| How to Choose Your Swim |
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Once you've successfully located the carp and their feeding areas you will be in a position to choose which swim to fish at your venue. Although selecting an area to fish may sound easy, there are nevertheless a number of pitfalls you can fall into if your choice of swim is based solely on aesthetic grounds. Not only can this lead to blank sessions, but it can also be a nuisance to other anglers. Here are a few ideas on what and what not to consider when choosing a swim: Car parks: Although on some occasions it may be necessary to select a swim close to a car park, don't get into the habit of selecting a swim just because of its convenience. Easy-access swims are often popular with anglers but not with fish! Other anglers: Before considering a swim close to other anglers, establish where they are fishing and if it's OK for you to set up near to them. Don't start slinging out your lead here, there and everywhere or you may find some angry faces around the lake! And if you make yourself unpopular other anglers will not be keen to pass on useful information. Swim size: Besides the matter of fish presence, consider the size of a swim before trying to set your gear up in it, and always try to adjust yourself to the area rather than the swim to yourself. If you own a large bivvy, such as a Hutchy Apotheosis, think about the size of the swim before setting up or you may find yourself losing fish because you are hampered for room. Overhead trees: Will your casting or playing offish be limited? Remember, you need to have enough room overhead so that you can cast your rod in the desired direction. Make sure you are completely familiar with your surroundings if you are night fishing a new swim. Bankside cover: If the lake you are fishing is renowned for being more productive when bankside disturbance is minimal and anglers are hidden from view, then always try to select a swim that offers plenty of bankside cover. Remember that you also need to have enough space for comfort. Feature fishing: If you wish to fish to a feature such as a snag or a weed bed, always select a swim whose position offers you the best chances of landing fish. Examine all the areas around the feature, especially those lying to the side and between it and the bank. In most cases the best way to approach such features will be to fish directly opposite, so that you have a direct pull against the fish. |
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