UK Carp & Coarse Fishing

Not used 3 rods for some time.

Posted on October 5, 2024 by richardhandel

Posted in Carp fishing | Leave a comment

Social Time

Posted on October 4, 2024 by richardhandel

I’m up in Suffolk having a social with my old friend Rob.

Richard

Posted in Carp fishing | Leave a comment

Starting Over Each Season

Posted on October 3, 2024 by richardhandel

The allure of Airfield Lake lies in the challenge it presents each season, requiring anglers to transition carp from their natural food sources to boilies and particles. This constant adaptation keeps me returning for more and keeps the lake shrouded in mystery, as there isn’t a clear pattern to this behavior, though I’m beginning to think there might be.

Here are the established facts for each year:

The season commences on March 15th.
Carp are visibly active and feeding, often seen in their usual spots.
They are primarily feeding on naturals.
We must introduce boilies and other baits to offer an alternative food source.
In the initial weeks, we tend to catch carp closer to snags, even though they appear to be in open water.
Carp spawn in the first few days of May each year, a fascinating fact.

Now, it’s time to tackle these questions logically and hopefully reach a conclusion:

The opening date is fixed and can’t be changed.
These usual spots seem to be the prime feeding areas, either because they are favored by the carp or offer the best food source.

3 & 4. One approach could be a bulk application of boilies in late March, essentially scattering them across every swim to ensure carp have no choice but to encounter and hopefully feed on them. This approach, akin to prebaiting, presents logistical challenges since access isn’t granted before the opening day. It may need to be carried out when other anglers are present, making midweek attempts more feasible despite the associated costs.

The idea of altering their feeding areas merits exploration. Are the areas where carp are caught during summer and autumn months chosen because they offer better feeding opportunities, or are they simply where the carp congregate due to warmer, uniform temperatures across the lake? Carp often seek shelter in snags, but since they’ve been undisturbed for nearly five months, why would they remain under the trees? Perhaps they seek group warmth and security over the winter, especially considering the absence of weed in the lake. Carp residing in silt in 5ft or 6ft of water in the middle of the lake likely face cooler conditions.
The bulk-up period prior to spawning in April seems to suggest baiting near snags is a viable solution. Baiting the margins has crossed my mind as well, and I regret not attempting it earlier.

Recap:

At the start of the session, carp gravitate toward the trees because these areas offer warmth and security during the winter months. Therefore, it seems sensible to begin baiting near these locations during the first month, as carp tend not to feed in open water initially. This will be my strategy for the upcoming season, although it may be slightly affected by the Easter holidays falling in early April.

We’ll see how this plan unfolds during this session and the next.

Until next time,

Richard

Posted in Carp fishing | Leave a comment

“Chasing the Elusive: My Quest for a 30+ Common Carp”

Posted on October 2, 2024 by richardhandel

“Chasing the Elusive: My Quest for a 30+ Common Carp”

Introduction: Embarking on a journey filled with dedication and passion, Richard shares his quest for a 30+ common carp. Over several years, he faces challenges, celebrates victories, and learns valuable lessons. Join him on this angling adventure as he documents each chapter of his pursuit, capturing the essence of patience, determination, and the thrill of achieving a personal goal.

Part 1 (2013): Setting the stage for his ambitious goal, Richard introduces a match lake that harbors impressive common carp. Despite its match lake status, the waters hide true giants, reaching nearly 40 pounds. Richard outlines his strategy for dealing with the lake’s abundance of smaller carp, emphasizing the use of 20mm double-up boilies on a blowback rig. The plan involves baiting with 12mm tuna and spice boilies to attract both small and big fish, creating an opportunity to secure the coveted 30+ common.

Part 2 (2013): With reduced fishing opportunities due to work and family commitments, Richard narrows his focus to a reservoir holding promising common carp, including a significant specimen. His persistence pays off as he lands his first big common, weighing in at an impressive 28lb 12oz. Though just shy of the 30+ goal, the catch reignites Richard’s determination and leaves him eagerly anticipating future encounters with these elusive giants.

Part 3 (2014) Update: Reflecting on the past two years of concentrated efforts on a single water, Richard decides to expand his horizons by exploring additional waters. A new syndicate becomes his primary fishing ground for the next six months. With hopes of spotting fish during lunch hours and strategic pre-baiting, Richard diversifies his approach to increase the chances of reaching his goal.

Part 4 (2014) Update: As winter approaches, Richard faces the challenge of navigating a syndicate that closes for the season. Undeterred, he returns to a local water closer to his work, aiming for productive lunchtime sessions. The prospect of a better winter than the last fuels his excitement, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing conditions and seizing every fishing opportunity.

Part 5 (2015): After years of persistence, Richard achieves a significant milestone in his quest for a 30+ common carp. A 32lb 12oz beast succumbs to his well-placed 14mm pop-up and a small PVA bag filled with broken boilies and groundbait. The joy of the catch is amplified by sharing the moment with his daughter, who captures the essence of “Daddy’s fish” through her budding photography skills.

Part 6 (2015): As Richard experiences the rapid succession of 30lb+ common carp captures, he realizes the fulfillment of his long-standing quest. The journey that started with a passionate goal concludes with a series of triumphant moments, marking a chapter in his angling endeavors.

Conclusion: “Chasing the Elusive: My Quest for a 30+ Common Carp” is a testament to the dedication and resilience of an angler pursuing a specific goal. Richard’s narrative unfolds with each catch, creating a captivating story that resonates with fellow fishing enthusiasts. Whether facing setbacks or celebrating victories, Richard’s journey serves as inspiration for those who dare to dream big in the realm of carp fishing.

May your lines stay tight and your dreams reel in, Richard