Looking at the match results throughout this summer, there’s one tactic that’s been winning more matches with big carp than any other – and that’s the straight lead and pellet.
So often seen as a winter method, when you’d present carp with a single pellet hookbait and no feed, the tactic needs a little tweak in the warmer months. By doubling up your hookbait to two wafters, you’ll get an edge over the anglers around you – and that means more fish hitting the net!
You’ll also need to tweak your feeding, because the fish are more active now, so firing in freebies over the top of your bomb is a must, also be mindful that the fish may choose to come up in the water, so if you are getting plenty of liners but no proper bites maybe worth considering the pellet waggler.
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Buoyant baits
I use double wafters instead of the large hard pellets most favour. Their extra buoyancy means that when a carp goes to suck the hookbait in it becomes very hard for it to eject, as it flies up inside the fish’s mouth!
PELLETS OR WAFTERS? SEE WHICH IS BEST AND WHEN IN OUT EXPERT GUIDE.
Safe to eat options
I’ve caught lots of carp on two natural brown or orange wafters, but I reckon washed-out yellows are a better bet. They resemble two coarse pellets that have been on the bottom a while, and are seen as safe to eat.
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Hard pellet choices
Which hard pellets I choose for feed – 8mm or 10mm – depends on the size of the carp and how far out I want to feed and fish. For 10lb fish at long range I’d opt for 10mm pellets, which can be catapulted out further.
FEEDING PELLETS ACCURATELY REQUIRES A GOOD QUALITY CATAPULT SEE OUR BUYER'S GUIDE FOR MORE.
Go for a small bomb
When allowed, I like to fish a Guru X-Safe bomb, because I feel that I lose fewer carp around the net when using an elasticated bomb. I like to use the smallest 2/3oz size, as a lighter lead creates less disturbance on the cast.
GET YOURSELF ONE OF THE BEST BUDGET FISHING REELS TO HELP YOU WIND IN HUGE CARP.
