I've completely lost confidence in my carp fishing over the last 6 months especially, but in reality probably a lot longer. Blanking just seems the norm now and I never expect to catch, I look at other anglers catching and just think it's not worth it anymore for me. I enjoy being out but in all honesty I feel like maybe I'm losing the love for the sport now, watching bait boats and spods flying about just isn't my sort of fishing. I take sh1t loads of stuff with me and never bother trying much different. I tried having a break before but I'm thinking now maybe I might just sell up and maybe just keep some stuff to go stalking and buy some bits to fish for other species maybe!
Anyone else feeling like this lately?
Anyone else feeling like this lately?
In reply to Post #1
I've felt like this a couple of times and for me I've found going to an easy runs water for a few hours to just get a few fish no matter the size. Then go back to my normal water and just done what has worked in the past and normally just takes one fish to suddenly feel different.
I've felt like this a couple of times and for me I've found going to an easy runs water for a few hours to just get a few fish no matter the size. Then go back to my normal water and just done what has worked in the past and normally just takes one fish to suddenly feel different.
In reply to Post #1
Forget size. go back to basics, go fishing for enjoyment, cut the gear down to the bare minimum, so that it isn't a chore to get out into the car, go to an easy/easier water, get your location as good as possible, proven bait & simple rigs, and enjoy getting bites.
Try short sessions, or days only.
Forget size. go back to basics, go fishing for enjoyment, cut the gear down to the bare minimum, so that it isn't a chore to get out into the car, go to an easy/easier water, get your location as good as possible, proven bait & simple rigs, and enjoy getting bites.
Try short sessions, or days only.
This is literally my situation at the moment.
I've worked so much the last couple of years, when im away im reading fishing books, watching Youtube but when i get home ill walk round the estate lake and have no passion to fish it.
I've just got a winter ticket on a newly dug lake 5 miles from my house, carp only go upto 14lb but I'm hoping to catch and bring the passion back.
I've worked so much the last couple of years, when im away im reading fishing books, watching Youtube but when i get home ill walk round the estate lake and have no passion to fish it.
I've just got a winter ticket on a newly dug lake 5 miles from my house, carp only go upto 14lb but I'm hoping to catch and bring the passion back.
In reply to Post #1
I was like this up untill last month hadn't had a carp since last October and had loads of blank session including 5 day sessions,but....,..... it all changed last month I had a tench and 3 carp of 18,23,24 in 3 days and also lost one,it boosted my confidence 10 fold so I went again few weeks ago and had a 14.5 and lost another,it shows I'm doing something right and the water is fairly hard and you don't normally get 2 runs in a session but I now can't wait to get back out next month for 3 nights,I've even placed a big bait order for this week from DNA in readiness for the session coming up.
I was like this up untill last month hadn't had a carp since last October and had loads of blank session including 5 day sessions,but....,..... it all changed last month I had a tench and 3 carp of 18,23,24 in 3 days and also lost one,it boosted my confidence 10 fold so I went again few weeks ago and had a 14.5 and lost another,it shows I'm doing something right and the water is fairly hard and you don't normally get 2 runs in a session but I now can't wait to get back out next month for 3 nights,I've even placed a big bait order for this week from DNA in readiness for the session coming up.
Thanks all, really appreciate the replies!
I do have a ticket for club that I've not fished yet, so might give that a go as there are supposed to be some easier lakes there.
I really must sort my gear out, I have far too much and need to have it organised much better!!
I do have a ticket for club that I've not fished yet, so might give that a go as there are supposed to be some easier lakes there.
I really must sort my gear out, I have far too much and need to have it organised much better!!
I can't read your mind obviously, but you have said twice now you have too much gear. Travel light and dodge the spod crowd, it's really not needed to set up a camping to catch a fish.
In reply to Post #1
I never lost my confidence in carp fishing, been doing it for that long, i never found it that difficult. (thats not meant to sound arrogant)
6 years ago (ish) i found myself increasingly tired of hashtag, promo team members, social media whores, the whole catch carp at all costs people that appear to think they are something special really turn me off carp fishing.
