Tag: Fishing

Surface Fishing For Carp With My Simple and Very Effective Method

Surface Fishing For Carp With My Simple and Very Effective Method

Article by Steve Kempson







If you have not tried surface fishing for Carp you are missing out on a really fantastic and exciting method of Carp fishing There is nothing like seeing the big swirl around your bait and then that slurping sound as your surface bait is taken by what is usually the larger than average Carp.

I have tried many methods of surface fishing and can tell you they all work and one of the most interesting facts is that the Carp you catch are usually bigger that what you will take from a bottom bait, I don’t know why this is but previous experience has always shown me when I take a Carp from the surface its a nice one and bigger then the average bear!.

We can use many different types of baits for surface fishing, dog biscuits, pop-up boilies, ready made floaters specially prepared with delicious flavours, the list is endless all of these work but my favourite is the old trusted bread crust. I have caught more Carp on floating bread than any other method and to set this up is really simple, I will explain this for you in a moment.

I see many anglers using what we call the ‘controller float’ this is simply a float that is heavily weighted for casting distance and we have a 3 to 4ft tail with our bait usually sitting on the surface behind the float. Now, don’t get me wrong this is a good method you can cast virtually anywhere but I have always found one major problem with this method the float will not stay in the prime area where you want it, especially if its a windy day, you know the spot by the Lille pads where you have catapulted those free offerings and those carp are taking them like food is going out of fashion!.

I decided it was time for a change and tried something so simple it just could not work, or could it!, yes you are right it worked and it worked so well I could cast my bait out to the exact spot I wanted and it never moved, perfect!.

So, what method did I use, here it is, please do not under estimate this method because its looks to simple I have found this to be very effective whenever I have used it, this is what you do. You setup a simple ledger rig, free running, slide the ledger on to the line, add a ledger stop below the ledger, one side only we need this to be free running and then tie on our hook, for crust fishing I will usually use a size 8 or 6 hook.

Now we start with a tail of about 2 to 3 ft add some bread crust and cast out, if the bread does not rise to the surface our tail is to short and the depth of the water is deeper than 2 or 3 ft. We slide the ledger of another foot, re-cast until we can see the bread floating in top of the water. I have used this method in water that is over 10ft deep, so I had a ten foot tail but can still cast this out easily.

So, now we have our weight sitting on the bottom and out bread floating on the surface, and yes you guessed, it will stay exactly where you cast it, even if there is a gail force wind!.

Give this method a try, I guarantee you will have great success, there are many more tips on my website here http://www.squidoo.com/carp-fishing-secrets May all your fish be big ones tight lines!



About the Author

Article written by Steve Kempson, 30 years of fishing experience and a lover of the sport. For more great fishing reviews please vist http://www.squidoo.com/carp-fishing-secretsemail – L.kempson@btinternet.com

What Catfish Fishing Hook Do You Choose?

What Catfish Fishing Hook Do You Choose?

Fishing for catfish can be one of the most exciting types of fishing you can do, but there really are some monster cats out there, so knowing how to select the right catfish hooks for the job is of major importance.


Depending on where you plan to fish, and whether you are out to catch basic table cats or huge monster cat, you will want to adjust the type of hook you plan to use. The good news is that there are some outstanding quality products available to help you nail the catfish you are after.


Keep an assortment with you while fishing, so you can change out the hooks to better fit the size of fish you are getting.


If you are fishing for table fish, and having a problem with the catfish taking your bait, running with it for a short distance before just simply dropping the bait, you might want to switch to a smaller hook like a 1/0 baitholder. This usually hangs in there a bit better, and will help you bring some table fare to the table for dinner. Of course, it is not as effective when you want to catch really big catfish.


If you are in a position where you need to cast out a long distance, you can always use a 2/0 octopus. This hook will work very well with a balsa wood and lead float called a Livingston Float. When you cast with this rig, it will really get out there! So, for casting long distances, try the 2/0 octopus.


When it comes to winter fishing for catfish, you really can get better results using smaller hooks too. Even when you are trying to catch big fish. Especially in the winter, when the water is cold and calm, the catfish tend to be finicky, and you have to try to get them out of the water without spooking them.


If you use anything bigger than a 2/0 hook, you will probably get bites, but the tendency is for the cat to spook and drop your hook like it was hot! This is particularly true in heavily fished waters, so no matter where you are fishing…lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. when getting bites is not the problem, just remember that you can always substitute a smaller, strong hook, and probably solve the problem.


In the springtime, when the fish are not so finicky, you can move up to some bigger hooks like a 6/0 baitholder hook. These are particularly good when there are flood water kinds of conditions present. During flood conditions, the fish tend to get very aggressive, and they really grab on to basically whatever is out there. You will miss some fish you could catch if you use the smaller hooks in flood conditions.


Another consideration is using the right size hook for whatever bait you are using. Generally speaking, bigger bait catches bigger fish; smaller bait catches smaller fish. The best hook, in my opinion, for catching catfish using shad head for bait is a 1/0 or 2/0 L042. For general use, you will most likely be satisfied with a 3/0 baitholder. While others will work well, it is best to consider this first.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing hooks here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com/