A big fish is always a welcome bonus, especially in winter when bites are few and far between, and for ease and security there’s no better way to land them than on rod and line tactics.
However, that’s not to say it’s just a matter of pulling hard and winding the fish in, something that’ll only make the job twice as hard. Even in cold water, a big carp will be feisty and needs a bit of care to land it safely. Using the right strength of line and size of hook is only part of the battle – these alone won’t get the fish in for you.
A lot can happen during a fight with a big fish. They can power off on that first run, find their second wind and bolt off to catch you unawares, or find a snag that you had no idea was there. There are a few simple playing techniques worth learning which can help you...
OUR EXPERT GUIDE HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FEEDER ROD WILL HELP YOU SELECT THE BEST FEEDER ROD FOR YOUR NEEDS
Keep rod parallel
Once you pick the rod up and make contact, keep the rod low to the water and almost parallel to the bank. This ensures that the fish stays low down in the water and won’t swim out of the peg quickly. Keep the rod low and keep steady pressure up until the fish is near to the bank.
THE ACTION OF THE BEST CARP FEEDER RODS IS DISCUSSED IN OUR GUIDE
Get the right grip
I like to take my hand off the reel handle and grip the rod just above the reel at times. This second hand lets me increase or decrease the pressure I’m putting on the fish and also gives me a ‘feel’ for how the fight is going. If the fish powers off, I can pull more firmly on the blank to apply more power.
BIG FISH CAN SOMETIMES BE AT DISTANCE, CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST DISTANCE FEEDER RODS
Point your rod up
You may not be able to see them, but dead lilies or reedbeds close in under the water can cause you trouble. To prevent losing fish, lift the rod in the air when it’s at short range, to convince it to move away from danger. At Boddington Reservoir underwater rocks can cut through the hooklength.
WANT TO TRY YOUR HAND AT DISTANCE FEEDER FISHING, SEE OUR EXPERT GUIDE TO DISTANCE FEEDER FISHING MADE EASY
How to give line
Big fish will take line, but whether you use the reel’s clutch or anti-reverse is down to personal choice. I use the anti-reverse at long range, but closer in the clutch comes more into play. The anti-reverse can be flicked on and off in seconds and the tension altered by using your forefinger.
OUR GUIDE HIGHLIGHTS THE BEST THE BEST FEEDER FISHING REELS
