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Tips
Buy a pole that is up to the job. If it is carp you are targeting buy a strong pole. Ask the dealer to set up some poles for you to try, preferably elasticated so that you can feel the balance. If it feels right and you can afford it, then that's the pole for you.
Change the pole elastic regularly and check it for wear.
Keep the elastic well lubricated.
Don't over tighten the elastic. It should just creep back into the section.
Use an elastic tensioner. It pays to have slightly more elastic than you need wound on the tensioner in case of breakages or wear.
If you use the ' crows foot' method of attaching rigs then check it for wear before the start of each session and change it if there are any signs of damage. That's where that tensioner comes in!
When fishing against a feature, tighten the elastic slightly to pull the fish away.
Treat the pole sections with a joint saver to reduce wear, especially the number 4 section.
Use bull nose bullets or the Maver clean cap bullets in the end of sections again to prevent section wear / damage.
Regular washing of the pole both inside and out with soapy water will lengthen its life and will help maintain value.
If you are fishing at a long distance it may pay you to use two pole rollers for easier shipping and less breaking down of sections.
If you use only one roller have it positioned close to you so that the pole is located quickly. Position your rod bag further back to act as a mini roller.
Always plumb with every rig. Identical rigs require separate plumbing don't assume the lengths will be the same. Elastic tensions differently and line stretch can make a difference.
Always mark the depth of a rig on your pole sections. This is for quick replacements if breakage occurs.
Make sure you are comfortable, box level etc. If you are not happy then you wont concentrate and you wont catch fish.
Find a hook pattern that you are comfortable with and stick with it. Someone else's choice may not be right for you.
Use fresh bait whenever you can. Fresh is best!
Concentrate on your own fishing don't worry about others. Let them worry about you!
Re-check your depth regularly. New line can stretch easily; snags can move the float etc.
Make sure everything is to hand, looking for bits and pieces can waste time and cost you fish.
Believe in yourself and have confidence in your ability.
Make sure you have a good range of pole floats and wagglers in your armoury to cater for all weather conditions.
When fishing with meat make sure its always kept covered, it will stay fresher.
During the summer months, if you are fishing shallow try using maggots on the hook as opposed to casters.
Don't give in to easy when fishing shallow. Sometimes it takes a while for the fish to respond.
Never give in; keep-trying fish can switch on at any time.
Always use a cool bag to store your bait it keeps everything fresh.
If you are using pellets as hook bait, try switching to punched meat every now and again. It can pay dividends.
When fishing the margins use a kinder egg style pole pot for feeding. It presents just enough feed and you won't foul hook so many.
When feeding your swim spread your bait in a circle of a couple of feet or so rather than tipping it all into the same hole.
Sometimes the better stamp carp may just feed on the edge of the feeding area so don't neglect it.
It may also pay off by feeding with the pole right up in the air, as the food will cause a bigger splash attracting carp into the peg.
It is not always necessary to tip the bait direct into the water. Keep the pot up right and shake the pole vigorously up and down this will cause the bait to be released separately again making a lot of noise attracting fish.
When conditions allow set your bait just touching bottom. When the fish take the bait you will know instantly.
Keep your bait on the move. This applies to shallow and deep fishing. This will attract the inquisitive carp.
Again find a brand of elastic that you are happy with and stick with it. You will become aware of its capabilities and therefore more confident when playing fish.
Place your shot directly under your float when shallow fishing. This will allow the bait to fall naturally through the water with your free offerings.
Having said that, if you are catching well and you want to reach the fish quicker, place the shot as a bulk some 4 or 5 inches from the hook to get the bait down.
Carry a range of punches with you for meat fishing. A change to punched meat may be all it needs for the shyest of fish to respond.
I also carry straws to act as a punch. Cut a piece of straw about 2 inches long, this acts as an ideal punch, plus they are free with your burger meals!
When fishing shallow margin pegs, introduce a dry mix of fishmeal, if of course groundbait is allowed. This will fall through the water very slowly covering a large area attracting fish from all around.
Don't worry about showing to much of the hook point during the summer months as the fish are actively looking for food and competing against each other, therefore will not be on an inspection run first!
Don't use an over heavy elastic. Grade it to the stamp of fish you are targeting. On commercial waters if the elastic is to heavy you will pull out of more fish or if you don't the heavy elastic may cause the fish to fight harder due to the extra strain being put on it through the elastic.
Never ever only have one line of attack. Feed two or even three areas in case one dries up.
Never neglect the smaller baits when fishing for carp. A single caster on a size 20 hook has accounted for its fair share of fish.
When fishing with corn try using just the shell if the going is hard. Squeeze out the kernel. That way the shell will be a lot lighter and will sink more slowly.
When feeder fishing for carp if you clip up be prepared to remove the line clip very quickly or the initial run of the fish may break you.
When fishing with rod and line accuracy is the most important thing. Find yourself a far side marker, use a sliding knot on the line and go for it. If it doesn't land where it should keep trying until it does.
And above all else enjoy your fishing
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