today

[Norfolkboy]

went out for a few hourd with my dad, fished the float with spam.

i missed a few bites until my dad got the 1st fish, his new pb carp (common) at 6lb.



i missed quite a lot more bites, really wasn't on the ball when i finally caught this, a 5lb common:



yet again i missed more bites, then hooked 1 and lost it. Then my dad hooked 1 and lost it, then i did the same not long after.

Then he finally banked another fish, a small 3lb mirror:



not a bad afternoon

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Nice picts and fish

Your dads gettin a bit of a pro

[wellyfish]

sounds like you had a good few hours,well done

[Simon TorbayFishing]

Your Dad should ground you. I'm sick of reading how good your days are when I almost blank out!

Just kidding, well done

i missed quite a lot more bites, really wasn't on the ball when i finally caught this, a 5lb common:

Dan,

Missed bites on carp waters are often caused by line bites rather than the fish actually taking the bait. Since carp are not shy feeders the current caused by them grubbing around in your swim can cause a lightly shotted float to go under without the fish actually taking the bait...the answer is to use a heavier tipped float and at least that way you can be reasonably certain that if it goes under its a bite. If missed bites continue gradually increase your depth so more line lies on the bottom and your hook is further away from the vertical portion of line running up to your float...less chance of a tail or fin catching your line.

Also when ledgering cast out and allow the bait time to get out of your feeder...then draw it back for a couple of turns of the reel. This leaves your feed and bait beyond your mainline and reduces the chances of fins catching your line.

Another thought ...how are you putting the spam on the hook...do you hair rig it or just bury the hook in it? A short hair rig would probably improve hooking rates, or ensure you leave the point of the hook out of the meat.

Hope this helps ...as time spent reeling in and recasting is wasted fishing time :/

Dave

[Norfolkboy]

i normally hair rig the meat, or cut it quite thin to try and prevent the hook point being covered

will remember the tip about shotting the float more or going deeper, thanks