Stalking Carp

A Carp anglers favourite way to fish, well it is mine. Obviously this method of Carp fishing does not lend itself to fishing tournaments.

There are probably many different ways to stalk fish, here are a couple of them.

1)  Move around the area of water looking for the tell tale signs of Carp feeding.

2)  Try and gain access to a remote part of the water where other Carp fishing isn’t normally carried out.

1) Stalking on the move is a great way to fish, watching for the big Carp and the tell tale signs of feeding. This method is also known as freelining.

All that is needed is a good rod, small float, small landing net, everything is concentrated on being portable, as you are moving around. Light and small, travel with the least amount of kit you require.

When you are stalking it is vital that you are very, very quiet as not to spook the fish, always check that your shadow does not cast onto the water and that your approach is very silent. Camouflage gear is useful too, try to blend with your back ground, keep low and try not to be spotted because as soon as you are seen the fish will spook and go.

Gently lower your bait into the water and wait!!

 

2) Carp are no fools, and can be found in the quietest parts of the water, wouldn’t you.

However there is often a reason for the area of water being the quietest, it’s overgrown with brambles or deep undergrowth.

Whilst carp can be very social and congregate in groups, I have found that the larger fish spend a lot of time on there own and in these quiet areas of the water.

 

So have a look over the water and see if you can spot this quiet area, then you have got to get to it and in it and remember in a responsible manner. Ideally you should leave the area as you found it, not trampled down with broken and smashed undergrowth.

 

 

Both methods benefit from camouflage clothing. Carp are very sensitive to being spooked, by sound, vibrations and things that don’t belong. Stalking is the art of being quiet and patient, making yourself invisible, blending and molding yourself into the background, so that as far as the Carp are concerned you are part of that background and nothing to fear. You need to develop the persona of the hunter, the Carp assassin, but we don’t expect you to kill them.

 

Baits are all as you have previously used, all your favourite concoctions and mixtures, but don’t spook the fish by dropping your bait on its nose, drop it up to 2 M in front and ease it into their view, so as not to frighten or spook them, so watch your large baits plopping into the water.

 

Maggots and casters are good and you can ground bait small amounts slightly in front of the carp, but try and keep your movements to a minimum.

 

Bear in mind that the places you are fishing are full of snags, you have the possibility of losing gear, also be aware that your Carp is probably going to dash for cover and more snags, so take that into account when you are stalking, try and predict the way the Carp will run.

 

This is very important. I find this a great way to fish but always respect other anglers and do not stalk where their bait lies.

Have a go and see what you think it’s good, see what you find works for you. 

Here at Newbarn Farm, we think it is a very effective South Devon Fishing method, or anywhere for that matter, in the right hands and the right time of course, not the sort of method that can be used in a fishing tournament.