The Ultimate
Transcription
The Ultimate
The Ultimate Author: Willie Botha Introduction, I was asked by a good friend of mine to write an article about - Specimen Carp fishing, which I thought about for quite a long time, as there are quite a few good articles done monthly by very good anglers. I’m not a publicity GURU and I like to keep my fishing ways to myself and I’m also not an “expert”. I’m doing Specimen Carp fishing, for almost 25 years, as a “hobby” of mine and must say one of the most satisfying segments in “carp” fishing for me. Specimen Fishing Style A lot of “conventional papgooi” anglers says, specimen fishing is for the “ lazy fisherman” . He gets his rods out and then sits and waits UNTILL something happens. That might be the perception, however your success will be based on the effort you put into your fishing. I must say the satisfaction I get out of this type of fishing is much more rewarding for me, as there is a lot of planning that goes into each fishing session I plan, wrt bait to be used and the preparation thereof, selection of fishing areas / swim, rig types and fishing methods to be used. Where can you fish this method? I’m very fortunate as the area where I’m staying do have a lot of local dams, where I caught some nice size fish from. You can fish any dam or pond specimen style, either with a pod or bank sticks with alarms and bite indicators on, but your need to be safe. Unfortunately the criminal element will be there, and you need to make sure that you and your family and friends are always safe. When do you apply this method? There are a lot of debates around when is the best time of the year to fish. I must say that majority of “fishermen” fish only on weekends or public holidays or onspecial occasions during the warmer months of the year. My fishing is done throughout the year, and each season does have its own challenges and this keeps you on your toes. This is the only “sport” where you are kept “humble”. You think you have mastered a dam and you catch some nice carp, however the following time you fish it, your success rate is low. I keep a log sheet of all my outings and over the years, you build up good knowledge of what worked for you on certain dams and at a specific location and at what time of the year. You need to be prepared for all situations and needs to be adaptable to change from a strategy or move from a location to another if you see fish rolling or jumping away from your fishing area What bait to use? Bait is a topic on its own, and the main bait types currently used by specimen anglers, are boilies and particles. I will just touch on a few basic aspects around bait. Boilies: Boilies are a “dough ball” that comprises of a variety of different powders&ingredients that forms the basis of a boilie recipe, which are then boiled or steamed to harden the dough. There is a lot of specimen fisherman that do make their own boilies and who have caught some good fish on their own recipes. There is some good recipes on the internet that can be used, if you want to make your own boilies. For the fisherman that’s not into boilie making you can go to any fishing tackle shop and buy a bag of readymadeboilies. Particles: Particle baits comprises of all types of seeds (hemp, tiger nuts, mealies, maples etc.) Almost any type of seed can be used to catch carp. Ipersonally prefer to fish with particles, as I use quite a bit of bait when I’m fishing. Also to purchase particles is not that expensive and after you’re fishing session you can freeze your bait until your next session. My opinion on particle baits that works very well for me is tiger nuts (I had a lot of success on it). Please make sure that if particles are soaked and cooked – prior to your fishing session: The following can be used as a guide line to prepare your particles Tiger Nuts Soak in water for 24 hours and then boil for approximately 30-45 minutes Maize: Soak in water for 24 hours and then boil until it starts “fluffing-up” for approximately 45 minutes Hempseed: Soak in water for 12 hours bring to boil and then turn off as soon as the seeds start to split. Particle Mix. Soak in water for 12 hours bring to boil and then turn off immediately and allow cooling. Beans & Peas. Soak in water for 12 hours and then boil for 10-20 minutes. What equipment to use? The big factor to consider is, “what can I afford” – remember it is not the best kit that catches carp but what you have at the end of your line. I have a friend that is a student and he fishes with the most basic kit, but his end tackle (rig set-up and bait presentation) is some of the best I have seen and he is constantly catching carp. Specimen fishing consists of the following basic items that any angler must have: - Unhooking mat - Soft Landing net - Bank sticks / rod pod - Alarms - Swinger / hangers (bite indicators) - Rods and reels End Tackle: There is a variety of end tackle on the market and I must say there is also a choice of what you can afford. I must say if there is an area that you must not compromises on, it’swrt your end tackle. This is very important for me, as I do use quality products, as there might be a “biggie” on the line and I need to trust my tackle to get it in the net. End Tackle Components: - Fishing line - Lead core / Tubing / Safety leader - Hooks - Weights - Hook link materials - Etc. I personally fish with “VICIOUS” Braid fishing line 50lb. I can vouch for this Line as I have caught some nice fish on this line. I do use the latest Browning M-Pact series Polarized sunglass featuring the world renowned Zeis®lenses. It is available in two frame finishes, Gunmetal Gray and Matt Black. The three different lens options include Grey Mirrored, Back Country Fishing and Amber. I use the black frame with the amber lens. You can get more info on this items at: www.hookedonbass.co.za How do you go about catching fish? 1) The most important thing is to “feature find” you’re fishing area. This can be done either by a boat with a fish finder or with a marker float. Or fish towards structure that’s visible to the eye example reeds, lilies, weed beds etc. fish love these areas as they see these areas as prime food source areas. 2) Once you have mapped your area, ensure your rig set-up (hook links / rig types – bolt / semi fix / helicopter, chod rig etc.) will function properly in your fishing area. 3) Once you have casted / drop your lines, ensure that lines are lying flat on the lake bed (lines that are taught and cut through the water will spook fish). 4) Be patient – I had lines out for 2 days before I had a pick-up (44lb). 5) NB: If you’re not satisfied with a line – re do that line. Fishing success is that you must be confident in what you do – ALWAYS. 6) Take notice of what anglers are doing around you, especially those that are “serious” specimen fisherman. You can determine a lot from there talk etc. Conclusion: The points discussed in this article are very basic and focuses on the novice angler or persons who wants to start off with specimen fishing. Don’t make your fishing sessions complicated. Read up on information and the internet – it is a web filled with very helpful information. Fishing should be a way to relax and enjoys the outdoors with family and fellow fishing mates. Please practice “Catch and Release” and teach your kids and new comers to this fantastic sport the basis of preserving our “ultimate” sport.