Carp Fishing Tips For Deep Lakes | Steve Hill
Depths of over 20ft can be daunting for many anglers, but OMC's Steve Hill has just had an epic autumn carp fishing session targeting a spot over 30ft down. In this short article, he explains how to fish in deep water...
Autumn is well and truly here and at this time of year the fish are exhausting the natural food sources. With the shallow areas often cleared first - it's time to look for deep water!
Deep water has loads of benefits, one is the consistency in water temperature, which can fluctuate dramatically because of the wind and sunlight in the shallow spots.
In terms of food, you often find that undertow can push all sorts of tasty morsels for the carp up against the base of bars, shelves and drop offs. In addition, the siltier bottoms associated with really deep areas are a haven for the carp's favourite food - bloodworm!
On a recent session at Grenville, I had consistent action from some very big fish from a spot 30ft down. So, my key message here is, don't fear the depths, the carp are down there! There is, however, a few things you have to do differently when fishing the deep zones on your lake...
BAITING FOR THE SWING BACK
Accurate baiting is crucial whatever depth you're fishing at, but when fishing in really deep water, I like to change how I clip up in relation to my Spomb. This change allows for the 'swing back' of the Lead as it falls through the water on a tight Line.
I allow 3ft for every 12ft of depth to compensate for 'swing back', so in the 30ft depths I would be clipped up approximately a Rod length shorter on the Spod Rod. There are, however, a few other things to consider when baiting up too...
UNDERTOW AND CROSS WINDS
It is important to consider the undertow and cross wind when baiting up, especially on large windswept waters like Grenville. I like to use a really heavy bait mix, so it gets to the bottom very quickly after the Spomb has emptied. This can be achieved by really soaking the baits in liquids.
When Spombing with a cross wind or head wind, you need to allow for this too. Depending on the strength, Spodding into the wind by up to two extra Rod lengths will help get the mix onto the spot.
Sometimes the wind is just too much to risk it, and you actually could be harming your chances more by baiting inaccurately. If this is the case, you can't beat a Fade Solid Bag for ensuring there is something around your Rig and you're still on the spot.
RIGS AND HOOKBAITS
No matter the situation, I look to use Rigs that won't tangle and reset themselves by kicking away from the Lead all the time - this is even more crucial in really deep water.
My favoured Rig is the Slip-D Multi Combi, a presentation I feel has the suppleness for cute fish at the Hook end but also the resetting and hooking properties needed thanks to the Kickback Fluorocarbon (watch the linked video to see how I tie it).
When selecting your Hookbait, you should take into consideration that water pressure at these depths will impact your baits negatively, so they will be heavier.
PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO LINE LAY
Line lay is always important and often very under-looked by anglers, but when fishing in deep water, you really need to make sure you sink that Line properly. Take your time sinking the Line and make sure to recover any bows without moving the Lead. You want it straight to the Rig. This can take some patience, so don't be in a rush to put the Rod on the Alarm and set the Bobbin.
GO HEAVY WITH YOUR LEADS
Fishing in deep water, I'd always use a heavier Lead than usual. Certainly no lighter than 4-5oz. This has lots of benefits; not only will it help you hit the spots easier but the Rig will fall faster and you will be able to feel it down in the depths better.
Heavier Leads will also stay put on the lakebed and allow you to tighten up properly to your Rig and sort your line-lay without budging. This holds true in strong undertows too.
GIVE IT A GO
That's just a few tips for fishing deep spots and lakes. Don't be scared of it, big carp can be caught from very, very deep water. You never know what monsters you might find lurking down there...
Steve Hill is one of the faces of the OMC Sponsored Angler Team and an experienced Carp Angler. Alongside OMC's Roo Abbott, he runs Carp Tuition Socials, where he shares his skills and knowledge with beginners to the sport.
