A Bonny Brace
By Jim Slimmon
Each spring I undergo a metamorphosis along with the rest of nature. I emerge from my esox lucius-pursuing chrysalis and turn into a keen carp-hunting machine! The transition this year was seamless, as I decided to continue fishing on a local pit for a few weeks before my annual carp campaign on Linch Hill.
24lb 4oz
I made this decision following a few sightings of decent carp at the southern end of the pit, when I was piking in March. I also had to sort out my strategy and tactics for the forthcoming campaign. I intended to fish in the shallower water, and this end of the pit was around 3 feet in depth in the marginal areas. My main bait choice was the Bait & Feed Company’s Pellet Combo, Particle 42 groundbait and Coconut 42 boilies. I decided to leave particles for the warmer weather.
Smile for the camera!
There had been a north-easterly wind blowing for weeks, and it was due to change soon. My previous sightings were near an outlet, and the lilypad beds were starting to emerge all around the margins. I went down to put in some bait on a Tuesday, and the pads on my target spot were half way up to the surface. When I arrived for my session on the Thursday, they were up to the surface! Part of my tactics this year is the use of fluorocarbon mainline for the first time, as the waters I fish are generally quite clear. First impressions were mixed, but the real test was still to come. Would it be able to handle a hard-fighting carp?
Removing the leeches
I arrived at the lake on a Thursday with the intention of doing a 24 hour session. The mild north-easterly wind was still blowing into this end of the lake, but was due to change to a southerly within the next day or so. I set up in a swim near to the outlet, and placed one rod (armed with a PVA stick of P42 groundbait and a Coconut 42 boilie) next to the pads. My other rod was placed along the marginal slope to my left, at a depth of 7 feet. This rod had an Activ-8 boilie fished over the Pellet Combo. I had a couple of tench to whet my appetite, but my first carp came just as the light was fading that evening. The bait off the pads was taken just after 8 PM, and after a hard fight, I had a lovely 24lb 4oz carp in my net. After a few snaps, the rod went back out.
The next morning, the same rod went off and once again, I had a hard-fighting gravel pit carp on the end of my line. This time she went 27lb 8oz. I was particularly pleased with this bonny brace because not only were they my first carp of the year - this was a low-stock water, and I had caught 2 beautiful specimens from it following careful planning and preparation. I am also convinced it was down to the excellent bait that the Bait & Feed Company provides me with. That’s why I keep going back for more! I hope that you have had as good a start to your carp fishing season as I have.
Tight lines
JIM |
