Let's go stalking

Stalking is an art in itself, thoroughly enjoyable and one that I hold close to my heart. You have to pinpoint an area that the carp are happy to feed on, present an effective rig and be prepared to keep stealthy. The slightest crack of a stick or heavy footstep could reveal your presence and potentially blow your chances. Stalking most definitely turns a good angler into an excellent angler.

Now, although this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea I can assure you that it can be very effective for outwitting carp. It’s a great method for ambushing single, known fish too. Consequently, if you’re targeting one particular carp in your lake or just looking to create a chance that you might not have originally encountered, margin fishing could be the answer.

How to look for the right stalking areas

Get in there!

Lily pads, overhanging bushes and snags all hold carp so make sure you take a look when you wander around your chosen water. Look on the end of a warm wind, quiet corner or sheltered bay, as this may well be where the carp are lurking. Always survey the swim through a pair of polarising sunglasses because they help no end in examining the sub-surface world. I use the old John Wilson Lumberjacks – an old-school pair but still the best in my mind.

Polarising sunglasses help eliminate the surface glare

Also, if you can, climb a nearby tree to gain a bird’s eye view of the lake. This, in conjunction with a good pair of Polaroid’s will help to eliminate the surface glare and give you an insight into the world beneath the surface. I’ve spotted no end of big fish that have led to their captures by viewing them from the branches of a tree. It also helps you to understand your quarry’s feeding habits and characteristics. All carp feed differently and you may be able to pick up on the smallest detail such as how close it feeds to the bottom, its reaction towards a certain material or the way it feeds over gravel etc. All this will stack the odds in your favour.

How to and what to feed

When I’m stalking in the margins I will often bait up a few likely-looking areas before anything at all: boilie chops, pellets and hemp are all perfect for marginal carp. Hemp resembles small snails that thrive in the water and are often readily accepted immediately. Ensure you mix the hemp though, because carp can easily become preoccupied. I never forget the good old sweetcorn either.

The colour and sweet aroma of the golden grain seems to attract every species that swims!

If nuisance fish are present get on the golden tigers

Where you can, try and introduce the bait on a little-and-often basis. There are many tools such as bait droppers, baiting poles and catapults to help you bait tightly. By introducing bait regularly the carp will continue to return to the spot willingly and hopefully slip up when you eventually ambush them.

How to set the perfect trap

Once you have the carp feeding confidently it’s finally time to try and snare your prey. Concealing yourself behind some bankside shrubbery will keep you camouflaged and out of sight. Although I prefer to opt for subtle, drab-coloured fishing clothing, this is where the camouflage materials come into their own. Keeping out of the skyline will also ensure that no sudden movements will silhouette through their vision, which could cause them to spook.

Before placing your hookbait take a last look to see if any carp are present. If they’re still there, devouring every morsel of grub, try and spook them with bait rather than your rig. That way, they will return. However, a lead crashing through the surface may cause them to flee the area completely and spook as they suspect that something’s wrong.

How to pick and tie the right rigs

Rigs are always kept nice and simple, as well as the hookbait. I’ve never been one for using the same as everyone else so I opt for a whittled-down boilie, dumbbell or nut. That said, I have been experimenting with some balanced Baitworks pop-ups recently whereby you can actually create your own hookbait on the bank. An important factor in a hookbait is for it to act like one of my free offerings. The only way to do this is to eliminate or neutralise the weight of the hook that it is attached to. Consequently, I opt for a critically balanced bait – like a snowman or pop-up anchored on to the Hair by a split shot. Alternatively, balancing a tiger nut with a sliver of cork.

For instant fishing, try one of the trusty Korda Ready-Rigs

Now, if I’m after an instant rig and don’t have the time to tie something new, I will employ a ready-tied rig from Korda. They’re concocted so perfectly that they’re as good as I would tie anyway. That, and they also come in a variety of sizes and materials, lends themselves perfectly to this style of fishing. The other bonus of these awesome rigs is the fact that your Hair will always be adjustable due to the fact that they come with dedicated Extenda Stops. I must say that I’ve never even contemplated using a ready-tied rig before, but I will now!

Pin your main line and hooklinks to the bottom with Sinkers and putty

Once your rig is in situ, you need the carp to feel happy feeding over your rig. The only way to do this is to ensure that your end tackle is as inconspicuous as possible. Therefore, sink your main line, use putty or Sinkers, and match the colour of your materials to the colour of the lakebed. I also like the thought of a fluorocarbon leader material. It’s practically invisible and when pinned down with tiny sections of putty it anchors to the bottom perfectly. Remember, always ensure that your systems are ultra safe!

How to get the ultimate buzz

I love the anticipation of margin fishing. You can see everything that is happening under the surface and you learn so much about the way that they react to your rig and feed. It’s also a real buzz when one finally slips up on your rig and your clutch goes into overdrive as a carp bolts for freedom.

Get it right and you could receive instant action

It can often be frustrating too. Time and time again the fish will pass over the rig and dip down onto the hookbait only for nothing to happen. Keep patient, though, as eventually you will get a chance. If not, keep tinkering with your presentation. It maybe that they’re using the weight of the lead to eject the hook. Maybe your Hair is too short? There are many factors to consider so use trial and error to up your catch-rates. Whatever happens, you will thoroughly enjoy your marginal fishing - especially in the summer hear. Tight lines and good luck for the coming months!

This one was stalked off the surface