Carp Waters & Basic Feature Finding

When you first move on to a new water and have looked around for feeding it's a good idea to have a small notebook handy so you can draw a rough sketch of the lake. Mark down any islands, bays, inlets etc..  Also mark in skyline features such as pylons, buildings, telegraph poles, tall trees etc..   You will need a spare rod that will cast a 3oz lead a good distance (there are plenty on the market, ask your local dealer or look for any sale rods in fishing magazines). Due to its non stretch quality, I prefer to use braided reel line.  It definitely gives a better indication of the lake bottom.

There are two types of set-up I use to find depths and features. Diagram A is my standard set-up. Use a lead with a run ring attachment  and attach Marker float with a Gizmo link covered by a tail rubber with a drilled cork ball between.

I use the Gizmo link so I can quickly detach the Marker float & Cork ball and lead, because I may want to use set-up B; which is best if there is heavy weed on the bottom. Place a length of heavy mono or Amnesia between lead and run ring.

Method

Cast out as far as possible noting a skyline feature, tighten float down to the lead.  Keeping the rod in the same horizontal position is best. Click on the baitrunner or loosen the reel clutch, so the spool on the line moves easily. Pull off one foot of line at a time. (I place insulation tape on the rod one foot from the reel) and count how many times you do this until the marker float breaks the surface.  This will give you the depth. Wind back down to lead and draw lead towards you about 2 - 3 feet and repeat the process. This way you can chart the changing depth pattern, which will help you find holes, plateaus, bars etc.. Now you need to find out what the bottom is like - silty, stony, weedy, sandy, etc.. Each time you draw the lead towards you about 3ft you will sense various feelings and actions of the rod tip. The braided reel line creates extra sensitivity.

Different feelings

Time and practice will teach you a lot about the type of bottom you are fishing over.

If you prefer, you can dispense with the marker float when you want to explore the bottom more, especially if there is a lot of weed, and just clip your lead to the Gizmo link. Notice also when you cast, if you feel the lead thump on the bottom, if it does the bottom is obviously hard.  If it doesn't, then it may be silt or weed.  Check the lead when you retrieve it for any sign of silkweed. Also examine any weed you drag in for pond life; shrimps, fish eggs & mussels etc..

Finally, try to do this feature finding at quiet times, not when there are many anglers about. It is sometimes worth a trip early morning just to explore the new lake.