I gave up my syndicate ticket, of which was the best place i ever fished, mainly to take up trackdays and racing, new found love and a proper buzz, so carp fishing took a huge big step back, to the point today, i do fish, not much, when i do in the UK, i never post anything anymore. i do however go to France once a year, not really for the fishing as was, but more to be with like minded people who share captures and adventures with each other.
I'll never return to carp fishing like i did, and i'll be honest, i dont miss it one bit in the UK
I never lost my confidence in carp fishing, been doing it for that long, i never found it that difficult. (thats not meant to sound arrogant)
6 years ago (ish) i found myself increasingly tired of hashtag, promo team members, social media whores, the whole catch carp at all costs people that appear to think they are something special really turn me off carp fishing.
I gave up my syndicate ticket, of which was the best place i ever fished, mainly to take up trackdays and racing, new found love and a proper buzz, so carp fishing took a huge big step back, to the point today, i do fish, not much, when i do in the UK, i never post anything anymore. i do however go to France once a year, not really for the fishing as was, but more to be with like minded people who share captures and adventures with each other.
I'll never return to carp fishing like i did, and i'll be honest, i dont miss it one bit in the UK
In reply to Post #8
Track days are great
Track days are great
In reply to Post #8
6 years ago (ish) i found myself increasingly tired of hashtag, promo team members, social media whores, the whole catch carp at all costs people that appear to think they are something special really turn me off carp fishing
Similar to me, the pastime has become saturated with mongs who think they are doing something special, it's a very level playing field now, as you say, everybody wants to be famous or an authority on the pastime or trying to make a killing from it, thrashing it to death, the boring ****s
Find and fish the quite places is my advice
There's still quite a few people about with a genuine passion for big old carp, who take only pleasure from it and leave only foot prints. Respect to you folks, the ones with a real passion
6 years ago (ish) i found myself increasingly tired of hashtag, promo team members, social media whores, the whole catch carp at all costs people that appear to think they are something special really turn me off carp fishing
Similar to me, the pastime has become saturated with mongs who think they are doing something special, it's a very level playing field now, as you say, everybody wants to be famous or an authority on the pastime or trying to make a killing from it, thrashing it to death, the boring ****s
Find and fish the quite places is my advice
There's still quite a few people about with a genuine passion for big old carp, who take only pleasure from it and leave only foot prints. Respect to you folks, the ones with a real passion
In reply to Post #9
yeah mate, they are epic fun. that then turned into racing, thats a different level
yeah mate, they are epic fun. that then turned into racing, thats a different level
In reply to Post #10
The lake i run only has one or two anglers per week that fish it, its perfect, and i still dont fish it
The lake i run only has one or two anglers per week that fish it, its perfect, and i still dont fish it
In reply to Post #12
Sounds like a cracking lake peace & quiet
Sounds like a cracking lake peace & quiet
In reply to Post #13
yeah mate, blessed to have it/run it
yeah mate, blessed to have it/run it
In reply to Post #1
Hi mate.
I wouldn't sell any of your gear unless you are absolutely sure or you may regret it. As others have said, going somewhere different with a better chance of a bite is a great shout. Also, cutting back on the amount you take will make it feel like less of a chore when you do go.
If I am getting fed up of fishing (it is easy done these days as it is so busy everywhere) then I go sea fishing or something completely different which works to put the buzz back.
Hope you feel better about your fishing soon
Hi mate.
I wouldn't sell any of your gear unless you are absolutely sure or you may regret it. As others have said, going somewhere different with a better chance of a bite is a great shout. Also, cutting back on the amount you take will make it feel like less of a chore when you do go.
If I am getting fed up of fishing (it is easy done these days as it is so busy everywhere) then I go sea fishing or something completely different which works to put the buzz back.
Hope you feel better about your fishing soon
Not a confidence issue, but after many years, sometimes the effort needed on some waters is just too much, frankly 'I don't want to catch them that much.'
My advice would be, find an easier water, cut down on your kit, fish days only, and ensure there are no big walks involved.
