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Joanne from Kettering asks...
What is the best bait for bigger/more carp?
Martin's advice...
Dear Joanne
There isn't just one bait that will produce more or bigger fish. One day you could be at the waterside then see a big carp cruising on the surface. It's then sometimes possible to cast a chunk of crust or slowly sinking flake and catch that carp. At other times you will find Chum dog biscuits will prove the downfall of a big carp.
If you see fish rooting around in the margins then try a bunch of gentles (maggots) red worms lobworm, grain of corn, even plastic gentles or casters will work if you don't spook the fish. If you can see the carp then they are often quite easy to catch.
I well remember fishing a gravel pit in Berkshire last summer and catching 22 carp during my days angling all on crust flake or sausage meat paste. All my fish were caught by stalking the fish. Some were caught within a foot of the bank. Eyeball to eyeball stuff and very exciting.
Kind regards,
Martin James
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Chris from Warrington asks...
Hi Martin
I fish for carp at Stanners Pool but I can't get meat to stay on the hook. I use a size 14 - that is the largest hook you can use there. Please help!!!
Thanks
Chris
Martin's advice...
Dear Chris,
Yes you will find it difficult to keep meat on a small hook, unless you are using small pea sized pieces.
I find it rather crazy some of the rules these fisheries impose. A size 14 hook is rather small for carp.
Small hooks equates to light lines which is a crazy situation when carp fishing.
I suggest you change to a different venue.
Kind regards,
Martin
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John from Merseyside...
Hi Martin
I'm booked on a southern France carp lake in July. It's likely to be pretty warm. What boilies/baits would you advise I take?
Also, I'm looking for decent pike fishing around Merseyside and Southport. Any advice?
Thanks,
John
Martin's advice...
Dear John
I have taken several brands and flavours of boilies to France in the past, I have caught on all of them. Try to find out what the current going flavour is on the water your planning to fish.
Reference to your other question, where to fish for pike I suggest the river Crossens controlled by Southport and District AA as one suitable venue.
Travelling further afield I suggest the river Ribble in its lower reaches around the M6 motorway.
Another water that doesn't get heavily fished is the river Wyre. Its probably worth a visit. I am not very familiar with still waters in the Merseyside area. You might get some information from your local tackle shop.
Kindest regards
Martin James
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Phil from Preston asks...
Dear Martin
I fish for carp a lot and I don't know what flavour boilies to use in winter. Can you help?
Phil
Martin's advice...
Dear Phil
If the water temperatures are good, 44 degrees F and above, any of the commercially sold boilies should work.
I use Richworth boilies Tutti Frutti flavour with some mini boilies using a PVA bag attached to the line.
The lower the water temperature, the less leakage you get. I suggest you use one of the commercial dips available from most tackle shops.
I have found in the past that hair rigged flavoured sweetcorn to be a good carp bait in winter.
The secret in catching carp is trying to work out where they are shoaled up.
I also follow the wind when carp fishing. If there is a good south westerly wind blowing you often have more chance of catching. If you see fish rolling then concentrate hard on that area.
Kindest regards
Martin James
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Alex from Lancaster asks...
Hi Martin,
Do you know any where to fish for carp on a day ticket near Lancaster?
If so tell me a good rig for this environment.
Alex, Lancaster
Martin's advice...
Dear Alex
There are several day ticket waters around the Lancaster area where its possible to catch carp.
Bailrigg Lake Scotforth Lancaster is a delightful water controlled by Lonsdale AC of which I am proud to be the President. Membership fee is just £25 a season.
For permits contact:
Membership Secretary
33 Bridge Road
Greaves
Lancaster
LA1 4UL
Other waters where you can get a day permit are:
Copthorne Lakes Nateby near Garstang
Claylands Caravan site between Cabus and Forton off the A6
Briarcroft Fishery St Michael's
Borwick Lake near Carnforth
Grimsargh reservoir number 2.
Tickets available from Carters Church street Preston Tel (01772) 253476
Horns Dam Goosnargh Tel 01772- 865239 Wyreside Fisheries Tel 01995-679695
Its not really possible to say what the current rig that anglers are using on the various waters.
I often catch carp on float tackle and corn or floating crust from most waters that I fish.
Also lobworms can be a good bait.
Many of today's successful anglers catch carp on pellets, boilies, luncheon meat etc My advice is to visit the water and chat with the anglers who are catching.
Visit Gerries at Morecambe and have a chat with the staff they are full of information and very experienced anglers.
Kindest regards
Martin James
- Catch Martin James' At the Waters Edge on BBC Radio Lancashire on Thursdays at 7.30pm and Saturdays at 6.00am - or via 'Listen Again' online. Each show is available for seven days.
