The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

As previous tales will tell the story, I’m lucky enough to have some of Bernard’s tackle and that includes a couple of bubble floats. I decided that, if I could find an hour spare, I’d take one along to the Hidden Pool, where a few carp had been spending time just beneath the surface in one corner.

It’s a lovely little spot, hidden away in the countryside, where rapturous birdsong is normally the only noise. I had two rods made up; a MKIV Avon to fish down the side, on the bottom, just in case the weather turned, and the MKIV carp with a DAM reel to cast out my floating bait.





I soon found some carp and they were indeed on the surface.



They were more cagey than I’d expected and I had to move around a little more than I’d hoped, working out their movements and anticipating how to get a proper take without spooking them. Despite their wildness (or because of it?) they could see the line. Eventually a flash of inspiration and a change of bait led to a fish ‘on’...



and a delightful long powerful common carp. I think Bernard would have enjoyed that.



You might just make out Bernard’s float above the carps’ flank by the reel.

And the successful bait? I’ll save that for next time but let’s just say it was a touch continental and I hope we can still get it next summer. A little more experimentation needed.

Ooh la la...

lovely! also really like that DAM reel...

Lovely water, tackle and fish Looking forward to hearing more on your new surface bait

Great report Phil! And I'm glad to see that you're not too afraid to use such a precious piece of tackle, it as after all what the float would want and probably Bernard too.

Hmmm, that bait, escargot perhaps?

Lovely looking fish Phil well done

Lovely tackle and fish Phil...

Scott wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2019 1:18 pm Great report Phil! And I'm glad to see that you're not too afraid to use such a precious piece of tackle, it as after all what the float would want and probably Bernard too.

Hmmm, that bait, escargot perhaps?

I think the trick is to use a strong main line and a lesser hooklength (but still strong enough!).

I’m almost exclusively barbless now as well so if I had a break I’m confident the hook would drop out.

As for the bait...

non ce n'était pas un escargot...

Very nice Phil.
I wonder if your secret bait may be the key to unlocking Ashmead's secrets for me in August. I think I may need a word when i see you in July!

What a nice report! Well done Phil!
So it was two thirds thanks to the continent, that you caught that carp - the DAM reel and the secret bait ...
My guess is, you had a baguette in your lunch box and used some crust.

I am so enjoying these posts - it’s like having a MKIV festival - how could anyone resist the curve - exquisite.