Gaz Fareham explains why the Soft Boom Hinge aka 'The Cobra' is his go to rig - sharing his vast knowledge on the most effective set up to catch bites.
Zigs are an amazing tactic during the earlier months of the year, as fish look to seek out the warmer layers in the water column, as well as the first insect hatches. In fact, it seems the fish rarely seem to visit the bottom at this time of year. This is evident when you compare the results of those who are reluctant to try them against those that do. They really can be the difference between catching and blanking. I think Zigs are a massively under used tactic and the results can be devastating, I don’t believe there’s a water out there where they won’t work. Not only do they produce bites during the trickier times of the year, but I have found that they have a habit of tripping up the rarer more natural feeding fish, like the last mirror I caught; a mid-forty with only three known captures to its name!
During the winter months I’ve found lower Zigs fished around the remaining weedbeds to be the one. This is probably due to the fish sheltering in the weed and not traveling any real distances, but as you approach February and March, and the sun starts to come back into play, I’ve found working that top third of the water column to be key. This isn’t to say you won’t still catch them lower in the water column, I’ve had bites 4ft from the bottom and then later that day had them 3ft below the surface, all in 16ft of water! There will be a localised zone where the majority of the carp will be congregated, and once you work that out you can have a flurry of bites in very quick succession.
This leads me on nicely to the next thing I’ve found when Zig fishing and that is; if you’re seeing fish but not catching, explore the depths. I will regularly work the layers every few hours on the occasions that I’m seeing carp show but not receiving any action. I don’t think air pressure and weather have as much of an effect during the winter months, but during spring, air pressure will dictate where in the water column the carp want to be. If it’s clear with high pressure, I’ll start higher in the layers. Equally, if a low-pressure front moves in I’ll start lower.
Like any tactic, the more accurate you are the better, and it can be the difference between having one take or a red-letter session. I always clip up and will adjust all the rods accordingly once I’ve had a take, making sure that they are all at the same depth. Where I’m currently fishing on Black Swan (Dinton Pastures) the depths change dramatically in some areas, so if I’m not clipping up and hitting the same spot, I could be above or below that sweet spot.
Like any tactic, the more accurate you are the better, and it can be the difference between having one take or a red-letter session. I always clip up and will adjust all the rods accordingly once I’ve had a take, making sure that they are all at the same depth. Where I’m currently fishing on Black Swan (Dinton Pastures) the depths change dramatically in some areas, so if I’m not clipping up and hitting the same spot, I could be above or below that sweet spot.
When it comes to flavouring my foam, I can honestly say I’ve not noticed a massive difference. The main reason I use the liquids that I choose is to dye the yellow part of the Zig Barrels orange, as that’s definitely a colour which has served me well during the winter and is a massively under used colour option. It’s funny because when we were developing the Zig Barrels and Kickers, I wanted an orange one, but Scotty K was reluctant (watch this space) LOL! So yeah, I’m not convinced attractors make the slightest bit of difference, and I would suggest doing what you feel most confident in as that will catch you more than any Goo or bait spray! Whilst we’re talking about colour, I’ve definitely found that those more natural colours, like brown and black, are more effective during the spring months when the fish will be feeding on the first hatches of the year.
When it comes to flavouring my foam, I can honestly say I’ve not noticed a massive difference. The main reason I use the liquids that I choose is to dye the yellow part of the Zig Barrels orange, as that’s definitely a colour which has served me well during the winter and is a massively under used colour option. It’s funny because when we were developing the Zig Barrels and Kickers, I wanted an orange one, but Scotty K was reluctant (watch this space) LOL! So yeah, I’m not convinced attractors make the slightest bit of difference, and I would suggest doing what you feel most confident in as that will catch you more than any Goo or bait spray! Whilst we’re talking about colour, I’ve definitely found that those more natural colours, like brown and black, are more effective during the spring months when the fish will be feeding on the first hatches of the year.
In terms of technical stuff, it’s such a simple way of fishing. You don’t have to push big buckets of bait around the lake, no Spombing or baiting up, no leaders or fancy knots, just big leads attached to lead clips (so they come off immediately) that are fished on tight lines for better indication. It really is that easy! Zigs aren’t a wonder tactic which you can just cast anywhere and catch, but the next time you’re on carp this spring and can’t seem to buy a bite, get on the Zigs and thank me later!
In terms of technical stuff, it’s such a simple way of fishing. You don’t have to push big buckets of bait around the lake, no Spombing or baiting up, no leaders or fancy knots, just big leads attached to lead clips (so they come off immediately) that are fished on tight lines for better indication. It really is that easy! Zigs aren’t a wonder tactic which you can just cast anywhere and catch, but the next time you’re on carp this spring and can’t seem to buy a bite, get on the Zigs and thank me later!
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