I'm off to France in a few weeks and the lake I'm on has a few big cats in it. I've no interest in the cats whatsoever but they do tend to pick up carp rigs so there is a good chance I'll accidentally hook one during the week
Just incase this happens can anyone recommend a decent line I could use that's good for fishing for carp but also gives me a good chance of landing any unexpected big cats?
As a side note does anyone have any ideas of what I can do to avoid hooking cats in the first place?
Just incase this happens can anyone recommend a decent line I could use that's good for fishing for carp but also gives me a good chance of landing any unexpected big cats?
As a side note does anyone have any ideas of what I can do to avoid hooking cats in the first place?
In reply to Post #1
Realistically it's only a case of maybe going higher breaking strain of your favourite line if wanted. I've had quite a few over 100lb on 15lb xline and even on the Berkley cf600 which I ended up hating after a while lol. Or possibly braid if allowed
If the lake isn't very snaggy then you'll be fine just playing slow for ages
If there are snags and the lake isn't huge then there is almost nothing you'll do on carp gear to stop them getting to the snags unless you beef that line up quite a bit. I guess if you're not casting big distances then this could be the best option.
Realistically it's only a case of maybe going higher breaking strain of your favourite line if wanted. I've had quite a few over 100lb on 15lb xline and even on the Berkley cf600 which I ended up hating after a while lol. Or possibly braid if allowed
If the lake isn't very snaggy then you'll be fine just playing slow for ages
If there are snags and the lake isn't huge then there is almost nothing you'll do on carp gear to stop them getting to the snags unless you beef that line up quite a bit. I guess if you're not casting big distances then this could be the best option.
In reply to Post #2
The lake is around 4.5-5 acres, and from what I've read/watched pretty uniform at 4-5ft with no snags as far as I'm aware. Looks like I'll just have to beef the line up a bit and just hope I don't hook one 😂
The lake is around 4.5-5 acres, and from what I've read/watched pretty uniform at 4-5ft with no snags as far as I'm aware. Looks like I'll just have to beef the line up a bit and just hope I don't hook one 😂
In reply to Post #3
If it's bait in the water and the cats are hungry they'll eat almost anything so trying to avoid is also difficult. Even smaller amounts of particle I've tried with maize for example still got hoovered up.
If no snags then just let them run around and take your time.
If it's bait in the water and the cats are hungry they'll eat almost anything so trying to avoid is also difficult. Even smaller amounts of particle I've tried with maize for example still got hoovered up.
If no snags then just let them run around and take your time.
Obviously a personal opinion but I wouldn't use braid mainline anywhere near cats unless using a long length of leader, and I mean long, like enough for it to wrap itself around a few times or if it heads off directly away from you to keep the braid away from the body length.
Just be patient and don't try to pull it in too quickly and your normal line should suffice but going up in bs wont hurt.
Just be patient and don't try to pull it in too quickly and your normal line should suffice but going up in bs wont hurt.
IdI'use coated braid hook lenght right upto the eye of the hook. Normal braid will be shreaded in minutes. Also be ready to duck if that happens. 3 or 4oz will fly miles if close to the surface.