Stalking carp essentially describes fishing for carp where you can actually see them. Having said that, this piece will cover any short-range situation where you are compelled to fish a single rod, often without any kind of bite indication, with just the rod laid on the ground.
Fishing for carp that I can see is, hands down, THE most exciting form of carp fishing there is, even beating surface fishing, albeit narrowly. The best visual stalking experiences I have enjoyed took place many years ago at the famous Blue Pool and it was there that my friends and I shared some of the very best margin fishing imaginable. But I have managed to stalk carp from the margins of just about every lake I have ever fished, so I urge you not to overlook this amazing tactic.
GET YOURSELF SOME OF THE BEST FISHING BOOTS TO KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE WHEN LOOKING FOR CARP.
Bait quantity
This is absolutely key. Many times I have seen perfectly good marginal situations completely ruined by the over application of bait. Generally speaking, the more bait you deposit, the more likely the fish will recognise danger and suspect a trap.
It actually takes very little bait to capture the attention of a carp, and a master of this is my mate Simon Scott. I’ve seen him use just a palmful of tiny pellets spread across quite a wide area to get numerous carp feeding.
For big fish that travel in singles or pairs, as few as half a dozen broken up boilies can get them investigating. Similarly, the same number of sweetcorn grains is more than enough to appeal visually and initiate the required curiosity, whereas half a can could result in them giving the spot a wide berth. For larger packs of fish, two or three handfuls of pellet and particle mix will be ample. Again, don’t be tempted to overdo it.
CARP CAN BE CAUGTH ON A VARIETY OF BAITS, CHECK OUT SOME OF THE BEST IN OUR EXPERT GUIDE.
Softly does it
Carp are genetically blueprinted to be wary and on guard when they are close to the bank. Essentially, this mechanism is a defence against predation but while it is a lifesaver when the carp is small, when it grows and becomes impervious to the attentions of herons, pike and so on, the defence remains and it can make the carp behave with heightened senses.
With this in mind, it is essential to keep a low profile. I always stand or crouch to the sides of the swim or spot, ensuring I do not skyline myself while I endeavour to utilise any available cover I can. Noise, movement and vibration can all potentially elicit failure – it is vital you pay the carp maximum respect.
A PAIR OF THE BEST FISHING POLAROIDS WILL MAK SPOTTING CARP AND PLACING RIGS FAR EASIER.
Murky water
If you can't see the bottom, don't be put off. I use a lead on braid to ‘donk’ the margin as I search for hard, clean spots. Using a nice oily pellet like the new Trouties from Sticky means that when fish arrive and start crunching the pellets up, tiny pimples of oil will break the surface. This, along with watching for bubbles, deeper tinges of colouration and even the tips of tails or shadows of the carp themselves, mean you can still bait several likely looking areas and fish them in rotation.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING THE BEST CARP LINES TO PREVENT A FISH SNAPPING YOU AFTER YOU GET A BITE.
Stalking rigs
I tend to favour an inline lead and a short braided hooklink of about four inches. Big leads can work well and I’ve used 5oz versions to very good effect. Conversely, one of the best arrangements I ever found was a 1oz inline fished directly on the line with some lumps of putty spread up the line behind it.
The hooklink was very short at less than three inches, tied to a sharp size 8 hook with a pair of maple peas on the hair. The key was to have the swivel held inside the lead with a piece of silicone sleeve but only lightly so that the moment the lead was shaken, the swivel would pop out, creating a running system until the lead hit the putty backstop some 12 inches away. This worked phenomenally well!
Always fish a slack line and I prefer to open the clutch or free spool system and lie the rod down with just the tip protruding over the water. Stalking is a deadly method and I have watched 50lb carp hook themselves right at my feet. Nothing gives me greater excitement than seeing a carp rise off the bottom shaking its head... before bolting off at high velocity!
CARP RODS CAN BE EXPENSIVE, CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST CARP RODS UNDER £100 FOR SOME REAL BARGAINS.
