Tees Valley Lakes

Carp fishing is a pursuit that goes far beyond simply casting a line and waiting. It’s competing against nature in a game of strategy, patience, and, most importantly, observation. The most successful anglers are those who can read the water like an open book, deciphering the subtle clues that reveal the presence and feeding habits of their quarry. In this article, we’ll delve into the crucial role of observation, the impact of weather, and the importance of adapting your bait selection to secure a successful carp session.

The Importance of “Showing” Carp: One of the most valuable skills a carp angler can possess is the ability to spot “showing” carp. A showing carp is a fish that breaks the surface of the water, either fully or partially, for a variety of reasons. It might be a quick head-and-shoulders show, a full-body leap, or a subtle roll. Whatever the form, a showing carp is a tell-tale sign that fish are present in that area. But why is this so important? Showing carp often indicate feeding activity. Carp will frequently show or “crash” in areas where they are actively searching for food. By carefully watching the water, particularly during the dawn and dusk hours when carp are most active, you can pinpoint these hotspots. A few well-placed casts onto these spots where one or especially multiple fish have shown can dramatically increase your chances of a take. If the lake is not fully booked then taking the time to walk the bank looking for signs of carp before choosing a swim, armed with a pair of polarized sunglasses on sunny days to cut through the glare, is a fundamental step in locating and ultimately catching carp.

The Weather’s Influence on Carp Behavior: Carp are cold-blooded creatures, and their behavior is heavily dictated by the weather. Understanding how different conditions affect their feeding patterns is a game-changer. * High Pressure: During periods of high pressure, the weather is typically clear, sunny, and calm. Carp often feel more comfortable in the upper layers of the water during these conditions, and their feeding can slow down. When fishing Tees Valley Lakes under these circumstances, targeting areas such as marginal shelves, reed line or bars can prove highly effective. For bait, PVA Bags filled with DNA Baits Crayfish Mini Mix Pellets or TVL Fishery Bag Mix Pellets enhanced with DNA Liquid like Smoke, Fish Hydro ,or Betastim are recommended. * Low Pressure: Conversely, low-pressure systems often bring cloud cover, wind, and rain. This change in pressure can trigger a feeding frenzy. Carp tend to feed more actively on the bottom as the reduced light and increased oxygen levels stimulate their appetite. This is a prime time for using bottom baits and laying a bed of pellets or boilies. DNA Baits Secret 7 or The Bug fished over a mix of matching DNA pellet and TVL High-Oil Fishery Pellet for augmented attraction would be my prefferred choice. * Wind: Wind direction is a critical factor. A fresh or constant wind blowing onto a bank will often push food and debris towards it, creating a natural feeding area. Anglers who cast their lines into the “windy bank” often experience better results as the carp follow the food source. Especially on a new fresh wind.

Adapt or Fail: The Ever-Changing Bait Game, There is no magic rig, there is no magic bait, Carp are intelligent and wary fish. They quickly learn to associate certain baits with danger, especially in heavily fished waters. A bait that worked wonders last week may be completely ignored this week. This is why adaptability is key. Anglers must be prepared to change their bait colors, flavors, and even their presentation throughout a session. If a bright pink pop-up isn’t getting any attention, don’t be afraid to switch colour or change to a more natural-looking wafter or bottom bait. If a sweet fruity flouro is not working, try a savory hookbait to match your freebies, Experiment with different hookbait combinations, such as a simple wafter, a snowman rig (a bottom bait topped with a pop-up) or a simple critically balanced pop up. The successful carp angler is not one who relies on a single, “magic” bait or rig, but one who has a diverse arsenal of options and the confidence to change tactics when the initial plan isn’t working.

Confidence in Bait: Choosing the right bait is a crucial part of carp fishing, and it’s essential to have confidence in what you’re using. There are many great bait companies out there, but also some that don’t live up to their claims. The most important thing is to find a brand that you trust and that consistently produces results for you. My personal confidence lies with DNA Baits. I’ve been using their products for over 15 years, and they’ve been instrumental in my fishing success. Their baits have helped me catch personal bests (PB’s) both here in the UK and abroad to over 60lb. We even became the last-ever winners of the British Carp Cups, among other competitions, using their bait. Their products are made with high-quality ingredients and a proven track record, which gives me complete confidence every time I cast out. Ultimately, the best bait for you is the one you believe in. When you have confidence in your hookbait and free offerings, you’ll fish more effectively and, ultimately, catch more fish.

In conclusion, carp fishing is an intricate dance between angler and fish. By honing your observational skills, understanding the profound impact of weather, and being willing to adapt your bait choices, you can transform a day of hopeful waiting into a session of rewarding captures. So next time you’re on the bank, take time to sit by your rods, watch the water, and let the fish tell you where they are and then you can work out what they want to eat. Your success depends on it.

Good luck on the bank

Ste ” Alfy” Alford