My advice would be, find an easier water, cut down on your kit, fish days only, and ensure there are no big walks involved.
In reply to Post #1
I know exactly where you're coming from, words like monotonous, boring, repetitive, dire, keep cropping up as you go do the same time and time again. Then that realisation creeps in “What the hell am I doing here when I don't even enjoy it anymore”
What's that saying “Variety is the spice of life”, that's what I did – first I built a Rod Rack specifically to take my 12 Rods without the Reels fitted, the Reels go in an adjacent drawer.
I have one Korum Transition Rod Holdall which will fit any three Rods into it, I'm going fishing –
Decision 1. Which Rods do I think I will need to catch the target species I'm going for and the situation, plus which Landing Net Head/s ?(Same extendable 1, 2 or 3metre Handle will do for all situations)
Decision 2. Bivvy, 60”Brolly or match sized Brolly needed?
Decision 3. Korum Chair with Barrow Kit or Bed Chair?
Decision 4. What Baits do I need?
I can't remember the last time I took matching sets of gear with me, and I can't remember the last time I fished for just one species, other day/night I was on the River: I had one 8ft 31/2”Tc Rod with small Multiplier on after Pike, next to it a 12ft 1 3/4Tc, 4000 size Sulveran, set up on Maggot Feeder for Barbel, Chub, Roach and Dace, Braded Hooklink to a size 10 Hook will land them all (As it did, plus the Pike Rod was off 7 times!)
Honestly – vary what you're doing and you will be “Buzzing” every trip
I know exactly where you're coming from, words like monotonous, boring, repetitive, dire, keep cropping up as you go do the same time and time again. Then that realisation creeps in “What the hell am I doing here when I don't even enjoy it anymore”
What's that saying “Variety is the spice of life”, that's what I did – first I built a Rod Rack specifically to take my 12 Rods without the Reels fitted, the Reels go in an adjacent drawer.
I have one Korum Transition Rod Holdall which will fit any three Rods into it, I'm going fishing –
Decision 1. Which Rods do I think I will need to catch the target species I'm going for and the situation, plus which Landing Net Head/s ?(Same extendable 1, 2 or 3metre Handle will do for all situations)
Decision 2. Bivvy, 60”Brolly or match sized Brolly needed?
Decision 3. Korum Chair with Barrow Kit or Bed Chair?
Decision 4. What Baits do I need?
I can't remember the last time I took matching sets of gear with me, and I can't remember the last time I fished for just one species, other day/night I was on the River: I had one 8ft 31/2”Tc Rod with small Multiplier on after Pike, next to it a 12ft 1 3/4Tc, 4000 size Sulveran, set up on Maggot Feeder for Barbel, Chub, Roach and Dace, Braded Hooklink to a size 10 Hook will land them all (As it did, plus the Pike Rod was off 7 times!)
Honestly – vary what you're doing and you will be “Buzzing” every trip
It's been mentioned that we take too much gear.
You can blame the manufacturers for that, inventing new things and telling us they are essential. Then when we have so much gear we then need a barrow to cart it around, then we need bigger bivvies to house it all and to put great big beds in,
If you're catching then I suppose the above doesn't really matter.
But when you are not then it makes you think, what am I doing wrong, I've got all this gear and I can't catch.
Everyone is different but personally I definitely wouldn't sell all my gear, I'd scale back a bit and perhaps fish for other species for a while, wait for the carp interest to return, and when it does try to find a lake where they are no baitboats and where there don't spod the granny out of it if that's what gets your goat.
You can blame the manufacturers for that, inventing new things and telling us they are essential. Then when we have so much gear we then need a barrow to cart it around, then we need bigger bivvies to house it all and to put great big beds in,
If you're catching then I suppose the above doesn't really matter.
But when you are not then it makes you think, what am I doing wrong, I've got all this gear and I can't catch.
Everyone is different but personally I definitely wouldn't sell all my gear, I'd scale back a bit and perhaps fish for other species for a while, wait for the carp interest to return, and when it does try to find a lake where they are no baitboats and where there don't spod the granny out of it if that's what gets your goat.
