The Ultimate

The Ultimate
Author: Willie Botha
Introduction,
I was asked by a good friend of mine to write an article about - Specimen Carp fishing, which I
thought about for quite a long time, as there are quite a few good articles done monthly by very
good anglers. I’m not a publicity GURU and I like to keep my fishing ways to myself and I’m also not
an “expert”.
I’m doing Specimen Carp fishing, for almost 25 years, as a “hobby” of mine and must say one of the
most satisfying segments in “carp” fishing for me.
Specimen Fishing Style
A lot of “conventional papgooi”
anglers says, specimen fishing is
for the “ lazy fisherman” . He
gets his rods out and then sits
and waits UNTILL something
happens. That might be the
perception, however your
success will be based on the
effort you put into your fishing.
I must say the satisfaction I get
out of this type of fishing is
much more rewarding for me, as
there is a lot of planning that
goes into each fishing session I
plan, wrt bait to be used and the
preparation thereof, selection of
fishing areas / swim, rig types
and fishing methods to be used.
Where can you fish this method?
I’m very fortunate as the area where I’m staying do have a lot of local dams, where I caught some nice
size fish from. You can fish any dam or pond specimen style, either with a pod or bank sticks with alarms
and bite indicators on, but your need to be safe. Unfortunately the criminal element will be there, and
you need to make sure that you and your family and friends are always safe.
When do you apply this method?
There are a lot of debates around when is the best time of the year to fish. I must say that majority of
“fishermen” fish only on weekends or public holidays or onspecial occasions during the warmer months
of the year.
My fishing is done throughout the year, and each season does have its own challenges and this keeps
you on your toes. This is the only “sport” where you are kept “humble”. You think you have mastered a
dam and you catch some nice carp, however the following time you fish it, your success rate is low. I
keep a log sheet of all my outings and over the years, you build up good knowledge of what worked for
you on certain dams and at a specific location and at what time of the year.
You need to be prepared for all situations and needs to be adaptable to change from a strategy or move
from a location to another if you see fish rolling or jumping away from your fishing area
What bait to use?
Bait is a topic on its own, and the main bait types currently used by specimen anglers, are boilies and
particles. I will just touch on a few basic aspects around bait.
Boilies:
Boilies are a “dough ball” that comprises of a variety of different powders&ingredients that forms the
basis of a boilie recipe, which are then boiled or steamed to harden the dough.
There is a lot of specimen fisherman that do make their own boilies and who have caught some good
fish on their own recipes. There is some good recipes on the internet that can be used, if you want to
make your own boilies. For the fisherman that’s not into boilie making you can go to any fishing tackle
shop and buy a bag of readymadeboilies.
Particles:
Particle baits comprises of all types of seeds (hemp, tiger nuts, mealies, maples etc.) Almost any type of
seed can be used to catch carp. Ipersonally prefer to fish with particles, as I use quite a bit of bait when
I’m fishing. Also to purchase particles is not that expensive and after you’re fishing session you can
freeze your bait until your next session.
My opinion on particle baits that works very well for me is tiger nuts (I had a lot of success on it).
Please make sure that if particles are soaked and cooked – prior to your fishing session:
The following can be used as a guide line to prepare your particles
 Tiger Nuts
Soak in water for 24 hours and then boil for approximately 30-45 minutes
 Maize:
Soak in water for 24 hours and then boil until it starts “fluffing-up” for approximately 45 minutes
 Hempseed:
Soak in water for 12 hours bring to boil and then turn off as soon as the seeds start to split.
 Particle Mix.
Soak in water for 12 hours bring to boil and then turn off immediately and allow cooling.
 Beans & Peas.
Soak in water for 12 hours and then boil for 10-20 minutes.
What equipment to use?
The big factor to consider is, “what can I afford” – remember it is not the best kit that catches carp but
what you have at the end of your line. I have a friend that is a student and he fishes with the most basic
kit, but his end tackle (rig set-up and bait presentation) is some of the best I have seen and he is
constantly catching carp.
Specimen fishing consists of the following basic items that any angler must have:
- Unhooking mat
- Soft Landing net
- Bank sticks / rod pod
- Alarms
- Swinger / hangers (bite indicators)
- Rods and reels
End Tackle:
There is a variety of end tackle on the market and I must say there is also a choice of what you can
afford. I must say if there is an area that you must not compromises on, it’swrt your end tackle. This is
very important for me, as I do use quality products, as there might be a “biggie” on the line and I need
to trust my tackle to get it in the net.
End Tackle Components:
- Fishing line
- Lead core / Tubing / Safety leader
- Hooks
- Weights
- Hook link materials
- Etc.
I personally fish with “VICIOUS” Braid fishing line 50lb. I can vouch for this Line as I have caught some
nice fish on this line.
I do use the latest Browning M-Pact series Polarized sunglass featuring the world renowned Zeis®lenses.
It is available in two frame finishes, Gunmetal Gray and Matt Black. The three different lens options
include Grey Mirrored, Back Country Fishing and Amber. I use the black frame with the amber lens.
You can get more info on this items at: www.hookedonbass.co.za
How do you go about catching
fish?
1) The most important thing is
to “feature find” you’re
fishing area. This can be done
either by a boat with a fish
finder or with a marker float.
Or fish towards structure
that’s visible to the eye
example reeds, lilies, weed
beds etc. fish love these
areas as they see these areas
as prime food source areas.
2) Once you have mapped your
area, ensure your rig set-up
(hook links / rig types – bolt /
semi fix / helicopter, chod rig
etc.) will function properly in
your fishing area.
3) Once you have casted / drop
your lines, ensure that lines
are lying flat on the lake bed
(lines that are taught and cut
through the water will spook
fish).
4) Be patient – I had lines out for 2 days before I had a pick-up
(44lb).
5)
NB: If you’re not satisfied with a line – re do that line.
Fishing success is that you must be confident in what you
do – ALWAYS.
6) Take notice of what anglers are doing around you,
especially those that are “serious” specimen fisherman. You
can determine a lot from there talk etc.
Conclusion:
The points discussed in this article are very basic and focuses on the novice angler or persons who wants
to start off with specimen fishing. Don’t make your fishing sessions complicated. Read up on
information and the internet – it is a web filled with very helpful information. Fishing should be a way to
relax and enjoys the outdoors with family and fellow fishing mates.
Please practice “Catch and Release” and teach your kids and new comers to this fantastic sport the basis
of preserving our “ultimate” sport.