UK Carp & Coarse Fishing

Fingers crossed

Posted on September 26, 2024 by richardhandel

Could be hard going this week, after all the rain, time will tell.

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Bait vs Tackle???

Posted on September 26, 2024 by richardhandel

I have noticed over the years, that for some reason (or other) anglers will spend thousands of pounds on fishing tackle and then only a few quid on bait. Why I don’t know. As all of this expensive kit is sitting on the bank, but it will not put more Carp on the bank for you. The key to this is bait and attraction. I know non match angler’s don’t like match angler’s much, but folks, you are well and truly missing a trick. These boys & girl’s know how to go fishing and attract enough fish to win a match.

Now, if your sitting reading this on a day ticket water, aren’t you fishing a sort of match – against all the other anglers around you?? And if your reading this a lake by yourself, aren’t you fishing against all of Mother Nature’s food sources that are in the lake? So, why oh why, don’t you stick more bait out?

I am not taking boillies, that’s a small part of the puzzle. Get talking to the match anglers and understanding the art of attraction. Don’t feed the Carp from the get go, attract them at first, then feed them and hold them in your area. Why would they move off one feeding area to another (unless it smells and tastes better)? Just look at human beings, we have become addicted to fast food, sweet food etc – all the bad stuff and we know this and can’t stop ourselves. Now, Carp are a bit different I know and not as stupid as us, they understand what their body needs are and will be picky, however it can be done.

Don’t go cheap on the attraction, you see all these articles and videos of anglers pouring in a whole bottle of liquid attraction to their ground bait mix. There is a reason for this and it’s not all about selling it to the everyday angler (which I am). It does actually work and that’s the real reason. So, next time you are in the tackle shop spending 400 quid (but don’t tell the Mrs the real cost) on a new bivvy, ask yourself, should I not be spending less on the bivvy and more on the bait? Do I want to catch more Carp or be more comfortable on the bank and look good with the latest bivvy? The answer is up to you.

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To mention only one of these types of company, Spotted Fin is a perfect example of a company who spend thousands of pounds on research and testing on attraction and ground bait. The reason I mention this company is their main area is Carp & Match fishing and has been for years. So you would think they would have the upper hand in that area of the bait industry. Which I can assure you they do.

Till next time

Richard

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“Mastering Mobile Photography: Tips for Stunning Carp Shots”

Posted on September 25, 2024 by richardhandel

“Mastering Mobile Photography: Tips for Stunning Carp Shots”

Introduction: In the ever-evolving world of carp fishing, capturing the essence of your angling triumphs through photography has become an essential skill. In this guide, seasoned angler Richard shares his insights on mastering mobile photography, offering practical tips for taking remarkable carp shots. Whether you’re a solo angler or simply looking to streamline your gear, Richard’s approach provides a simple and effective solution for creating memorable fishing memories.

Section 1: “From DSLR to Mobile: A Gear Revolution” Richard reflects on his journey from using bulky DSLRs to embracing the convenience of mobile photography. Recognizing the high megapixel capabilities of modern smartphones, he emphasizes the potential to capture stunning images without the need for elaborate camera setups. The transition from traditional tripods to mobile-compatible versions marks a significant gear revolution that enhances portability and efficiency.

Section 2: “Optimizing Tripod Setup for Fish Photography” Guiding readers through the tripod setup, Richard highlights the importance of positioning and angle adjustments. By centralizing the camera and aligning it with the unhooking mat, anglers can achieve a balanced composition. Practical tips for finding the ideal distance and testing angles ensure consistent and visually appealing results.

Section 3: “Test and Practice: Refining Your Photography Skills” Acknowledging the learning curve of mobile photography, Richard encourages anglers to test and practice before capturing their prized catches. Understanding the nuances of distance, angles, and composition contributes to a more efficient and enjoyable photography experience. The guide emphasizes the value of continuous improvement through experimentation.

Section 4: “Real-Time Photo Checks: Avoiding Post-Catch Regrets” In this section, Richard introduces a crucial habit – checking photos in real-time before releasing the fish. Drawing from the frustrations of film camera days, he advocates for immediate review to ensure the quality of shots. This proactive approach prevents the disappointment of discovering subpar photos after the fish has been returned to the water.

Section 5: “Simplify Video Editing for Engaging Blogs” Transitioning into video, Richard shares insights into simplifying the editing process for blog content. By recording the entire fish-handling process and later selecting key moments through screenshots, anglers can streamline their video creation without compromising quality. This technique provides a versatile and efficient alternative for documenting fishing adventures.

Section 6: “Facing the Camera: Self-Capture Techniques” Richard’s big tip introduces the advantages of facing the camera towards oneself rather than relying on selfie mode. Exploring the benefits of this approach, he offers practical guidance for achieving more authentic and visually pleasing self-captures. This valuable tip enhances the overall aesthetics of mobile photography.

Section 7: “Streamlining Kit: Single Bank Stick and Adapter” For those seeking ultimate simplicity, Richard recommends reducing mobile photography gear to a single bank stick and adapter setup. This minimalist approach minimizes the need for additional bags and ensures a quick and hassle-free process when capturing carp shots. Practical advice on using a bank stick and adapter further simplifies the angler’s kit.

Conclusion: As Richard wraps up his guide on mastering mobile photography, he leaves readers equipped with valuable tips for elevating their carp fishing documentation. From optimizing tripod setups to simplifying video editing and embracing self-capture techniques, this guide empowers anglers to capture stunning visuals with minimal gear. The evolution from DSLRs to mobile phones marks a new era in fishing photography, allowing anglers to focus more on the artistry of their craft.

May your shots be crisp, and your memories even clearer, Richard