THE weather is on the turn, and the nights are getting longer and often cooler, so it’s now that I get into full autumnal mode with my carp approach.
The fish are at their very best this time of year, in my opinion, and will start to pack on some essential body fat ready for life during the harsh winter that may lay ahead.
With a bit of extra carpy thinking, the bites will keep on coming, so here are my tips to help you enjoy your best-ever angling autumn.
1 Note things down
Keeping a log of everything will put more fish on the bank, whether it is showing fish, other people catching in an area, or where you bait. But most importantly the distance to your spot, in wraps, needs noting. There is nothing worse than getting to the lake after work and the light has gone, and you’re fishing the night without really knowing if you’re on the exact spot. If the essential info is in your logbook, or even your phone, you can look the peg up, see how many wraps it is and cast the rod out. Do the same with your spod rod to get the feed bang-on.
2 Boilie mix
With all coarse fish packing on weight now, a good quality boilie is a must. I like to pick three baits and mix them together. I feel with the carp grazing from day to day, one of the baits will take their fancy. I currently like to use Cell, Essential Cell and Iso Fruit boilies. The fish passing it out on the mat gives me the idea of what colour hook bait I need to be using – this is why I use three different coloured baits as well.
3 Stay after dark
This story is from the October 10,2017 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 10,2017 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.