January
Winter Carp Tactics
In January, carp are generally less active due to the cold-water temperatures. However, they still need to feed, albeit less frequently.
Best Methods:
Location: Focus on deep, stable water where the temperature is more consistent.
Bait: Use smaller, high-attract baits like maggots, sweetcorn, or boilies with a high fishmeal content. Flavours like CC Moore bloodworm or krill can be particularly effective.
Tactics: Fish slow and steady. Use smaller hooks and fine lines to reduce visibility. Pre-baiting a spot lightly with chopped boilie and pellet can help keep carp interested.
February
Cold Water Challenges
February continues the cold trend, with carp still moving slowly.
Best Methods:
Location: Like January, target deeper areas and spots with natural features like sunken trees or deep holes.
Bait: Stick with small, highly attractive baits. Consider using glugged boilies with CC Moore liquid Bloodworm compound or PVA bags filled with CC Moore PVA bag mix.
Tactics: Keep presentations subtle and avoid overfeeding. Zig rigs can be particularly effective if fish are off the bottom.
March
Pre-Spawn Preparation
As the water begins to warm, carp start to prepare for spawning, increasing their feeding activity.
Best Methods:
Location: Target shallow areas that warm up faster, such as bays or near reed beds.
Bait: Introduce slightly larger baits, including pellet and boilie combinations. Sweet, fruity flavours can become more attractive as temperatures rise, try using CC Moore 18mm Live System hard hookbaits.
Tactics: Pre-baiting becomes more effective. Use groundbait or spod mixes to create a feeding area. Match the hatch by using baits like natural food sources CC Moore Natural PVA bag bundle deal is a good choice.
April
Increased Activity
April sees a significant increase in carp activity as they continue to build energy for spawning.
Best Methods:
Location: Shallow margins and areas with lots of natural food become hotspots.
Bait: Larger baits like 18mm boilies, CC Moore’s sweet jumbo tiger nuts, and particles. Consider using bright, visual baits like CC Moore NS 1 yellow pop ups to attract carp from a distance.
Tactics: Use spombing or PVA bags to create a concentrated baited area. Experiment with pop-ups or wafters for better visibility, give CC Moore NS 1 pink wafters a go here as they are bright, pre-soaked with NS 1 Halo is a good combo.
May
Spawning Season
In many regions, carp begin spawning in May. During this period, they may not be as focused on feeding.
Its best to avoid this time of year and let the carp spawn in piece.
June
Post-Spawn Recovery
After spawning, carp are often hungry and looking to regain energy.
Best Methods:
Location: Focus on deeper areas where carp might go to recover. Look for signs of feeding activity such as bubbles or mud clouds.
Bait: Protein-rich baits such as CC Moore’s Odyssey XXX boilies, pellets, and particles. Use larger baits like 18mm boilies to target bigger carp.
Tactics: Spombing or baiting with a spod rod can be very effective. Also, consider using chod rigs or stiff hinge rigs for presenting bait over silt or weed.
July
Warm Water Fishing
July often brings warmer water temperatures, increasing carp's metabolic rates and feeding activity.
Best Methods:
Location: Carp may seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, so target shaded areas or deeper water.
Bait: Bright pop-ups again CC Moore NS1 yellow pop ups are a good choice and pink and red, boilies, and particles. Sweetcorn and maize can be particularly effective these can also be found on CC Moore’s website.
Tactics: Surface fishing with bread or floating pellets can be exciting and productive. Be mindful of oxygen levels in the water and avoid fishing during the hottest parts of the day.
August
High Summer Fishing
Like July, August is characterized by warm water and active fish.
Best Methods:
Location: Early mornings and late evenings are prime times as carp avoid midday heat. Look for clear patches in weed beds.
Bait: Stick with bright and sweet baits. Consider using flavoured dips and glugs to enhance bait attraction a session pack from CC Moore is a good start for a weekend.
Tactics: Zig rigs can be highly effective for suspended carp. Also, stalking in the margins with stealth can produce big carp.
September
Autumn Transition
As temperatures begin to cool, carp start preparing for the winter, increasing their feeding.
Best Methods:
Location: Shallow waters that warm up during the day and deeper areas during colder periods.
Bait: Larger boilies, pellets, and particles. CC Moore’s Pro-Stim Liver flavour can become more effective used in the right way, try mixing it up with a session pack.
Tactics: Pre-baiting campaigns can help concentrate carp in specific areas. Use bottom rigs like the Ronnie or German rigs to present bait cleanly.
October
Prime Time for Big Carp
October is often considered one of the best months for catching large carp as they feed heavily before winter.
Best Methods:
Location: Focus on the main lake body and areas with natural food sources like mussel beds.
Bait: Use larger baits and heavier feeds. Incorporate oily pellets and boilies like CC Moore’s Pacific Tuna range into your baiting strategy.
Tactics: Long sessions with consistent baiting can be very productive. Experiment with different rigs, including snowman rigs and multi rigs.
November
Late Autumn Adjustments
With cooling water, carp begin to slow down, but they still feed to build winter reserves.
Best Methods:
Location: Target deeper areas and sheltered spots. Sun-exposed areas can still warm up and attract carp.
Bait: Smaller baits, such as 10mm boilies or maggots. Focus on rich, oily flavours CC Moore’s Krill range is perfect for November when it starts to get a bit colder.
Tactics: Fish patiently and with subtle presentations. Consider using single hook baits to minimize disturbance.
December
Winter Strategy Revisited
As December brings colder temperatures, carp activity reduces significantly.
Best Methods:
Location: Focus on winter holding areas, typically deeper sections with stable temperatures.
Bait: Use small, high-attract baits sparingly. Consider using liquid attractants to enhance appeal a CC Moore Pro-Stim Liver range is a good choice here if going for a short session why not get a session pack.
Tactics: Keep sessions short and focus on prime feeding windows, typically around midday when temperatures are at their highest. Use light lines and delicate rigs.
By adjusting your approach to match the seasonal behaviour of carp, you can increase your chances of catching both numbers and size throughout the year. Remember, patience and observation are key components of successful carp fishing.