Stuart Megson
Name : Stuart Megson
Lives : Oldbury
Methods : Waggler,Pole,Carp.
Favourite Venue : I have recently joined a small fishing club who own the fishing rights to 3 small pools with a good mix of course fish, I will be fishing these pools as much as possible over the next few months, and look forward to stalking the carp that cruise the surface and margins.
Coaches Tip : To stalk those carp in the margins I use a very simple set up,
I tie my hook to my hook link, my hook link to my main line and add 2 SSG shot to my main line just above the knot,
bait my hook, locate the fish and move quietly into position and gently drop my bait in by the fish,
I add some free samples and wait,
I find Maggots and Sweetcorn are good baits to use, but bread is also as effective,
I watch my line where it enters the water and I gently hold the line between the thumb and forefinger of the hand I reel in with,
I wait for good positive bites, not little knocks or pulls on the line these are usually line bites or the fish swimming over the bait,
the line will tighten and this is the time to strike,
remember you are not 50 yards from the fish, a good firm strike is needed but not too hard,
I use a through action rod for stalking carp, they are ideal for playing the fish under the rod tip,
I use good strong line, 8lb - 12lb depending on the size of the fish, size 10 hooks,
and I always use a 42 inch landing net and large unhooking matt.
Also please remember that you are by water always fish from proper pegs,
if you are fishing natural pools that may not have pegs make sure you are fishing on level ground and make space for your catch,
get a good foot hold as big Carp go off like a train when they realise they are hooked.
