With the nights getting colder and winter fast approaching big fish angler John Claridge, author of ‘Beauties and the Beasts’ has offered us some winter wisdom which has helped him catch some cracking big fish through the coldest months of the year.
The cold and bleakness of winter carp fishing isn’t for everyone but if you get it right, then the sight of a big carp in its winter splendour is very rewarding.
Most of my cold-water success has come in very similar circumstances and these days I try to maximise my time by fishing when the conditions are right. Very weedy waters seem to almost shut up shop completely so I focus on weed-free waters and target them in windy conditions. Big warmer winds from the south-west or west seem to be the ones, and the stronger the better. I think it’s the undertow that stirs the carp, and over silty lakebeds especially, this disturbs the bottom enough for the carp to mooch.
A hookbait placed on the right spot can produce almost instantly and at this time of year I would always opt for a ‘bright one’ as the carps eyes are less sharp throughout the winter. Pink is the best in deep water but orange is my favourite with white in second place. A potent fruit blend has always scored for me, with the Scent from Heaven pop-ups from Baitworks being my current choice.
Whatever your choice I would advise getting as much liquid in to the baits as possible, as you need to draw the carps attention to that single bait. As regards to free bait I would happily bait up but not while I was fishing.
If concentrating on an area then it will pay to trickle bait in regularly, preferably in the hours of darkness as not only will this stop other anglers seeing your hard work but give the carp chance to find it before the dreaded tufties, that plague our waters in the winter, descend on your hard work. If you bait in daylight then chances are they will have scoffed the lot before you have got home!
Because the carp is not feeding hard, your rig needs to be an efficient hooker and as the carps movements are slower, the hook needs to do the business as soon as the bait is mouthed. The Chod is perfect in this scenario.
Fished over silt with Camo leadcore means it settles nicely on top and in strong undertow the silt shuffles over the leader, not just disguising it but offering resistance which aids the hooking power, nailing a super-sharp hook in as soon as it starts to right itself. Also if a bird does pick it up then it will settle back down and be set ready for action.
One thing I would recommend to get the most out of your choddies is always test the spin effect. To gain the right curve, whether this is with your own tied rig or one of the very neatly pre-tied ESP ones, is once the bait is tied on, hold the leader up and lightly touch the back curved section and it should instantly revolve. If not, then adjust the curve so it spins and grabs the bottom lip! A friction-free swivel is essential for this, so I always choose a size 11 Uni-Link one.
These exact tactics flourished for me in February 2011 on a windswept Southern Park lake and in three 48 hour trips I managed eight magnificent carp including two thirties! For the full story then read all about it in my book, Beauties and the Beasts (Chapter 24). Returning the following January saw me follow this up with my biggest winter carp at 39lb 1oz. An awesome sight on a winters day.
If you have a go this winter then wrap up warm and be lucky.
-John
John’s excellent book ‘Beauties and the Beasts’ covers his angling career where he has caught the most sought after fish from some of the trickiest big fish waters in the south. It is an ideal Christmas present and in the run-up to Christmas is at a special price of just £22. Limited Leather-bound editions are £180 with a free a copy of the hardback and free postage. Available to order via Calm Productions.