In reply to Post #3
Good advice
Also maybe try a different style of fishing. Buy a cheap whip and a bag of maggots and go to your local canal . You just need to break the cycle
Good advice
Also maybe try a different style of fishing. Buy a cheap whip and a bag of maggots and go to your local canal . You just need to break the cycle
I definitely agree that taking less gear makes the trip easier and more enjoyable. It's also better for finding the fish and moving about, the fundamentals of catching them.
If you haven't already I'd also ditch all the tech and screens. Fishing can (and for me personally should) be a welcome escape from all of that. Rod, reel and line and the great outdoors.
If you haven't already I'd also ditch all the tech and screens. Fishing can (and for me personally should) be a welcome escape from all of that. Rod, reel and line and the great outdoors.
I think these hot and cold spells are only natural for anglers, especially once you've been in the sport for some time. It's easy to feel disenchanted with certain trends but all it takes is for one new challenge or fish to capture your imagination. I also think it's quite telling how often you hear of lads packing it in and then returning after a few years - I really believe that it's hard to ever fully say goodbye to it.
These days, I find myself fishing in 4-6 week blocks a few times a year (family and work permitting) where I can be "in-tune" with my syndicate and then dip off before I feel out of sync with other aspects of my life. It's that being "in-tune" with the lake that gives me the buzz - not just the fish, but the whole flora and fauna.
I agree with other comments about going light/going after different species and stripping it right back as well. The best thing I've done in that regard is buy a second hand centrepin and use it to trot maggots on my local river for whatever comes along. It's a great way to spend a few hours and gives you back that feeling of properly angling.
These days, I find myself fishing in 4-6 week blocks a few times a year (family and work permitting) where I can be "in-tune" with my syndicate and then dip off before I feel out of sync with other aspects of my life. It's that being "in-tune" with the lake that gives me the buzz - not just the fish, but the whole flora and fauna.
I agree with other comments about going light/going after different species and stripping it right back as well. The best thing I've done in that regard is buy a second hand centrepin and use it to trot maggots on my local river for whatever comes along. It's a great way to spend a few hours and gives you back that feeling of properly angling.
In reply to Post #12
As mentioned, sounds perfect
As mentioned, sounds perfect
In reply to Post #22
i seriously should go really
i seriously should go really
In reply to Post #23
I definitely agree
I definitely agree
In reply to Post #8
I too have bailed simply due to a lack of waters up here in the north that don't have chavvies and general idiots sat around them.
I took up rock climbing around 6 years ago and it's the best thing I ever did, no idiots in that sport really.
Still check back in here daily and no doubt I will get the rods out again one day.
To answer your question OP, I found I started enjoying my fishing more when I started doing days only. Nights are a faff IMHO and days only narrow your focus.
I too have bailed simply due to a lack of waters up here in the north that don't have chavvies and general idiots sat around them.
I took up rock climbing around 6 years ago and it's the best thing I ever did, no idiots in that sport really.
Still check back in here daily and no doubt I will get the rods out again one day.
To answer your question OP, I found I started enjoying my fishing more when I started doing days only. Nights are a faff IMHO and days only narrow your focus.
As others have recommended, I would recommend trying other forms of fishing. I did this several years ago and it rejuvenated my interest in fishing completely. I decided one day, after not going fishing with any regularity for years, that I would go down the local river with a rod and reel, a net, some hooks, and some worms that I dug up out of the garden. There was no target species. The river is very small and very overgrown but my plan was to just keep walking (and trespassing) until I got into the next village and I was going to fish every single bit of available water I could. Nothing that I caught that day was anything to write home about but it felt like an adventure. Occasionally I was quite surprised by the fish that I was catching from what is in essence a small brook.
Fast forward to now and I'm fishing rivers - exclusively roving rather than static fishing - for Chub, Barbel, and now Perch at least once a week which is a stark contrast to the once a year before. I travel extremely light and move constantly until I find fish. My preparation time before going fishing is probably 10 - 15 minutes, as is my pack-up time at the end of the day. In fact, I don't even plan on going usually - I just get the urge to go and 15 minutes later I'm in the car.
