Spring is nearly here and with that, many club waters and syndicates are available to join ready for the season ahead. Once you have joined though, the prospect of getting stuck into an unfamiliar lake can be as daunting as it is exciting.
New waters can help breathe a fresh lease of life into your angling and whether you are joining a water or fishing a day ticket the same applies to both. Stepping onto the water for the first time is refreshing as you are completely unbiased as to where you think the fish should be, what methods you should use and aren't worried about the going swims being taken! We have compiled some great tips to help guide you through the basics, so you can hit the ground running and bank your first fish from your new water.
IF YOU ARE PLANNING A CAMPAIGN ON A NEW WATER, THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES WILL HELP KEEP YOU DRY!
Spend a day walking
Spending time walking a new lake is one of the best ways to get familiar with it. Not only does this help you understand the water, but it also gives you the chance to talk to other anglers, locate the fish, and observe how the wind direction affects the lake—helping you stay one step ahead of the carp.
It's often said that your eyes are your best tool, so rather than rushing to get the rods out, a day spent walking the lake can save you from many blanks. With no preconceptions about where the carp should be, you might find them in spots that seasoned members wouldn’t even consider—giving you a real edge! It’s no surprise that new members often catch the biggest fish in the lake on their first visit! Safely get up trees, where allowed to gain a height advantage, stay on your toes and be sure to check the quiet areas first.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO CARP FISHING, OUR BEGINNERS GUIDE HAS LOTS OF USEFUL ADVICE.
Do your own thing
While it can be helpful to ask other members about recent fish captures, many anglers tend to be cagey with their information, which can come with the territory of being the new angler on a water. However, this can work in your favour as anglers often get stuck in a routine, fishing in ways they believe offer the best chance of success based on past captures.
While these methods do work, they often become the norm, with every angler on the lake fishing the same way, and by observing their approach and doing the complete opposite can often yield great results. If you fish the same, you can expect the same results. If everyone is fishing out to the middle then target the margins, if everyone is using boilies, why not try tigers (where permitted)? Use your fresh perspective to your advantage and catch the carp and other anglers off guard!
IF YOU ARE TARGETING CARP ON A DAY TICKET LAKE, THIS ARTICLE WILL HELP YOU PUT MORE FISH ON THE BANK!
They are only carp!
A carp is a carp no matter where you fish for them and while their behaviour may vary slightly depending on factors like stocking density, angling pressure, or water depth, they are biologically the same animal and will generally respond in similar ways.
What works on one water will often work on another. How many times have you been told that floaters won’t work, only to have a red-letter session using them and then every other angler is firing mixers in the day after? Focus on the fish you're targeting rather than worrying about what others say the carp in your new water will or won’t do.
IF YOU WANT TO CATCH CARP, THESE ARE THE ONLY CARP RIGS YOU NEED!
Put in the effort
While it’s tempting to rush down to a new lake, jump into the car park swim, and get the rods out, this isn’t always the most effective use of your time. As the old saying goes, 'the more you put in, the more you get out,' and carp fishing is no exception.
If you stay mobile, get up early, react to fish activity, and work harder than other anglers, it will put you in a strong position. Not only does this increase your chances of getting bites, but it also helps you learn about key features and fish-holding areas in different swims—allowing you to map out the lake much faster!
GET A GREAT NIGHT'S SLEEP ON THE BANK WITH ONE OF THE BEST FISHING BEDCHAIRS.
Enjoy the experience
The most important thing about starting on a new lake is to enjoy it. You'll never get to experience everything for the first time again, so take it all in. Explore the lake, spend time in different swims across various areas, and truly immerse yourself in everything it has to offer! If you enjoy being beside the lake, catching fish is a bonus!
IF YOU LIKE CATCHING LOTS OF FISH, CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME VENUES THAT WILL DO YOU BITES!
