Adam Penning looks at the baiting approaches that have proved successful for him during this transitional period
SPRING is arguably the most pivotal phase in the calendar of a carp, and two key physiological changes will be taking place.
Firstly, the fish will be driven to boost their body temperature. Being cold-blooded, carp are the same temperature as the water and their entire biological system will have been operating on a muted setting for several months. Increased temperature gives rise to appetite, improved metabolic rate and readiness for the second requirement, which is preparation for spawning.
This element will have a varying effect on how we fish for the carp, depending on the condition/age of those we are trying to catch. Principally, younger, leaner carp that spawn successfully each year can show a strong inclination to feed in the build-up to spawning, particularly in the immediately preceding warmer weather we often get in May.
Conversely, old, deep-bodied fish that for various reasons have retained spawn year on year (including blue dyeing, which removes weed and the environment the carp need to spawn in), will be far less inclined to feed heavily until after they have shed their burden of eggs and milt.
Bearing this in mind, and hopefully applying it to the carp you are trying to catch, let’s look at some generalised pointers.
WHEN IT PAYS TO BE CONSERVATIVE
If my target is old and fat carp (which it often is!) then I will temper my bait application accordingly. Countless times during the three spring months of March, April and May I have seen aggressive baiting fail spectacularly, while a more conservative approach fared much more favourably.
Most of the time I am not intent on establishing a bait – I am simply focused on getting in the same area that the carp are using and then fishing for a bite using just enough bait to nail a single fish. Often the approach will be PVA bags, singles or light baiting with a boilie rocket, and I will usually select a boilie-only approach using Krill Active.
When it comes to singles, there is a huge argument for a single visual bait and there is no doubt this works very well, despite the over-saturation of their use.
Whites, yellows and pinks are at their best during this phase, and if you can get one right where the fish are, then often that will be enough.
WHEN TO FEED MORE
If you are fishing a well-stocked water for younger fish then, as I mentioned earlier, sensible but proactive bait application can be effective. In this situation I’d be looking at a mix of whole and crumbed baits, mixed with pellets and corn.
Naturally, you need to apply this where the fish are, as this is the absolute cornerstone of all successful carp angling.
