place over your reels a few hours before your session. Line is then like silk when you cast out.
Buy a set of cheap wrist bands. Wet with hot water and place over your reels a few hours before your session. Line is then like silk when you cast out.
In reply to Post #21
In reply to Post #27
Blimey.... you sound just like Bivvywrecker, no offence but you do
Blimey.... you sound just like Bivvywrecker, no offence but you do
Here's one from Carp fever (Kevin Maddocks) when threading mono through the eye of a hook in the dark , put the hook eye on your tongue then push the mono through the eye, you will feel if it s in the eye or not , I've never needed to do this but I know it works.
In reply to Post #1
If you like using fluorocarbon mainline then give it a good stretch before or after every few sessions. I've found 20lb x line to behave as well as mono on the spools and casting after only a few sessions. Without stretching it's almost unusable.
If you like using fluorocarbon mainline then give it a good stretch before or after every few sessions. I've found 20lb x line to behave as well as mono on the spools and casting after only a few sessions. Without stretching it's almost unusable.
In reply to Post #31
Yeah he's a *****
Yeah he's a *****
Unhooking mat on top of the bivvy in winter to reduce condensation.
In reply to Post #35
if i did that on my waters, the unhooking mat will be stolen during the night
if i did that on my waters, the unhooking mat will be stolen during the night
In reply to Post #36
can't be very relaxing fishing there :-(
Tips, stringers and method are so old skool Carp just laugh when they see them and move on
A carabiner on the weigh sling straps/hoop before offering to the scale hook saves faffing about trying to get both straps/hoops on the hook. Leave it on one of the straps/hoops permanently.
Edit,
On very cold nights the moisture in your breath will freeze and drop back on your bed/face, tilt your head to the side.
Expecting hard frost,
don't lean a wet net against your bivvy or put it on your mat.
don't leave your milk and water outside
don't run out for a take in shorts and a t-shirt.
can't be very relaxing fishing there :-(Tips, stringers and method are so old skool Carp just laugh when they see them and move on
A carabiner on the weigh sling straps/hoop before offering to the scale hook saves faffing about trying to get both straps/hoops on the hook. Leave it on one of the straps/hoops permanently.
Edit,
On very cold nights the moisture in your breath will freeze and drop back on your bed/face, tilt your head to the side.
Expecting hard frost,
don't lean a wet net against your bivvy or put it on your mat.
don't leave your milk and water outside
don't run out for a take in shorts and a t-shirt.
Always take spare socks.
When setting up on a peg. Don't always have the rods On the edge of the lake. Set them back so the tips are just on the waters edge allowing for an easier netting of fish.
Remove layers when in the bag in winter. Allowing the sleeping bag to do it's job. Then having layers to put on once out to stop feeling the cold.
When setting up on a peg. Don't always have the rods On the edge of the lake. Set them back so the tips are just on the waters edge allowing for an easier netting of fish.
Remove layers when in the bag in winter. Allowing the sleeping bag to do it's job. Then having layers to put on once out to stop feeling the cold.
Fish near as many noddies as possible, it makes blanking less painful.
Made last weekend much more bearable. Always one that ruins it of course.
Made last weekend much more bearable. Always one that ruins it of course.
In reply to Post #39
In reply to Post #40
. . .forgot another one that I rarely see anyone use on the bank (or on carp vids either to be honest) but do myself habitually . . .
When using multiple rods (on a pod / sticks) and with slack/semi slack lines . . when you get a take and are in control of the fish, immediately pick up the remaining rod(s) and locate the reel/spool against the alarm head itself (not sure whether this is poss with smaller/ATTS type alarms) effectively dunking the entire rod into the lake and sinking lines well out of the way.
Alleviates kiting fish picking up lines on the other rods and is 99% effective in most scenarios . . .quick and easy to do - once the fish has been landed just put the 'dunked' rods back in their respective butt rests and reset the indicators . . job done.
. . .forgot another one that I rarely see anyone use on the bank (or on carp vids either to be honest) but do myself habitually . . .
When using multiple rods (on a pod / sticks) and with slack/semi slack lines . . when you get a take and are in control of the fish, immediately pick up the remaining rod(s) and locate the reel/spool against the alarm head itself (not sure whether this is poss with smaller/ATTS type alarms) effectively dunking the entire rod into the lake and sinking lines well out of the way.
Alleviates kiting fish picking up lines on the other rods and is 99% effective in most scenarios . . .quick and easy to do - once the fish has been landed just put the 'dunked' rods back in their respective butt rests and reset the indicators . . job done.
Tips when fishing in wild forest locations abroad.
If you've had a good social, watch your mates torch as they make their way back to their peg and make sure they and it go back to their peg and not off on some random tangent.
If you've seen something in the forest that interests you, a Eagle nest maybe, don't be tempted to venture off to see it unless completely competent, even if you do tell someone...there's nothing worse than being rescued by your wife a hour later when you've covered about 5k and are only 100 yards from your peg
If you have a bucket flush loo, don't leave it full outside for the next person, it can be very detrimental to local wildlife
If you don't have a loo remember you are never alone, their will always be someone picking something at all times of day and night
If something head butts you/your tent in the middle of the night just pretend you never heard it, don't create a racket, don't go out and ignore any run if it happens at the time
If you hear a screaming animal close by, do not go to look what's going on.
Don't randomly put your hand under your unhooking mat, lift it, you never know what will be under there.
