A Comprehensive Guide Using Fox International and CC Moore Products
Introduction
Carp fishing is a popular and rewarding angling pursuit, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to catch some of the most sought-after freshwater fish. Among the various techniques employed by carp anglers, the use of PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) bags has gained significant attention due to their effectiveness in delivering bait directly to the fishing spot. This blog post delves into the intricacies of using PVA bags in carp fishing, including when to use them, how to fill them, the types of leads to pair them with, and the best times of the year to deploy them. We'll specifically focus on products from Fox International and CC Moore, two renowned brands in the carp fishing industry.
What are PVA Bags?
PVA bags are small, water-soluble bags made from polyvinyl alcohol, a material that dissolves in water. These bags are used to deliver a controlled amount of bait directly to your hookbait, ensuring an attractive bait presentation around your hook. PVA bags are particularly popular in carp fishing because they allow for precise baiting, helping to attract carp to the hookbait and increasing the chances of a bite.
When to Use PVA Bags
1. During High Fishing Pressure
In highly pressured waters, where carp are used to seeing bait and rigs, using PVA bags can give you an edge. The compact bait presentation of a PVA bag can make your offering stand out and appear less intimidating than a large spread of bait.
2. Cold Water Conditions
During colder months, carp tend to be less active and feed less frequently. Using PVA bags filled with a smaller amount of highly attractive bait can be more effective than scattering large quantities of bait, which might not be consumed quickly.
3. Targeting Specific Spots
If you're fishing in a location with features like gravel patches, drop-offs, or weed beds, PVA bags can help you deliver your bait precisely to these spots. This precision ensures that your bait is presented in the best possible way to attract carp.
4. Fishing with Small Baits
PVA bags are perfect for presenting small baits, such as pellets or crushed boilies. This method allows you to create a highly attractive feeding area around your hookbait without introducing large quantities of food that might satiate the carp before they find your hook.
How to Fill PVA Bags
Filling a PVA bag correctly is crucial to ensure it delivers the bait effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose Your Bait
Using high-quality bait can significantly impact your success. CC Moore offers a range of excellent baits perfect for PVA bag fishing. Some popular choices include:
- CC Moore Odyssey XXX Pellets: These pellets are packed with attractants and nutrients, making them ideal for enticing carp.
- CC Moore Live System Boilies: A soft, digestible boilie that breaks down quickly, releasing food signals into the water.
- CC Moore Crushed Hemp: An excellent addition for creating a cloud of attraction around your bait.
2. Prepare the PVA Bag
Select the appropriate size of PVA bag. Fox International offers a variety of sizes to suit different fishing scenarios:
- Fox Edges Fast Melt PVA Bags: Available in sizes from Small to Extra Large, these bags dissolve quickly in colder water, perfect for winter fishing.
- Fox Rapide Load System PVA Bags: A convenient system for quickly filling PVA bags, available in various sizes.
3. Fill the Bag
Start by placing a small amount of bait in the bottom of the bag. Then, add your hookbait (such as a CC Moore boilie or pellet hookbait) and cover it with more bait. You can mix different types of bait to create a more attractive mix. Be sure not to overfill the bag; leaving some space allows for a better presentation and ensures the bag dissolves properly.
4. Seal the Bag
Once the bag is filled, lick the edges of the bag and twist the top to seal it. Some anglers prefer to use PVA tape or string for a secure seal, especially when casting at long distances.
5. Attach to Your Rig
There are various ways to attach the PVA bag to your rig. One common method is to pierce the top of the bag with the hook point and slide the bag down onto the hook link. This technique keeps the bag close to the hookbait, ensuring the bait is presented together when the bag dissolves.
Choosing the Right Leads
The type of lead you use with your PVA bag can influence your presentation and the effectiveness of your setup. Fox International offers a range of leads suitable for PVA bag fishing:
1. Fox Edges Inline Leads
Inline leads are ideal for PVA bag setups as they provide a streamlined and tangle-free presentation. The Fox Edges Inline Leads come in various weights, allowing you to choose the right size for your casting distance and conditions.
2. Fox Edges Flat Pear Leads
These leads offer excellent stability and are less likely to roll on sloping lakebeds. The flat shape ensures a stable presentation, which is particularly useful when fishing on uneven or soft bottoms.
3. Fox Edges Drop Off Leads
For situations where you might need to release the lead during the fight (such as when fishing near snags or in weedy conditions), Fox Edges Drop Off Leads are a great choice. These leads can be easily detached from the main line, reducing the risk of losing the fish.
Best Times of Year to Use PVA Bags
The effectiveness of PVA bags can vary throughout the year, depending on water temperature, fish activity levels, and natural food availability.
1. Spring
In spring, as water temperatures rise, carp become more active and start feeding heavily after the winter. This is an excellent time to use PVA bags filled with high-attract baits like CC Moore Live System Boilies and Pellets. The increased feeding activity means carp are more likely to investigate and consume the bait presented in a PVA bag.
2. Summer
During the warmer summer months, carp metabolism is at its peak, and they feed actively. However, they can also become more cautious due to increased fishing pressure. In these conditions, using a smaller PVA bag with a high-quality bait mix can be very effective. CC Moore's Odyssey XXX range, with its rich nutritional profile, is a great choice to keep carp interested.
3. Autumn
Autumn is a prime time for carp fishing as fish prepare for the winter by feeding heavily. Using larger PVA bags with a mix of CC Moore boilies, pellets, and particles can help create a substantial baited area, drawing in more carp. The Fox Edges Extra Large PVA Bags are ideal for this purpose, allowing you to deliver a generous amount of bait.
4. Winter
Winter can be challenging due to the cold water temperatures and reduced carp activity. In these conditions, smaller PVA bags with highly attractive, digestible baits are recommended. The Fox Edges Fast Melt PVA Bags dissolve quickly in cold water, making them perfect for winter use. CC Moore's Belachan Block or Liquid Belachan can be added to your mix to boost attraction.
Different Sizes of PVA Bags and Their Uses
PVA bags come in various sizes, each suitable for different fishing scenarios:
1. Small PVA Bags
Small PVA bags are perfect for single hookbait presentations, especially when you want to keep the bait compact and avoid overfeeding the fish. They are ideal for winter fishing or targeting wary carp in pressured waters.
2. Medium PVA Bags
Medium PVA bags offer a balance between bait quantity and presentation size. They are versatile and can be used in most fishing situations, providing enough bait to create a small feeding area without being too overwhelming.
3. Large PVA Bags
Large PVA bags are best used when you want to create a substantial baited area, such as in autumn when carp are feeding heavily. They allow you to introduce a variety of baits and attractants, making them ideal for long sessions or when targeting larger carp.
4. Extra Large PVA Bags
Extra-large PVA bags are typically used for heavy baiting sessions, often when fishing for large, hungry carp. They can hold a significant amount of bait, making them suitable for creating a large baited area to draw in more fish.
Conclusion
PVA bags are an invaluable tool in the carp angler's arsenal, offering precise bait placement and an attractive bait presentation. By understanding when and how to use PVA bags, choosing the right bait and lead combinations, and selecting the appropriate bag size, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you're fishing in the depths of winter or the warmth of summer, products from Fox International and CC Moore can help you craft an effective PVA bag setup. So next time you're out on the water, don't forget to pack your PVA bags and give this technique a try.