After Hours

 Spend a few hours on the bank, catch some carp and be home in time for tea. Read on and learn how to make the most of your evenings.

Words and photos by Jonathan Bones

Having a family, full time job and fishing matches, as I must confess to being a committed match angler, the time I have for carp fishing is limited. As such, I make the most of every opportunity by getting out on the bank for a couple of hours after work. Managing the on site tackle shop at Old Bury Hill fishery, I have a distinct advantage in that as soon as I shut shop I’m already at the venue. That said if you work or live close to your venue, or can only get out for a couple of hours in between other commitments, then these tactics are just the job.

During the matches that I fished I noticed that the anglers who drew pegs where they could fish close to snags were forever hooking and losing carp. These bigger carp clearly spend a lot of time among the snags. By targeting these areas with proper carp gear I can be sure that I’m fishing in the right area from the moment that I arrive – vital when time is limited. If you can’t get close to the snags on your venue, or it doesn’t have any, then any cover is worth targeting. Reed beds. Lily pads, overhanging trees and suchlike are perfect.

The majority of carp anglers, at Old Bury Hill at least, become fixated with the islands and far bank and ignore the margins – which is another things that this tactic has going for it.

Fishing for a couple of hours in the evening has a number of advantages. First off, you don’t need to take much gear. A chair, unhooking mat, landing net, rod and reel, tackle box and a little bait is all I need. Second, you are on the bank for one of the best feeding periods, the evening. Third, you can get your ‘fix’ of carp fishing without taking a day or two out of your busy lifestyle.

So, how do I set about catching with only a few hours on the bank? I’ve explained that fishing alongside snags and bankside cover is the place to be. While you should fish close to these areas, use common sense. Don’t fish so close that a hooked fish is in the snag before you have a chance to steer it away from danger. Keep your rig simple and strong. Take a look at the step by step and you’ll see that the rig I use can almost be classed as free lining. The less ‘clutter’ you have on your line, the less there is to get caught in the snag should a fish make it to safety, and the fewer weak points there are on the rig.

You’ll notice that I have a small float on the line that’s made from two cork balls. I make these floats myself, which I call cocktail floats, so they’re cheap to replace. This float doesn’t damage the line in any way and serves as bite indication. A float will give indication of a bite far earlier than any lead set-up and the earlier you can detect a bite, the better the chance you have of getting the fish clear of danger.

On the bait front, two pints of hemp, a pint of tares and half a kilo of boilies is enough for an evening session. I feed the swim on a little and often basis and wait for telltale signs, such as bubbling and tail patterns, before gently flicking my hook bait into position. Because of the set up that I use is lightweight and creates little disturbance, I can get away with flicking it among feeding fish without disturbing them. Wherever there’s a big head of bream and tench, as there is in this venue, I’d advise against chucking a lot of bait in. Chuck all your bait in at the start and these nuisance fish will eat it all before the carp get a look in.

When you’re sat waiting for a bite, keep disturbance to a minimum. You’ll be fishing close in so loud noises, sudden movements and casting a shadow over the water will spook the carp. Always hold your rod because you need to react quickly when you get a bite. Takes are often fast and violent, so do not leave the rod unattended. What’s more, ensure that your clutch is done up tight and employ hit and hold tactics when a carp is hooked. If the carp gains any line it’ll get into the snag, reeds, or whatever you’re fishing alongside, and you’ll lose it.

Nipping out after work and fishing as described has caught me more than my fair share of carp over the past few months, including a number of twenties, but it’s not just a summer tactic, It’ll work from spring through to late autumn. Give it a try and you will reap the rewards.

Total Tip

Boost the pulling power of your hook bait by wrapping it in paste, which will slowly dissolve and leak attraction into the swim. Don’t mask the hook, though, because this will impede hooking if you get a quick bite.

It pays to tighten up the clutch and be ready for a hard fighting carp employing hook and hold tactics and steer away from the snags.

 The rod used for this feature was a Wychwood 23/4tc 9ft stalking rod paired up with a 7000 series Fox Stratos reel spooled with 12lbs Synergy line which I currently use for all of my carp fishing exploits.

To improve your chances of a great catch it is important to use good quality baits like Carp Company Icelandic Red boilies and paste, Cotswold Baits PVA friendly hemp and halibut pellets as used in my carp fishing and this feature.

October 2008