Canal Carp Challenge

[quickcedo]

Nathan, I think given the unsettled weather most will struggle to start with however i am pretty confident that a 15lb Carp can be caught from most canals. I believe most interest in this challenge will not be where but, how and with what.

 

[davey boy]

Just to let you guys know approx 85% of the carp in the Trent and Mersey canal around Rugeley to Fradley in Staffs (about 8 miles of water) are 15lb and over!!!, just pick an over hanging bush, rushes or a tree on the far bank and your in, 4 out of my last 5 fish have been 20lb plus with the best 2 being 24-12, 24-8, best night ive had was 4 fish followed by 4 the following night.

Whats been suggested is a great idea, 3 of my friends and i have fished for canal carp for 15 years and we`re the only lads ever seen on there!! what a waste, its great to know we share a 4 miles stretch of water between us its like having you own syndicate and it costs £5 a year ha ha ha.

P.s also had Chub to 5lb Perch to 2lb 5 and Roach to 1lb 6.

VEEEERY UNDERRATED.

Have fun and lots of it.

 

[Nathan]

Ive set up a group for those interested in the challenge - you can find it by going to the community drop down at the top of the page then viewing social groups.

Not sure if this link will work; http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/groups/canal-carp-challenge-2010.html

 

[quickcedo]

Ok you lot. 3......2......1... GO!!!!!!
Anyone caught one yet, no
how about now.... no, oh well

 

[Nathan]

I aim to get out this weekend providing the weather holds. If anything worth sharing happens i'll add it to the group page.

 

[GertR]

Jobe done.
Both Caught Today. (Pukka weather I might add)

My First 'Spring' Carp in England too.

Common was just under 15 though, but The Mirror at 17Lb I gues makes up for that LOL.
Shall I start looking for 20's now...........................

 

[quickcedo]

Show off!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GertR]

Lol Mark.

Have to say though, it was not easy.
The Carp are not yet really having it at all.
But have to aggree with previous post's on this Thread that Canal's are definitely underrated.
Just wish that there were some really big fish to go after though.

I have been fishing Canal's only from September last year in England.
So basically almost all strecthes is new to me.
So to anyone out there get ya rods out and get on the Canal.
Some quality fish to be caught.
And to all taking part in the Challenge, I am waiting for your pic's?

My money is on you Nathan.
Tight lines all.

 

[quickcedo]

Don't know where you are located Gert, but if you can get there, the Kennet and Avon canal around Devizes. I have caught fish over 30lb from above the lock flight and I know for a fact there are bigger fish there.

 

[GertR]

Cheers Mark.

Will definitely check it out.
Mark if you live on a boat I suppose you have fished allot of Canal stretches all over the place?

 

[quickcedo]

Yeah, lived on the boat for about 8 years now. So fishing the canal is part of daily life. I must be honest and say i cheat when it comes to Carp fishing. I set my rods up and take a reciever indoors so, I can fish while going about my chores.
I'll check when i get a chance and give you the google earth ref. to where to find the best fishing on the K and A and the Oxford. to 2 canals with which I am most familiar. All the best M

 

[GertR]

Sounds very interesting Mark.

At least you do not have to barrow all your gear around?

Find this almost the hardest part of my Canal Fishing.
I have to sometimes travel threw very muddy banks, and taking with what I need to be succesfull can sometimes be a bit of a pain and a drawback, aspecially seeing that I try to be mobile and move onto the Carp if I can find them.

Moved 3 times before in a day on a couple of occasions and then moving all the Gear starts to be allot of hard work.
Also find that this hampers my ability to be more stealthy sometimes.

That information you are taking about would definitely be much appreciated when you get the time.

Thanxs
Gert

 

[Specihunter]

I'm starting next week going to a lake for a confidence shot then going to hit the canal next week . Well done Gert R

 

[GertR]

Cheers Specihunter.
And all of the best for your sessions.

I would like to ask you guys a question seeing that it seems that some of you definitely knows the Canal much better and much longer than me.
I have asked this on a couple of forums but never get any replies.
Some of the stretches I have come across the Carp has these sore's on their Gill covers.

Now I could post allot of example's but do not want to side track this whole challenge.
Could one of you maybe tell me from what these sore's would be?
Sometimes there is more than one and other times you see red marks almost like scratch marks?

 

[quickcedo]

Sorry Gert but I have no idea, only to say it's nothing to do with the canal. At first sight it looks like some kind of herpes virus but, I'll blow the pic up and look closer.
Just in case please make sure your net is properly cleaned before going elsewhere. Cheers Mark

 

[GertR]

Ok Mark will definitely do that.

I do not think it is that Koi Herpes Virus as the stretch I came across it, the Carp seemed to be in good health.
I have seen it on a couple of different stretches though last year September/October.

I will maybe soon swing by that particuler stretch and see if they still have it, maybe it was some sort of sickness, will let you know what I find when \I go there.

I first thought maybe they are feeding between rocks or something like that, but not sure what it is at all.
In that Photo you will see if you blow it up that it is almost like a blister.

 

[Nathan]

Gert - Congratulations my man!!

I'm not so sure my session will be quiet as successful but thank you for the vote of confidence. I'd love to know how's, where's & on what etc etc but i think that might be cheating! LOL

Congrats on the lovely spring carp

 

[GertR]

Cheers Nathan.

Sure your session will go well man.

No problems answering your questions.

I'd love to know how's (With my Rod and Reel) , where's (On the Canal) & on what (I like them on my landing mat). LOL

Hope that helps..............
Let me know in the future when you are getting out and where.
I will swing by for a chat and bring my glass with for a Coke.

Cheers buddy and Tight Lines.

 

[quickcedo]

Gert, I've PMd you some info. These are my favourite locations so please keep under your hat. If you get a chance to fish any of them do let me know how you got on. By the way all the fish i caught at these spots were caught on either butter beans or chickpeas. Most of the areas don't get fished much and some have never seen a boilie! All the best M

 

[Nathan]

Mark,

I use chickpeas a lot when prebaiting on the canal along with hemp & maize. My only problem is that hair-rigging them can be quite fiddly - especially when they're soft. How do you get around this?