Fast forward to now and I'm fishing rivers - exclusively roving rather than static fishing - for Chub, Barbel, and now Perch at least once a week which is a stark contrast to the once a year before. I travel extremely light and move constantly until I find fish. My preparation time before going fishing is probably 10 - 15 minutes, as is my pack-up time at the end of the day. In fact, I don't even plan on going usually - I just get the urge to go and 15 minutes later I'm in the car.
In reply to Post #16
My advice would be, find an easier water, cut down on your kit, fish days only, and ensure there are no big walks involved
Similar to me but a couple of waters have BIG walks but for that I get the peace and quiet I'm looking for.
To be fair there has never been a better time to be a carp angler if you like camping, accessorised to death! It's the setting up and packing away that grinds me, especially the latter, add rain!
From a gear perspective I started off with **** all and it's how I prefer to fish today. I have my day gear at the ready, as you say, within 5 minutes it's in the car and back out again when I get home. Camping gear is set ready to one side if I'm doing nights, add 10 minutes, then the food and battery prep in advance etc. Simple is far better and I don't think twice at getting up at 3 or 4am to go fishing, you see loads when your about at that time, it's tiring but exciting for me, plenty of time to sleep when the rods are out, home early afternoon after bite time. Just lining up some evening sessions when the clocks change, thinking about fishing 7pm till midnight ish, start work later
I've been barbel fishing of late, two rods, roving approach, covering a lot of water, loving it, going Friday, can't wait. 2 weeks time 3 night session for carp, variety is the spice of life
My advice would be, find an easier water, cut down on your kit, fish days only, and ensure there are no big walks involved
Similar to me but a couple of waters have BIG walks but for that I get the peace and quiet I'm looking for.
To be fair there has never been a better time to be a carp angler if you like camping, accessorised to death! It's the setting up and packing away that grinds me, especially the latter, add rain!
From a gear perspective I started off with **** all and it's how I prefer to fish today. I have my day gear at the ready, as you say, within 5 minutes it's in the car and back out again when I get home. Camping gear is set ready to one side if I'm doing nights, add 10 minutes, then the food and battery prep in advance etc. Simple is far better and I don't think twice at getting up at 3 or 4am to go fishing, you see loads when your about at that time, it's tiring but exciting for me, plenty of time to sleep when the rods are out, home early afternoon after bite time. Just lining up some evening sessions when the clocks change, thinking about fishing 7pm till midnight ish, start work later
I've been barbel fishing of late, two rods, roving approach, covering a lot of water, loving it, going Friday, can't wait. 2 weeks time 3 night session for carp, variety is the spice of life
In reply to Post #1
I rarely do nights as too often I pack up on last light thinking what the hell am I doing when I'd be happier at home. Fishing is enjoyment not endurance.
I used to love session fishing, targets, and a run at 3am - I can't think of anything worse now, but have burned in memories that I loved it (at the time) so each season I think I will go back to it - maybe one day.
For now - I love winter - days only and love this, less crap - more able to move and a crap session is only a few hours gone - you usually learn something especially when blanking.
I rarely take fish out the water and unhook in the net - I'm happy to sit drinking tea with a mate with the rods wound in - or bait a few spots and mince around for hours.
It's lovely when you catch a few - even more so on terms that suit you. I used to read books in awe of bounty hunters - I now think ‘Christ that's a sad life' albums full of fish and memories are great - but so are the kids in a muddy fields, the rollercoaster with the Mrs, the random shots of bank side carnage and social gatherings.
They say when you die you won't wish you worked more - very true - but I also won't think I wish I'd fished more - I take the drug when it suits and in a way that I enjoy.
Confidence and desire are very different - I lose confidence easily but I love the recovery - I don't lose the desire as I'm not addicted to fishing - I like MacDonalds and won't give that up either, cause if I don't fancy it I won't go - if I do - hey ho.
