As we move into autumn, the tactics that filled nets in summer suddenly become less effective. Cooler nights, clearer water and fish feeding with more caution mean you need to change your approach. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t amass a big weight, far from it. With the right approach you can still put together match-winning weights.
From smarter feeding and lighter rigs to targeting silvers when carp switch off, these autumn match fishing tips will help you keep bites coming and make the most of your peg.
Still feed but smarter
Autumn doesn’t mean you need to start starving the peg, it means thinking about what goes in and when. Fish won’t come over and devour a big pile of pellets like they did in summer, but they still need enough feed to hold them and keep them interested.
The little and often approach will attract fish without killing the swim. Feeding a small amount regularly via a catapult or a pole-mounted pot is the best way to keep the peg ticking over.
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Try deep shallow
Just because water temperatures start to cool doesn’t mean the fish will be feeding on the deck, but they’re not cruising around the surface either. A lot of the time they’re sat mid-depth and finding that zone can unlock a peg.
Too many anglers ignore it. Having a rig set up for deep shallow can often reveal fish you didn’t even know were there when other lines fall quiet, and it’s often where the better F1s and carp sit as the water starts to cool.
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Go lighter
Cooler conditions will soon start to make the colour drop out of water as feeding activity starts slow down. This makes fish more cautious. Using a thinner line diameter or dropping down breaking strain, using a finer float tip, or scaling back on hook size can be the difference between liners and proper bites.
You don’t have to go too light, but a subtle change in presentation can keep the bites coming when others around you are struggling.
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Don’t write off the margins
The edges will still produce in autumn. Just not all day. You need to play a waiting game, as this line will often only pay dividends in the closing minutes of the match. One or two late fish down the side can often be the difference between coming nowhere and framing or even winning the match.
Feed the line in the final quarter of the match, cut the amount of bait you feed, but keep the line topped up, and be patient, only drop on it when the fish move in.
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Target the silvers
Carp can switch off when temperatures dip, but roach, skimmers and hybrids usually keep feeding.
Building a net of silvers mid match while waiting for carp to move in can keep you in the frame. It also keeps weight going in your net on those trickier days. Give yourself an edge over those who overlook them.
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Have a flexible bait approach
Pellets still work, but autumn is the time to consider more natural or stand out baits. Maggots, worms and corn are great options. Rotating baits until you crack the code is part of the game. The more options you have on your side tray, the better your chances of keeping the fish coming.
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