rp For some anglers, fishing is a game of stealth. During spring, summer and autumn, with warmer water temperatures, stalking can be an exciting and highly effective way of catching fish. This style of angling allows you to be selective, and also to ensure that you have a carp rig in play where fish are feeding.
What Does ‘Stalking’ Mean in Fishing?
Stalking can be an awesome and highly effective method for catching all manner of species. As you move around the water, stalking involves getting up close and personal with the carp and getting them to feed in the nooks and crannies along the edges of the water instead of waiting around for them to bump into your hook.
Here are a few tips to help you the next time to fancy a spot of stalking…
1. Dress to Un-Impress
When stalking, you are often feet away from your quarry, so ensure you are wearing drab clothing, to blend in as much as possible. Use cover such as trees or shrubbery to hide behind and disguise your presence. Stalking is certainly not the time to be wearing your hi-viz jacket and go stomping right up to the edge.
Walk softly and ensure that you do as much as you can to not alert the fish to your presence. Another absolute essential for stalking is polarised sunglasses, which help you distinguish fish by taking any glare off the surface. Try and be aware of your shadow on the water also, as this can spook fish.
2. Light As A Feather Fishing Tackle
Strip down your gear to your rod and reel, essential end tackle items, bait and your net and unhooking mat. This means less chance of you making a commotion and more chance of you being mobile and covering more of the lake.
The less tackle the better, and even better would be to have a designated stalking kit, consisting of one bag, a shorter style stalking rod, and your unhooking mat and net. The more kit you have the more likely you are to make the most of this style of angling.
3. Free The Fishing Line
The simplest rig can often catch the biggest of fish. Many anglers here at Angling Direct have caught loads of fish stalking with freelined bread, worms and surface baits like floating pellets or mixer biscuits. Simply tie a hook to your mainline and then move around until you spot a feeding fish or even a fish that’s just cruising, cast to the fish and more often than not the fish will swallow your offering allowing you to strike.
4. Keep on Moving for Carp
Don’t stay in one area. Make sure you lap the lake and bait likely-looking areas such as deep margins, clear spots and areas near snags and trees. As long as you ensure you are within the rules of the fishery and not impacting other anglers then bait up and regularly check these spots. If you see cloudy water, or even a tail breaking the surface, wait for the right moment, lower your rig, then sit well back and wait for the take.
5. Be Bold, Be Daring
