WINTER CARPING

[RHK_888]

The temperature plummets. We go from short sleeves, slops and caps to double layers, balaclavas and boots. We change our behaviour in winter and so do fish. So what does it take to tempt a cold carp to bite?

Generally the smaller fish will be more reluctant to bite than the big boys. It will be much harder to catch fish in this season. The most common thing we do is change from sweet dips to strong ones. But is this the only thing we change? What about bait size, fishing distance, how long we leave the bait in for and other details? Share your tips so that our carp gear doesnt get left to gather dust and cob webs this winter due to a cold and miserable fishless outing putting us off winter fishing. (t(do(wn)

 

[Nick_Fraser]

had a fishing comp at the beginning of June had one line that got out between 160 and 180 m with a FX bolie on 1 hook and garlic corn on the other hook got a few bites, unfortunately only managed to land one fish due to stupid mistakes. other rod was out at about 100 m with floaties and plain dough didn't seem to get any action. Around mid day the group sitting next to me managed a few bites from muddy's at about 60m using plain dough with almond dip,

 

[RHK_888]

Went to Albert Falls today for a relaxed day with some mates. Only managed to get one bite at around 14h00.

Unfortunately we all were giving a few throws for bass at a reedy bank far from my rod so by the time I got to it, the fish was long gone (very amateur of me to leave rods unattended LOL):doh.

Didn't get any bites at all thereafter. It was a boiling hot day clocking in at 26 degrees max and the water didn't feel like winter water at all. The joys of KZN I suppose. Got the bite at around 90 meters with a small bomb with Gumtree, fx and a little TAC using Cina 1 and plain floaties on the hook.

Slightly off topic but thought I'd share:

The club fished last weekend (overnight) and only 2 guys managed to get fish. Judging by the overall fishing we've had this year I've come to the conclusion that the only small stretch of dam that allows fishing is officially over-fished and needs to recover.

The water and banks are riddled with broken off lines with bass and tilapia traces. Unfortunately Alberts is the most popular and most fished dam in Pietermaritzburg because of its large population of bass in shallow water (at times it looks like the sort of scene you'd see at a shad run).

Most people put out 2-4 carp rods and fish an additional bass rod while they wait. Coupled with the fishing pressure is, as I've mentioned, the very large population of bass which are obviously dominating the carp. Unless steps are taken by Mzinzi, I'm sad to say I don't see much potential for the future of bank angling at Albert Falls Dam.
Just my 2c :blah

 

[PI]

Make my bol softer, smaller baits, thinner diameter hooklinks, less boldip, lots of coffee and even more patience.

PI