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There are all sorts of ways of catching carp, but I reckon it doesn't get much more exciting than when you are fishing for fish that you can see, or for fish that have come very close to where you are fishing. The margins of any water can be a rich source of food so given the right conditions carp will come in very close to the edges, even on busy waters. What to look for
. Holding Features
Carp like features in the water. They provide food, security, and shelter, so they are well worth a look. The most obvious features are overhanging trees, reed beds, lily beds etc. Because carp are usually quite large they normally give themselves away as they move. When you approach a feature sit quietly and look for movement. Reed stems will often shake, as a carp brushes up against them, and it is often possible to track the route a fish is taking by watching the stems. The same with lily leaves which will vibrate, and you'll see ripples coming away from the leaf.  | Overhanging trees can often have fish under them, but they can be harder to spot. Usually it's a matter of being patient and sitting and watching closely to see if any fish swim in and out. If the water is too deep, or too cloudy, for this then you might have to have a fish for a little while, and keep a look out for line bites. If nothing shows move on. |
Patrol Routes
I've often found that carp can be creatures of habit and will often follow the same route around the lake, often visiting the same area, at the same time of day. If you can spot patterns of behaviour, then you can set traps in advance of the fish arriving. Generally this only applies if you fish the same water regularly, but even if you don't there are certain things to look out for. For example, where the lake narrows, and/or shallows up. Sun traps can also attract fish, as can safe areas, where people rarely fish. All these places can be visited regularly by patrolling fish. If you can spot patterns of behaviour, then you can set traps in advance of the fish arriving. Generally this only applies if you fish the same water regularly, but even if you don't there are certain things to look out for. For example, where the lake narrows, and/or shallows up. |  |
Sun traps can also attract fish, as can safe areas, where people rarely fish. All these places can be visited regularly by patrolling fish. Weather Conditions
The weather can have a huge effect on when and where fish visit the margins. The sun shining on a shallow area of the lake, will warm the water quickly, and often attract fish. A new, warm, wind blowing onto a margin, seems particularly attractive to patrolling fish. In the colder months, margins away from the wind can also be good. How to fish it
. Tackle
 | Before you even think about carp fishing tackle, there is one absolutely essential bit of kit for the margin angler. A good quality pair of Polaroids. Mine are from Optilabs, and I have the low light, yellow lenses, they are brilliant. |
It's amazing how much more detail you can see, and it can make the difference between finding a fishing opportunity and missing it all together. You are going to be fishing very close in, often right under you rod top. So long, mega powerful, rods are no good. You need something with a forgiving action so that it will cushion the lunges from the fish as they explode into action are make their bid for freedom. Mine are through action, 10ft long, rated at 2lb tc . Reels can be small, but need a reliable clutch. I normally use line around 12lb bs , for most of my margin work, unless I'm fishing really close to snags when I'll go up to 15lb bs . Other than that you need little special gear. Just a few small leads, hooks and general bits and pieces. I normally carry mine in a small stalking bag which sits in my unhooking mat. Bait
This type of fishing is hit and run fishing, so you don't need loads of bait. What you do need is instant bait. Baits that fish know and love and will stop and eat, even if they weren't really thinking of feeding. Sweetcorn is brilliant for this, as are pellets. A handful of hemp with a few tigers over the top can produce, as can naturals, such as worms and maggots. Don't ignore bread, which can be fish as flake or crust, if the fish are near, or on, the top. Boilies can also be good, but don't fish them whole. Instead crush a few up, and fish two halves, or bits, on the hair. Carp Tactics
I tend to use one of three tactics for my margin fishing. Free-line. As the name suggests, all you have is a hook on the end. Basically you just underhand swing the bait into position and let it ink naturally. Bite indication is by watching the line, or in clear, shallow water, by watching the bait. A brilliant way of fishing, as it causes the minimum of disturbance Float. I use a very basic lift method of float fishing. With the float attached bottom end only and set at least a foot over-depth. After casting out you slowly wind back so the float cocks. Ignore the minor twitches and movements of the float. These are often caused by fish movement, near your bait, rather than an actual take. Wait for a positive lift or a slide away. In-line ledger. This method is brilliant if you want to keep your line out of the way so you don't risk spooking the fish. I use a small Korda in-line lead and a fluorocarbon hook-link. Again the rig is cast out, usually underhand, then put the rod top low in the water. If possible have the tip ring touching the bottom. Tighten up to the lead so the line is pulled down hard onto the bottom. Engage free spool or slacken the clutch off, and wait for a screamer.
You can margin fish for carp any time, night or day. The trick is spotting the opportunity. The next time you are sat behind your rods and not a lot is happening, why not wind in and go for a look around
. Your quarry might be closer than you think! Brian Skoyles | |
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