Big fish window
Is there a set of rules as to when the larger carp will feed?
Q I’ve recently heard of a situation known as ‘The Big Fish Window’. This is a specific time during the day (or week) where the lake’s larger carp will have a feed. Have you heard of this theory? If so, what would influence the big carp to feed? Is it the weather? Air pressure? Light levels, etc., etc. Simon Lowe, via e-mail
A “Firstly, every lake is different. Traditionally, low pressure, W/SW winds and rain showers are likely to get anglers chomping at the bit and the carp will often oblige accordingly! However, it isn’t always as simple as that. The frequency in which carp feed will depend on a number of things such as angling pressure, bait introduction, weather conditions, availability of natural food, weed growth etc. For example, if the fish in your lake get hammered on the end of the wind and this is where the majority of anglers are, many of the bigger, more sought-after residents might often be found away from the pressure, sometimes ‘riding solo’.
“In the past, I’ve known certain fish to get caught in similar weather conditions more than once. These captures also tend to be from similar areas and a lot of known fish have their favourite haunts. Therefore, if I were targeting a specific fish, I would primarily be inclined to research previous areas in which it has been tempted from and secondly, look at weather conditions. Fish these areas as often as possible, rather than stay at home because the pressure is ‘too high’ or the wind is from the ‘wrong direction’!”