I’ve spent years trying to work out how best to write a blog about playing fish and hopefully in a way to advise other anglers in a way it will help them understand how best to play fish. I don’t think there’s a golden rule – other than take it steady and try your best to guide them to the net. I would say gently and slowly which is sort of what I mean, but you need to be forceful at the same time. There is a point where you have to become a ‘full-on bully’, but remember once they are safely past any obstructions, go easy on them and don’t just bully them all the way to the net.
I was really not sure what sort of photos to add to this article, it wouldn’t demonstrate it that well and it’s hard to film close-up action when you fish mostly alone, plus the cameraman needs to be ready.
Advice
(1) There may come a point, when you just have to bully them in and away from a snag, but I like to then play them out under the rod tip, it’s just a little bit more relaxed than normal.
(2) Watch where the line is pointing and if it’s not going anywhere dangerous take your time. It’s also really important to do this at night using a head torch pointing up at the rod tip. I actually sleep with a small one around my neck, as I can never remember to pick it up on the way out the door when the alarm is screaming out!
(3) I’ve found walking backward gently rather than pumping the carp in, reduces hook pulls, unfortunately, this is not always possible on many waters.
(4) The more constant or maintaining the same pressure reduces the chance of a hook pull – I personally feel.
(5) Fish will often head the same way in certain swims, remember this and if you act fast, you stand a great chance of landing them.
(6) Understand the topography of the lake and where the carp are likely to go to help them drop the hook, underwater snag, margin bushes, etc. If you can be one step ahead of them this really can help.
(7) Once in the margins, they try to kite right or left and gain ground. I find sticking the rod tip underwater, similar to what pole anglers do, this seems to turn the carp.
(8) Never rush getting the carp in the net, take it steady and slow. If they are not ready, just let them run off again, as this can be the moment the hook pulls out if you apply too much pressure. Have faith in your tackle.
(9) I like to have the net in the water ready to net them. For two reasons;
A – When moving the net into position, you are not focusing on the fish 100%, which could be fatal.
B – Have you ever noticed that when you put the net in the water and the carp are close by they make a run for it because they sense the net or see the net? It’s best to avoid any unnecessary pressure.
(10) I have two nets to simplify this process, placed on each side of the swim.
It’s very hard to write about something that’s become so natural to me, but I don’t recall anyone ever writing about playing fish. This is such an integral part of fishing and probably the second most important possibly. It’s certainly up there.
I do hope this has helped and can be of help to you. People often forget about beginners. We all started there, a bit of guidance and help dished out, instead of complaining about how someone does something or just laughing at them from the next swim along. Just remember we were all beginners once.
Till next time
Richard
Use my code Richard10
Get 10% off at the Deeper Sonar checkout
Get 30% off WW5KFTK @checkout
video
UK Carp & Coarse Fishing 