Stalking Big Carp on the Float | Specimen Series Carp Fishing | Phil Spinks | Waveney Valley Lakes

This entry was posted on 10th August, 2025 by Phil Spinks

Welcome back to the Specimen Series, this time I’m doing some proper hands-on float fishing for carp, close to the margins, with classic lift method tactics. There’s something special about using traditional techniques to target these fish, and Waveney Valley Lakes is the perfect place to do it. With its rich carp fishing history and its old stock of really big specimens, this venue is always a treat to visit.

A Surprising Start

I kicked things off just over a rod-length from the bank, in front of a patch of lily pads. I’d already prebaited the spot with pellets and sweetcorn earlier in the morning and I was now watching a lovely fine stream of bubbles rising through the swim. As stealthily as possible I flicked out my float with a small blob of paste on the hook and waited to see what would happen.

It did'nt take long and the float was off. I lifted into a fish… but it wasn’t a carp. I slid the net under what looked like a roach, or possibly a roach/rudd hybrid. Either way, it was a chunk. I weighed it at 2lb 10oz, not exactly what I was after for this session but Id take a fish like that any day.

I topped the swim up with a bit more corn and pellet and gave it a rest to let the carp settle back. Soon enough, the lilies started shaking and those tell-tale bubbles were back.

I topped the swim up with a bit more corn and pellet and gave it a rest to let the carp settle back. Soon enough, the lilies started shaking and those tell-tale bubbles were back.

A Small Move Makes a Big Difference

It was clear that there were lots of roach in this swim. With lots of really small ones constantly pecking at my bait and knocking it offf the hook. I edged a few feet down the bank and cast just off the baited area with my hookbait only. Shortly afterwards my float sank completely and I connected with my first proper carp of the session.

It it absolutely tore off even on my stepped-up float gear and put up a right scrap. Float fishing for carp like this is so visual and engaging. I am really enjoying the more active fishing these days, moving, watching, reacting. And at a venue like Waveney, where a lot of pioneering carp anglers used to fish, it just feels right to fish this way.

What equipment do you need?

I was using a simple but effective lift float setup with a few little tweaks to make it appropriate for the large fisha nd the snaggy swims.

My rod is an Advanta 1.75lb test curve barbel rod, paired with a small fixed spool reel loaded with 12lb line. I was under no illusion that if I fished lighter I would get more bites. But whats the point in getting bites if you cant land the fish?

The float was attached via an adapter to the mainline, locked in place by two float stops that allow me to change the depth really easily. I used a size 8 Advanta Wide Gape hook and, instead of a shot for my anchor weight, I used tungsten putty wrapped around a float stop.

you could use a split shot for this but they can damage the line. The putty is also heavy enough to fully sink the float. this way I know I’m set too shallow. So that putty’s not just for cocking the float, it also functions a bit like a plummet.

More Spots, More Fish

One of the great things about Waveney Valley is the sheer number of lakes on the complex. After that first carp, the swim went quiet, so I had a quick look at another spot I’d prebaited. Tucked in a sheltered corner of the lake. I missed a good bite on my first cast si I stayed here for a little while confident that there were fish in the area.

Fifteen minutes later, the float was gone again. This one wasn’t quite as big as the last, but still fought and was in prestine condition when we landed it. One of the joys of fishing these old lakes is that you never know what’s coming next theres plenty of quality younger carp and some amazing mature specimens too. Some of the carp in here could be as old as I am!

I moved over to C Lake next, another quieter quieter corner of the complex. Again, I watched for signs over my bait, before casting in. I had one of my favourite types of bites there: a lovely slow lift where the float just laid flat before sliding away. That always gets the heart racing, and sure enough, another solid Waveney mirror was pulling away.

Day Two

The afternoon on our first day slowed right down. I stuck to my guns and perseveered with the float tactics but It just seemed like the fish had gone off the feed, I decided to come back the next day.

It started slow again, I chose a swim where I had seen fish on day one but now the fish seemed to be crusing in the middle of the lake, well out of range for the float gear.

I returned to C lake, wich had been the kindest so far, in the hope that I could find a larger fish in the margins. I got a very gentle lift bite which turned into a lively and beautifully scaled common. It wasn't one of the monsters that I know are in here but it it was still fantastic sport.

There’s something timeless about float fishing. For many of us, it’s where our fishing journey began. And for me, the thrill has never worn off. It's like they say, “The only thing better than the appearance of a float is the disappearance of a float.”

Grand Finale

I had two more carp out of C lake, and the area definately went quiet and the session seemed to be winding down. I couldnt see any more bubbles and the lilies weren't shaking so I chose to give it one more go on G lake where we started the day before.

When I crept back into the swim there were in fact small signs of fish but I wasn't convinced that it was actually carp. Immediately I hooked into a bream and my suspicions were confirmed. after a few bream in a row I was ready to call it a day but then all of a sudden I lifted into a better fish.

He did me a favour and decided to swim himself into the net! This one was the biggest of the trip too.

I was really hopingf for a fish like this on the session. This one was really cool looking and a prime example of what can be achieved with float tactics. It feels like these more traditional tecniques are often forgoten in the carp fishing world of buzzers, bite alarms, spinner rigs and bivvies. So I'd like to sign off with this message; dont forget how fun it is to catch them on the float, and if you'd like to give it a go I have also linked all the products I used down below.

Check out the Video below and we’ll catch you for the next episode of Specimen Series. Tight Lines!