Nash Tackle’s Hassan Khan answers your questions on everything related to day-ticket carping…
Tight patch of feed or a wide spread of bait? What are the benefits of both?
Fishing a tight patch of bait is beneficial in terms of concentrating fish feeding activity directly around your hookbait. An example of this is the popular ‘Linear style’ three rods on one spot approach, in which baiting tightly and accurately over your three hookbaits can lead to a big hit of fish and multiple takes.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, a spread of bait ensures the fish have to move between mouthfuls. This movement helps convert more pick-ups into runs, as the fish are moving off once they take your bait, rather than staying static. A great example of this type of baiting is spreading boilies via a throwing stick over a tennis court-sized area. Fishing a chod rig in among the spread of baits can be super-effective. This is a commonly used baiting method when boilie-only fishing for big carp.
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What are the biggest mistakes you see anglers make on busy day-ticket waters?
The first is having a preconceived idea of how they will tackle the venue, and which swim they want to be in, without allowing the fish to dictate their decision making. For example, feeding heavily rather than fishing for a bite at a time, even when a lake is fishing slow.
Another common mistake is feeding or casting at bite time. This can ruin your chances by putting the fish on edge and pushing them out of the swim.
The final thing is not being active and simply sitting back and hoping something will happen. Watch the water and be ready to react. At midday, have a go at stalking, or change to zigs to try and tempt a bite if you feel the fish are up in the water. On busy, well-stocked day-ticket waters effort equals reward. Don’t be afraid to try something different.
A LOT OF CARP FISHING DAY-TICKET LAKES ARE RUNS WATERS, HERE IS NASH TACKLE'S FINLEY TODHUNTER'S ADVICE ON HOW TO APPROACH THEM.
Is there a go-to rig that will work on any water?
In terms of versatility, the Ronnie Claw rig takes some beating. It can be used in conjunction with a pop-up or wafter, on a firm or soft bottom and with a helicopter or lead clip set-up. By simply changing the boom material and length, you can effectively present the rig in pretty much any situation, even inside solid bags.
The hooking mechanics of the rig combined with its quick-change properties (if you blunt a hook point) and its extreme versatility make it very hard to beat. It has a very high hooked-to-landed ratio too.
A rig I would be happy to fish anywhere and have the upmost confidence in!
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When would you use an inline lead over a helicopter or lead-clip system?
In my fishing I like to keep things as simple as possible. This applies to my choice of lead set-up too. I would use an inline lead for solid PVA bags, or if I’m fishing on a very firm, flat lakebed like gravel. If there is weed around, potentially I will opt to fish this drop-off style.
I use helicopter lead systems on softer lakebeds such as soft silt. Being able to adjust the top bead allows for the lead to plug into the silt and the hooklink to still be presented. It’s a great choice when casting single high-attract pop-ups, as you aren’t always sure what the bottom you’re landing on is like.
Lastly, I use a lead clip for 80 per cent of my fishing where the lakebed is clear, and you can get a nice drop.
BAITING POLES ARE A FANTASTIC CARP FISHING EDGE, HERE'S SOME TIPS ON HOW TO USE THEM.
What, in your opinion, is the country’s best day-ticket venue?
The beautiful thing about fishing is that it is different for everyone and therefore opinions are varied, especially on this matter. It depends what each angler is looking for in their fishing. For me, when you take into account stock (size and number), facilities and setting, there are a number of venues which are up at the very top. Those keener eyes among you will see that all those fisheries are located nicely spread around the country. So, whether you are based up north, down south or somewhere in the middle, there’s a top day-ticket water not far away for you to target.
Hassan’s Top 4 Day-Ticket Waters
Linear Fisheries, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX29 7QF, 07885 327708, www.linear-fisheries.co.uk
Bluebell Lakes, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE8 5HP, 01832 226042, www.bluebell-lakes.co.uk
Clearwater Fisheries, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 1JU, 01524 745848, www.clearwaterfisheries.co.uk
RH Fisheries, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8SD, 01952 463141, www.rhfisheries.com