How to increase your catch rate this November

The water temperatures are falling and the first frosts have arrived. There are still good results to be had however if you get location right. Carp are still willing to feed although the length and regularity of these feeding spells are beginning to reduce.

Carp and most species of fish are ‘poikilothermic’ which means their body temperature is directly related to the environment in which they live. Therefore, as water temperatures fall, the carp’s body temperature falls with it. This has a significant impact of the fish’s metabolism; carp become less active reducing their energy consumption and therefore reducing their feed requirements. The reducing temperature also has an impact on the digestive system of the carp slowing enzyme activity and prolonging the time food takes to digest. This also has an impact on the amount and type of food the carp can consume.

Bait digestion

It is important to introduce bait that is highly digestible for the carp and that will pass through the gut easily. Try to stay away from very oily baits such as trout pellet and fishmeal boilies as the oil congeals in the cold conditions. Not only does this mean it isn’t releasing attraction into the water, but it can also clog the digestive tract of the fish. If I’m using boilies I’ll tend to go for a low fishmeal, milk protein bait that is easily digestible and passes through the fish easily.

Last winter I was using ‘The Ripple’ from Tails Up, which is bait designed specifically for cold-water fishing. It is easily digested and in cold-water tank tests past through the carp within 24hrs.

Alternatively the use of low oil carp pellets and particles can also give good results but don’t go too mad with introducing large quantities while you are fishing. Aim to fish for one bite at a time and introduce a bit more bait after each fish.

If you are using the correct type of bait it is possible to keep the fish active and feeding by regularly introducing food. I have seen this work better when there are several anglers on a fishery still introducing decent quantities of bait. This is best done by pre-baiting every few days with larger quantities and keeping bait levels lower when actually fishing. This helps to keep the carp used to finding food and can produce some really good cold weather results even with frost on the ground!

If you use pellets choose ones with a low-oil content

Target areas and weather

At this time of year I’d definitely be targeting the deeper areas of the lake as these may still be one to two degrees warmer than the shallower water that has cooled down. Now temperatures have dropped, carp activity may have slowed right down so being vigilant is even more important. As the chances of spotting showing fish reduce, keep your eyes peeled and be prepared to cast at signs of fish activity or move swims. Quite often one showing fish can give away a much larger shoal below the surface as the fish congregate in the most comfortable areas.

A simple presentation that’s great for casting at showing fish

Summary

Over the coming month the carp will still be catchable with just a little more thought put into how often and where they may feed. They can be in great condition with good weights so its still well worth getting out there!

Good luck!