If you've had a good social, watch your mates torch as they make their way back to their peg and make sure they and it go back to their peg and not off on some random tangent.
If you've seen something in the forest that interests you, a Eagle nest maybe, don't be tempted to venture off to see it unless completely competent, even if you do tell someone...there's nothing worse than being rescued by your wife a hour later when you've covered about 5k and are only 100 yards from your peg
If you have a bucket flush loo, don't leave it full outside for the next person, it can be very detrimental to local wildlife
If you don't have a loo remember you are never alone, their will always be someone picking something at all times of day and night
If something head butts you/your tent in the middle of the night just pretend you never heard it, don't create a racket, don't go out and ignore any run if it happens at the time
If you hear a screaming animal close by, do not go to look what's going on.
Don't randomly put your hand under your unhooking mat, lift it, you never know what will be under there.
In reply to Post #41
Be careful with a double take though
Be careful with a double take though
In reply to Post #41
Same as,works well
Same as,works well
In reply to Post #39
Sadly, I'm usually one of the noddies that people fish near
Sadly, I'm usually one of the noddies that people fish near
In reply to Post #45
If you are crap at actually catching fish, find your inner chef and make sure you can rustle up some top grub, even TH has to eat.
you will be within the inner circle before you know it as the top boys know you are no threat
you will be within the inner circle before you know it as the top boys know you are no threat
In reply to Post #47
You're certainly in touch with your inner chef mate. Superstar!
Was that lanky geezer TH?
You're certainly in touch with your inner chef mate. Superstar!
Was that lanky geezer TH?
In reply to Post #42
I'm intrigued by what was head butting the tent/screaming outside?
I'm intrigued by what was head butting the tent/screaming outside?
For those dark Winter nights get yourself a UCO Mini Candle Lantern, uses tea lights and perfectly safe, definitely a game changer in the Winter as it gives off a low ambient ‘warm' light
DON'T jump in a skip when your drunk
In reply to Post #51
Never trust a fart
Never trust a fart
In reply to Post #50
Brilliant in the summer with the citronella candles they do too
Brilliant in the summer with the citronella candles they do too
In reply to Post #49
His head after his wife had done all that walking to find him
His head after his wife had done all that walking to find him
In reply to Post #50
" game changer " come on how old are you.
" game changer " come on how old are you.
In reply to Post #48
I'm far too fat to be considered lanky these days Andy
Edit: won't be getting any thinner fishing next to Martin either lol
I'm far too fat to be considered lanky these days Andy
Edit: won't be getting any thinner fishing next to Martin either lol
In reply to Post #53
That's a good idea never thought of that
That's a good idea never thought of that
In reply to Post #56
Sorry Ian I was referring to Lee not you.
Sorry Ian I was referring to Lee not you.
In reply to Post #58
In reply to Post #56
Burning off energy on those cats will keep ya thin too mate....
Burning off energy on those cats will keep ya thin too mate....
In reply to Post #60
Jeez, you're not wrong lol.
Jeez, you're not wrong lol.
Always take a spare bag and a bucket... 💩
In reply to Post #41
That's one that I use and has saved me a lot of issues in the past with fish crossing lines.
That's one that I use and has saved me a lot of issues in the past with fish crossing lines.
In reply to Post #49
Both these happened at lake in France in it's very early days as a fishery, it's set in the middle of a very old estate forest and has all the wild animals you expect of such.
The head butting, my wife and her friend came with us on a trip, they were sleeping on camping mats on the floor of their tent in their own peg (not fishing). In the very early hours the 'friend' was woken by something head butting her though the side walls of the tent (no it wasn't any of the blokes). They went out to see and there was a group of minor Boar which was all very cute until they heard and then saw the mother Boar charging at them
Luckily the swim had a ponton/stage built out into the water which they ran too and the Boar didn't follow.
The screaming, again middle of the night, small island mound about 2m across with a tree on it about 12' from my bivvy 2' from the bank, only inches of water deep. There was a almighty crash and then the screaming, after a few seconds curiosity got the better of me and I had a look out to see a mid sized Coypu being taken out by a large cat, those orange eyes will be with me forever. I quickly zipped the bivvy back up and after a few hours of quiet went outside to find just some fur. I have since seen what I know to be proper wild cats and it was less than half of the size of the thing that took out the Coypu.
Landing mat was Snakes, didn't just happen once or to me.
Both these happened at lake in France in it's very early days as a fishery, it's set in the middle of a very old estate forest and has all the wild animals you expect of such.
The head butting, my wife and her friend came with us on a trip, they were sleeping on camping mats on the floor of their tent in their own peg (not fishing). In the very early hours the 'friend' was woken by something head butting her though the side walls of the tent (no it wasn't any of the blokes). They went out to see and there was a group of minor Boar which was all very cute until they heard and then saw the mother Boar charging at them
Luckily the swim had a ponton/stage built out into the water which they ran too and the Boar didn't follow.
The screaming, again middle of the night, small island mound about 2m across with a tree on it about 12' from my bivvy 2' from the bank, only inches of water deep. There was a almighty crash and then the screaming, after a few seconds curiosity got the better of me and I had a look out to see a mid sized Coypu being taken out by a large cat, those orange eyes will be with me forever. I quickly zipped the bivvy back up and after a few hours of quiet went outside to find just some fur. I have since seen what I know to be proper wild cats and it was less than half of the size of the thing that took out the Coypu.
Landing mat was Snakes, didn't just happen once or to me.
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