A Comprehensive Guide to Using CC Moore Baits on Large Lakes

Mastering Open Water Angling: A Comprehensive Guide to Using CCMoore Baits on Large Lakes

Carp fishing in large lakes can be a challenging yet highly rewarding pursuit. The vast expanses of open water present unique opportunities and difficulties that require a tailored approach. With the right strategy and bait selection, you can maximise your chances of landing some impressive catches. In this guide, we’ll explore the most effective ways to use CC Moore's current range of baits to target carp in large, open water lakes.

1. Understanding the Challenges of Open Water Angling

Large lakes often present anglers with vast, featureless expanses of water, making it difficult to locate and target carp effectively. Without obvious features like overhanging trees, margins, or weed beds, it can be challenging to determine where the fish are likely to be. Furthermore, open water areas in big lakes tend to be deep, which can affect both bait presentation and fish behaviour.

Key considerations when fishing in open water include:

• Depth and Water Temperature: The deeper areas of a lake can be cooler, which may influence carp feeding patterns.
• Wind and Weather Conditions: Wind can drive food sources towards certain areas of the lake, creating natural feeding zones.
• Pressure from Other Anglers: In pressured waters, carp may be wary of heavily fished spots, making subtle, well-thought-out baiting strategies crucial.

2. Selecting the Right CC Moore Baits for Open Water

CC Moore offers a variety of high-quality baits, each with unique properties that make them suitable for different fishing scenarios. When targeting carp in large lakes, it's essential to choose baits that can attract fish from a distance, maintain their appeal over long periods, and withstand the environmental conditions typical of open water.

Boilies

Boilies are a staple in carp fishing and for good reason. CC Moore’s boilie range is extensive, offering options that cater to different situations.

• Live System Boilies: Renowned for their creamy, sweet aroma, these boilies are particularly effective in cold water. Their ability to release attractants over time makes them ideal for longer sessions in deep, open water.
• Pacific Tuna Boilies: With a rich fishy profile, these boilies are perfect for creating a strong scent trail. They are especially useful in murky or deeper water where visibility is low.
• Odyssey XXX Boilies: Containing GLM (Green Lipped Mussel) extract, these are excellent for use in nutrient-rich lakes, where carp are accustomed to natural food sources.

Pellets

Pellets can create an immediate feeding response, making them an excellent choice for drawing carp into your swim quickly.

• CCMoore Trout Pellets: These high-oil pellets disperse attractants quickly and are ideal for use in deeper waters where you want to create a strong scent column.
• Oily Salmon Floater Pellets: These low-oil pellets are perfect for year-round use, especially in colder water conditions. They break down quickly, releasing potent attractants into the water column.

Liquid Attractants and Bait Soaks

Enhancing your baits with liquid attractants can make them even more effective, especially in open water where you need to draw fish from a distance.

• Liquid Tuna Extract: Ideal for boosting Pacific Tuna Boilies or any fishmeal-based bait, this liquid adds an extra layer of attraction.
• Amino Blend 365: This versatile additive can be used to coat boilies, pellets, or spod mixes, providing an intense cloud of attraction in the water.
• Feedstim XP: This liquid is designed to stimulate feeding even in the most challenging conditions, making it a great addition to any bait mix.

3. Preparing Your Bait for Maximum Effectiveness

Preparing your bait correctly can significantly enhance its effectiveness, especially when fishing in large, open waters where competition for the carp's attention is fierce.

Soaking and Glugging Boilies

Soaking your boilies in liquid attractants before use can increase their attraction. By allowing them to soak for several hours or even overnight, you ensure the boilies are fully infused with the scent and flavour of the attractant.

• For Example: Soak Pacific Tuna Boilies in Liquid Tuna Extract for a few hours before your session. This will create a powerful scent trail that carp can detect from a considerable distance.

Creating a Spod Mix

A well-prepared spod mix can be the key to drawing carp into your swim. By combining different bait types and liquid attractants, you can create a diverse feeding zone that will keep carp interested for longer periods.

• Recommended Mix:
• Base: Use a combination of CC Moore Response Pellets and crushed boilies.
• Liquid: Add Amino Blend 365 or Feedstim XP to the mix.
• Particles: Include sweetcorn, hemp, and tiger nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

This mix can be spod out to your chosen area, creating a cloud of attractants that will draw carp in from across the lake.

4. Effective Baiting Strategies for Large Lakes

When fishing in large lakes, your baiting strategy needs to be adaptable to the conditions and behaviour of the carp. Here are some strategies to consider:

Single Hookbait Approach

In large, featureless lakes, carp can be spread out and difficult to locate. A single hookbait approach, where you fish a single, highly attractive bait, can be effective in such scenarios.

• Bright Pop-Ups: Using a bright, high-attraction pop-up like the CC Moore Northern Specials can help your bait stand out in open water. The Northern Specials are available in a range of colours and flavours, making them versatile for different conditions.

Spod and PVA Bag Combinations

Spodding a large bed of bait and then fishing a PVA bag over the top can be an effective way to concentrate carp in one area.

• Step-by-Step:
• Spod out a large bed of your prepared mix, focusing on a specific area.
• Fish a PVA bag filled with matching pellets and a small hookbait over the top.
• This method creates a concentrated feeding area that can quickly attract any carp in the vicinity.

Spread Baiting

On some occasions, spreading bait over a wide area can be more effective than focusing on a single spot. This technique encourages carp to move between baits, increasing the chances of a pick-up.

• How to Do It:
• Use a throwing stick or catapult to spread boilies over a large area.
• Fish multiple rods at different distances within this baited zone to increase your coverage.

5. Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy

Fishing in large lakes requires patience and a willingness to adjust your strategy based on the conditions and the fish's behaviour.

Using Technology to Your Advantage

Modern technology, such as echo sounders and drones, can be invaluable in locating features and fish in large, open waters. Use these tools to find areas where carp are likely to congregate, such as drop-offs, plateaus, or areas with a hard bottom.

Weather and Water Conditions

Always keep an eye on the weather and water conditions. Changes in wind direction, temperature, or atmospheric pressure can all influence carp behaviour. Be prepared to move your baited areas or change your baiting strategy if conditions change.

Observation and Adaptation

Spend time observing the water. Look for signs of carp activity such as bubbles, rolling fish, or areas where birds are feeding. These can all indicate the presence of carp and guide where you should focus your efforts.

6. Practical Tips for Success

To maximise your success when fishing large lakes with CC Moore baits, consider these additional tips:

• Pre-Baiting: If possible, pre-bait your chosen area for several days before your session. This can help to draw carp into the area and get them accustomed to your bait.
• Staying Mobile: Don’t be afraid to move if you’re not getting results. In large lakes, carp can be on the move, so staying flexible and willing to relocate can make a significant difference.
• Tackle Considerations: Ensure your tackle is up to the task. Long casts may be necessary, so make sure your rod, reel, and line are suitable for the job. Additionally, consider using a heavier lead to keep your rig in place in deeper water or strong currents.

Conclusion

Fishing large, open waters presents a unique set of challenges, but with the right approach and the use of high-quality baits like those offered by CC Moore, you can significantly increase your chances of success. By understanding the environment, selecting the right bait, and employing effective strategies, you’ll be well on your way to landing some of the most elusive carp in the lake.

Remember, patience and observation are key. Adjust your tactics based on the conditions and the behaviour of the fish, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different baits and methods until you find what works best.

With CC Moore’s range of baits at your disposal and a well-planned strategy, the vast expanses of open water can become your most productive fishing grounds.

This blog post combines detailed knowledge of open water angling techniques with specific advice on using CC Moore's products, offering