Canal Carp Fishing In Belgium | Mitch Koster
Carp Fishing in Belgium, particularly on the Canals, has exploded in popularity in recent years. The fish are big and the angling is exciting. In this short article, Mitch Koster explains more...
I've recently started fishing in Belgium along the Canal, and what an experience it has been so far. I'm very much fishing the venue like a "thief in the night", arriving at 22:00 and leaving at 08:00. When I find fish, I share nothing with anyone until I know they are gone again - this is classic underground carp angling.
I've been fortunate to get stuck into a few fish early. In fact, in just five nights fishing, I've managed 11 carp. The best of these weighing 44lb, 40lb 7oz, 39lb and 33lb - proper lumps for any Canal!
What’s unique about this location is that the fish often swim in groups, covering around 150km up and down the Canal. Although the fish population here isn’t very dense, once you find them, you can really capitalise on it.
My approach is to locate the fish right away and then start feeding cautiously. I usually begin with just a couple of handfuls of 16 and 18mm Boilies. When I’m sure I’ve found them, I’ll confidently spread up to five kilos of Boilies over the targeted zone. When the bites slow down, I move to a new spot and start the whole process again.
I intentionally use a flexible, "Ronnie-style" Rig, allowing me to quickly reposition my Rig with a sharp Lock Hook in the exact spot that’s currently producing bites. On the canal, timing is everything; if you find the fish, you need to be able to catch them immediately!
For this type of fishing, I also use slightly stronger gear than I would at a lake. Here, you have to contend with mussel beds, weed growth, and sometimes even 100-meter-long ships, so robust equipment is essential. My Rig is constructed with size 2 Locks, 50lb Ammo Braid and the Blend Big Beast Fused Leaders. Nothing is left to chance by being weak.
In my experience, night fishing has been the most productive time, while I tend to avoid weekends entirely. Not only do anglers flock to the area in this period, but boat traffic almost comes to a standstill. When the boats aren’t moving, the fishing becomes noticeably tougher.
So, if you fancy a challenge and a big carp or two in a totally unique environment, come give the Belgium Canals a go.
Journalist Chris Haydon joined the OMC Family in the spring of 2024, after six years working for the UK's number 1 fishing publication, the Angling Times. He is a keen Coarse and Carp Fishing All-rounder, fishing in the South West region, including the famous Cotswold Water Park.
