Cold Water Carping Tips
We have made it past Christmas and are now
looking at a new year with high hopes of improv-
ing on our personal best. Here in lies the rub. Its cold,
wet nasty weather and for some snow and ice. Along with the miserable conditions outside we are cursed
with a slow and timid carp bite in the colder months. All this together would hinder even the most dedi-
cated angler. But for those out there like me, that can not bear the thought of not being out there fishing
despite the weather outside. Then maybe this short article can help you improve your cold water carping.
Now the first thing to look for in the winter here in the south is carp sign on warmer sunny winter days.
You can not catch what is not there. Most of the time not too much
activity is seen and so if you do see them, then you have an advan-
tage already. Now a common mistake is to always go directly to deep
water to fish because that is where they will be. In the fall months,
this will hold true because the deeper water will maintain the warm-
er temperatures longer thus giving the carp a warmer environment.
After Christmas in January start looking for areas that get plenty of
sunlight with some shelter from the cold winter winds regardless of
the water depth. Look for snags above and below because these ar-
eas provide cover and a sense of security at a time when they try not
to expend energy moving around.
Also, these areas hold an abundance of snails and muscles when food
is in short supply. Thick silt bottoms are good in colder water because
silt holds warmth longer. Dying weed beds are another excellent winter
home for carp. The weeds still hold areas of natural food source, and
the rotting plants put off a slight amount of warmth thus making the wa-
ter temperatures in these regions slightly warmer. If you don’t know of
a hole/swim with silty bottoms or dying weeds/foliage there not to hard
to find with a bare lead. Do this on a scouting expedition, and once you
locate the spot you’re looking for, scatter a couple of pounds of boilies
around the area of the snags, weed beds, etc. Do this several times
on different days before you give it a go (fish). Why boilies you ask? I
know a lot of anglers use deer corn, birdseed, etc. So why boilies? In
the colder months fish tend to expend less energy to receive max gain
from food ingested. Boilies hold an abundance of nutrients each boilie
is perfect by giving energy and nutrients needed. Now that we have
covered location lets focus on hook baits. Since I have baited the swim
with boilies, my hook bait of choice in the weed beds or silt bottom are
a pop-up. Hard bait or wafter boilies for hard clear bottoms like sand
or rock. Pop-ups because of the fast reaction mechanics of the asso-
ciated rigs. No matter the size of the pop up with the bait so close to
the hook, the point will always be in the position to strike even on the
timidest of bites. With the more transparent water in the winter months,
it makes the hook bait more visible from higher elevations in the water.
Also since the swim was baited with boilies, the hook baits match and
gives the carp more confidence. In the colder months, I usually do not
use pack bait (method) because less is more theory, so we need a rig
that doesn’t tangle or foul on the cast. I like
to tie a “D” rig hook link with stiff Korda
Mouth-Trap and fish either a chod rig or the
same hook link using a run rig. Use a pva
foam pellet by placing it on the hook point
to protect the hook point and keep the hook
from fouling your line on the cast. Take a knife and split the back portion of
the nugget half way thru lengthwise. Then place the opposite end over the
hook point with the split over the shank of the hook. Now moisten each side
of the split and squeeze together. Your hook is protected from fouling or
point damage. This ensures a perfect presentation on the lake bed with each
cast. Winter carping adds a whole new set of challenges to carping and will
open new doors and opportunities to “Hit the Bank.” See you on the banks,
Tight Lines, and a Wet Nets Yall!
Jeff Skelton
6