A blank shouldn't get you down!

You learn a lot from a blank - believe it or not!

Right! Well, it's been quite some time since I last gave you a proper fishing tale so I thought I'd feed your hunger.
Well not quite because I blanked! It happens to everyone, call it an excuse but to be honest, it was my first time on this new water and I was told not to expect much. This was due to the extremely low stock of carp and the ridiculous heat that was so sudden for that time of the year. Anyway, I usually wouldn't want to tell you of my failures but this was a special kind of blank - if there is such a thing!
To make matters worse, I didn't take any photos, but of what other than fish?
To be honest, It was fun learning about new water craft and how to fish for possible 30's!
I was a guest for a friend's club water, he had caught three 20's from that lake, so it was easy to take his advice on how to approach this tricky lake. Although he only caught a bream that day we both learnt from our mistakes. At least we came away knowing what had possibly gone wrong. Being the a keen angler, this was inspirational to visit a lake, going in blind I may say, and still having a good time and learning much, even though no one on the whole lake caught a carp that day!

But rather than tell you it was fun and enjoyable, I'd rather sneak in a little tip - or two - on how to approach new lakes. For obvious reasons, you're not going to believe me on any help I'll give you if I haven't even caught on this new lake of mine! So, with the help of a member of Sussex Carp and Coarse - Edwin, in fact - We would like to teach you on how to target a new lake, and catch!

 Our first tip for you is, if the lake is big enough and you're staying there long enough, to bring a marker set-up. By this we mean a marker fishing kit, and a good enough spare rod and reel. The whole reason of bringing a marker is to find any contours or underwater features that you would want to find or avoid. There is no other practical and easy way of finding the right spot.
If you don't know what a marker set-up is, just click on my 'Links' tab and www.Korda.co.uk will show you everything you need to know.
 

 Now, the second tip is invaluable. Take a look around the lake and search for ANY fish signs. Fish will often give their location away by; Fizzing - although this could be any fish doing it! Just rolling on the surface - You really have to keep your eyes out for this because they're quite subtle. And finally, Jumping out of the water - Carp often do this in the colder months to rid themselves of leaches from where they have been lying on the bottom.

This little scrapper jumped clean out
 of the water before I cast to him.

I have lost count on how may carp I have caught from casting to showing fish.

Both these tips WILL catch you extra fish and hopefully save you a blank!

Perseverance pays for PB

Commons ain't so common

It was the end of October, and a cold wintery night was upon me. I decided to walk the dogs while taking a look at the lakes. The dogs were restless and it became awfully quiet in seconds. Fortunately, it was broken with a large carp breaking the surface. I turned around to only see the aftermath.

For weeks I had been beaten by this lake, but not today. A warm, westerly wind blew strong. Fishing was on. Previously, I had blamed rigs, bait, weather and gear. After much revision of tactics, I was ready.
Rod 1: A PVA bag of liquidised Vitalin and breadcrumb, with a drizzle of cream liquor. To top it off, a KD rigged plastic corn for hookbait.
Rod 2: A combi-rigged bottom bait with the PVA bag mix in a stick form.

The Plan. An early morning session would make the most of the short days. I would fish the deeper water where fish should hold up to keep warm and light baiting would be a must.

The day. 05:30am was the awakening of a tired yet determined young carper. Packing the car or barrow the night before is a good idea if you want to start fishing as quickly as possible.
After much coffee I was on my way, it's only a short walk, but it's awfully tiring when it's 1 degree above freezing at 6 o'clock in the morning!
As I arrived at the lake, I surveyed the area, looking for any signs of fish activity. Oddly, another large carp jumped in the same spot where I saw one the night before. Without doubt, always cast to showing fish if you can. Rod 1 was on top of the large Commons's nose, under an overhanging tree, in seconds.
Having my rods made-up allowed me to get Rod 1 out to the tree, with a sprinkling of particles over it quickly.
A gentle lift of the bobbin indicated a cautious pick-up. After much time, the carp made up it's mind and ran. The drag of my baitrunners was louder than the alarms. Fish on!
I struck into it strongly, the powerful fish kited hard left to some dieing lilies. To get on top of the situation I walked around to get the upper hand. This fish was a veteran at this game! It swam towards me, reeling desperately I caught up with the fish. After about 7 minutes of good sport, I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally felt the fish tire. I was grateful to slip the large net under the fish.

Thankful was and understatement of how I felt!
Unhooking the fish from it's giant bottom lip and checking the mouth and rig, all was fine.
After zeroing the scales, the calmed fish was placed in the sack and weighed. It read 17 Lb 8 oz. A new PB, and a beautiful common carp at that!
After many photos of my new prize, it was released to swim and fight - hard! - another day.

Happy fishing and happy catching.

    Don't forget to read my Carper's tip of the week.