All the advice in the world is useless, and in my opinion if you don't feel like going don't. When you do - get back in the shed and have a dabble. Far too many take our past time far to seriously from a time investment POV. If the fun stops - stop.
I rarely do nights as too often I pack up on last light thinking what the hell am I doing when I'd be happier at home. Fishing is enjoyment not endurance.
I used to love session fishing, targets, and a run at 3am - I can't think of anything worse now, but have burned in memories that I loved it (at the time) so each season I think I will go back to it - maybe one day.
For now - I love winter - days only and love this, less crap - more able to move and a crap session is only a few hours gone - you usually learn something especially when blanking.
I rarely take fish out the water and unhook in the net - I'm happy to sit drinking tea with a mate with the rods wound in - or bait a few spots and mince around for hours.
It's lovely when you catch a few - even more so on terms that suit you. I used to read books in awe of bounty hunters - I now think ‘Christ that's a sad life' albums full of fish and memories are great - but so are the kids in a muddy fields, the rollercoaster with the Mrs, the random shots of bank side carnage and social gatherings.
They say when you die you won't wish you worked more - very true - but I also won't think I wish I'd fished more - I take the drug when it suits and in a way that I enjoy.
Confidence and desire are very different - I lose confidence easily but I love the recovery - I don't lose the desire as I'm not addicted to fishing - I like MacDonalds and won't give that up either, cause if I don't fancy it I won't go - if I do - hey ho.
All the advice in the world is useless, and in my opinion if you don't feel like going don't. When you do - get back in the shed and have a dabble. Far too many take our past time far to seriously from a time investment POV. If the fun stops - stop.
In reply to Post #28
Wise words.
Wise words.
In reply to Post #1
I've typed 2 long replies to this but in essence.
Try none Carp waters, match lakes if you will, get away from the madding crowd, there are good fish to be had and probably more action to boot. Those types of waters don't seem to be as busy anymore and it worries me what will happen to angling in the U.K when the Carp bubble bursts...anyway I digress. You never know, once a owner gets to know you, you might get invited to fish the nights, happened to me a few times (if you want to).
Try for different species, even while Carp fishing, the reverse of what got me into it. I used to put the odd rod out for Carp and got hooked.
I went for my 1st long trip in 4 years 2 weeks ago. My ankle gave out on day 2, I managed 6 hours Carp fishing. Luckily I'd taken float and spinning gear, I had more fun in 1 hour for Rudd and Perch than I've had in a long time for Carp, in fact I can't remember the last time I had a smile on my face like that for a Carp, maybe a pb or really pretty one but that's about it, guess going through the motions took over the fun part somewhere along the line.
Luckily for me it's more about being out than about what I catch, the thought of fishing a modern Carp lake with others is simply not me, I'm happy with that, each to their own.
I hope you rekindle your mojo but don't be too hard on yourself if not, for some it's just run its course
I've typed 2 long replies to this but in essence.
Try none Carp waters, match lakes if you will, get away from the madding crowd, there are good fish to be had and probably more action to boot. Those types of waters don't seem to be as busy anymore and it worries me what will happen to angling in the U.K when the Carp bubble bursts...anyway I digress. You never know, once a owner gets to know you, you might get invited to fish the nights, happened to me a few times (if you want to).
Try for different species, even while Carp fishing, the reverse of what got me into it. I used to put the odd rod out for Carp and got hooked.
I went for my 1st long trip in 4 years 2 weeks ago. My ankle gave out on day 2, I managed 6 hours Carp fishing. Luckily I'd taken float and spinning gear, I had more fun in 1 hour for Rudd and Perch than I've had in a long time for Carp, in fact I can't remember the last time I had a smile on my face like that for a Carp, maybe a pb or really pretty one but that's about it, guess going through the motions took over the fun part somewhere along the line.
Luckily for me it's more about being out than about what I catch, the thought of fishing a modern Carp lake with others is simply not me, I'm happy with that, each to their own.
I hope you rekindle your mojo but don't be too hard on yourself if not, for some it's just run its course
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