LEARN TO FISH WITH
ANGLERS’ NET
Sponsored by
Dragon Carp Direct
1 There are lots of ways you can boost the attraction of your deadbait. Try injecting it with a bait flavouring, or painting it with purpose-designed bait paints.
2 A popped-up bait can work wonders – especially in weedy waters. Use polystyrene balls to keep your deadbait off the bottom.
3 You would be amazed at the number of times a pike will take a lure right under the rod tip. Don’t be in a hurry to remove it from the water at the end of retrieve, wait a few seconds instead.
4 There are literally thousands of different lures to choose from. Start by using one that is a close replica of the pike’s main source of food in your venue. Experiment from there.
5 When soft, deadbaits can be difficult to cast because they often fall off. This can be overcome by tying PVA string around the bait’s tail and the trace.
6 Try puncturing or slashing your deadbait. This allows the juices to escape.
7 A frozen deadbait is a better option than a fresh one if you’re looking to cast a long way. It has a better hook-hold.
8 Feederfishing is not a tactic used by many predator anglers – but it should be. Mash some fish up and place it in the feeder for a superb attractor.
9 Don’t just stick to the tried-and-tested coarse deadbaits like roach and bream. Chub and perch deads might just trigger a take on a tough day.
10 After casting, let your lure lie motionless on the surface for a few seconds. Inquisitive predators will be altered by the splash.
11 Don’t throw away any left-over deadbaits when you’ve finished for the day. Chop them up, freeze for next time and then, when removed, they can be mixed with groundbait and introduced as a great attractor.
12 Be patient when picking a swim. Study the water and look for small fish breaking the water. This may indicate a predator attacking its prey.
13 Faced with a new stillwater, look for things like underwater ledges, drop-offs, islands, overhanging trees and depressions on the lake bed.
14 On rivers, target feeder streams, undercut banks, weirpools, entrances to marinas and areas where boats are moored. Also, never ignore the margins.
15 A 20lb pike is a huge fish. Maximise your chances of success by fishing in February and March – a time when the pike are at their heaviest.
16 Pike don’t take pressure very well at all. If you’re water has become too popular, go and find somewhere else to have a go. Adventure is often rewarded!
17 If you are fishing at distance, strike twice to ensure a good hook hold. Strike when you get a bite and tighten down to the fish. Repeat the process to make sure the hooks have set. Pike have extremely bony mouths.
18 Be prepared to cover a lot of ground when the weather turns cold. Pike tend to be less active as the temperatures tumble and a static approach can be ineffective.
19 This goes for all types of fishing but is especially true of pike – check all your knots extremely carefully because accidents with wire traces and treble hooks can be fatal to fish.
20 You must stay very close to your rods and be ready to react quickly to a take. Deep-hooking is something you must always avoid.
21 Try inducing a take by twitching your deadbait. If it’s been sat in the water for more than 15 minutes, give the reel handle a couple of turns – it might just spark a pike into taking it.
22 When it comes to reeling in your deadbait to recast, don’t be too hasty. Take your time on the retrieve and you might just induce a take.
23 Why not try putting an Alka Seltzer tablet down the throat of your deadbait? It will fizz away in the water an add extra attraction.
24 When legering at range for pike, swap the stretchiness of monofilament mainline for the tautness of braid. This will ensure even the smallest of bites are registered.
25 Casting big baits long distances requires specialist gear. Your rod will need a test curve of 3lb and this should be coupled with a large fixed spool reel.
