Free Lining
Surface fishing a free lined soaked chum mixer is the simplest way of catching margin patrolling carp. I have used this technique to great effect around lilies, up against reed beds and even in the longer grass where it meets the waters edge. Stealth and a decent pair polarizing glasse
s are needed to creep up and spot these ultra margin chances. This method doesn’t really work on some of the more open featureless pits, unless you can find some fish bobbing about under the scum line in the windward corner.
More suitable waters are the secluded mature lakes where bank side vegetation is abundant and brambles and rootstocks overhang the waters edge. The margins of the lake need to have a fair depth also. Firstly you’ll need to prepare some chum mixers. Half fill an airtight bag with mixers, Fill with cold water until all mixers are covered but not floating. Leave in a cool place for about 2 hours and that’s it. Take normal unsoaked mixers as freebees.
Tackle wise you’ll need a decent rod with a backbone. Some of the first runs the fish make are unbelievable. A normal bottom bait rod is sound, but make sure you set your clutch on your reel. I don’t tend to use a custom floater rod or a tippy rod because casting ability isn’t needed for this style. The same goes for line, use a strong 15lb line because 9 times out of 10 you’ll be lowering bait off the tip at arms length, and your line won’t be touching the water. The hooks I’ve been using are size 8 ESP raptor D7 but before they were available I used Drennan super specialist in size 6. I attach this with a whipping knot direct to the mainline. That’s pretty much it for the set up.
(23lber caught 3ft from the bank)
At the lake you need to stay mobile and be ready to adapt to the most suitable method. You must keep bits for a controller set up and a few small leads on you for a quick change over. With free lining in mind you need to ping out mixers with a catapult strategically to drift against marginal features. Keep your eye out for reeds knocking and lilies moving as the carp patrol through. With a few mixers drifting and sitting against lilies etc, ke
ep your eyes peeled for rocking in the water and listen because you’ll often hear a slurp and then notice a gentle set of rings coming out of the margins. Keeping quiet you can often creep up and literally lower the bait into the fish’s mouth.
(The Mutant at 26+ caught using free-lining tactics)
It really is as simple as that. It’s not a method I would plan to use all day, but often while controller fishing, the fish have followed the freebees right into the windward margin. There’s nothing worse than trying to lower bait into a fish’s mouth with a controller swinging about above the bait. I have caught numerous carp to 26lb carp on these tactics over the years and I think there’s nothing better in fishing than seeing a carp taking your bait like that.
Safe and Peace. The Burping angler.