Top 10 tips!

Hi all, I thought i'd do a slightly different post this evening with regards to a few simple tips and things that we should all be aware of to improve our angling experiences and that of others too.

Yep, it looks shit hot, but do we all need to hear your alarms?

Ok so this may all sound very simple first day at school stuff to some of you guys but on a recent few trips out I've been absolutely gob smacked at the total lack of knowledge by a few.....

Whether this has to do with coming into coarse fishing from Sea angling or not reading etc, I don't know??? So here's just a small list of things to help you maybe catch a few more fish.


1) Keep noise to a minimum and wear drab clothing. I've seen numerous guys wearing glow in the dark work wear! :(


2) Turn down your fishing alarms....Nobody else wants to know you have a bite or that your setting your bobbins! I'm also a firm believer that sound travels down the line and can be felt in the water! Think about the two tin cans and string telephone!

3) Put your bait where the fish are feeding! So many times I see people ledgering when the fish are up on the top. Fish under your feet too, why cast to the far margin?

Do your home work on a venue, remember that location is half the battle won!

It's exactly the same under your feet, keep quiet and fish close in. You'll get better presentation, tighter feeding and stand more of a chance of landing your fish. You may even get lucky if the waters clear and see you quarry taking your bait!! 1 rod placed in the right spot is better than 4 in the wrong spots! Be respectful of other anglers and where they are fishing too. Give each other some room and ask before dropping in next to them.

4) Do some homework. Study the venue a little. Work out what the bottom of the lake looks like by scooping a little up from the margins if possible. Match up your terminal tackle, tubing, leads, line etc to the colour of the lake bed. Camouflage is the name of the game.

5) Use sensible tackle for your quarry. 3.5lb tc carp rods are no good for tench or perch fishing and Aiming to catch 20lb plus carp from a weedy venue is equally a no goer with a float rod and 3lb main line!

6) Boilies are not the b-all and end all! Yes I run a bait business and i love to use them but I regularly use alternative baits too, such as corn, nuts, peas, worms and prawns etc. Naturals have so much appeal its hard to beat them.

7) Make sure you are fully equipped to deal with your quarry if you actually catch it! Forceps, disgorgers etc and most importantly a BLOODY UNHOOKING MAT! God knows how many times i see fish held over gravel and wood etc. When having a picture taken with a fish, keep it low to the ground over a mat and please please please don't stand up with fish at any time! If you drop it, it will die!

8) Respect the fish. Don't keep them out the water for long periods. Keep them in the net in the water while you set up mats, pics etc. Don't fight them too hard and ensure you hold them in the margins to recuperate after a long battle....(especially important with barbel and grayling on the river) Face these fish upstream and hold onto them upright until they are ready to go under their own steam!

9) Safe rigs.....My pet hate! Insure all rigs are free to jettison the lead if the line should break. Use lead clips or free running rigs for both sensitivity and safety too.

10) My final tip for better results is to go and enjoy yourself! Be safe and always let someone know where you intend to fish and what time to expect you home, wear sensible footwear, warm clothing (remember you can take it off but you can't put on what you haven't got with you!) Polaroid glasses will help to cut out glare and enable more chances to see your quarry in the water. Location is 90% of the battle won! Be quiet on the bank and tread carefully.

That's it....my ten tips plus a few! Enjoy everyone!

Regards
Keith