Springtime is for me is always a truly magical time of year, my all-time favourite in fact, the whole of mother nature is waking from its winter slumber, the days are getting both warmer and longer. You can also be sure that our quarry, the carp, is slowly waking up too. Without doubt the months of March, April and May should be the most rewarding times of the year for ourselves - as carp fishermen - if we get our tactics right. Most carp, even those seldom seen creatures that inhabit the most difficult of waters will slip up and make at least one appearance on the bank. To make the most of these precious times we need to be sure not only of our approach, but also of what we as carp anglers are actually striving to achieve.

Here are a few certainties.

As air temperatures rise the water will obviously warm up too but remember that it is the surface layers that feel the effects first and this is where the carp will want to be - bearing in mind that it is a cold-blooded creature, and therefore comfort will be its no.1 priority.

So, my spring fishing always involves fishing my baits in the upper layers whether it be zigs or on the bottom. If I’m fishing on the deck it’ll be either on shallow bars or plateaux or into the margins where I’ll be looking to exploit little windows of opportunity fishing when groups of fish can drift in close, literally feet from the bank on a warm afternoon breeze. A little trap is all that is required, my favourite being a couple of grains of corn, remember that the carp are just waking up, and unlike you and I might imagine, they aren’t really hungry at all, so singles or tiny scatters tend to work best.

I rely a lot on zigs and fish them all year round but find them especially devastating in the springtime when the carp are spending most of their time in the upper layers. Generally, on deeper pits I’ll have all three rods on zigs, fishing at slightly differing depths and continue altering my depths until “bingo”, one roars off. In truth I probably catch 75% of my spring carp on zigs and therefore not only have I utmost confidence in using them but really enjoy it too.

Other anglers often ask about colour and flavour; personally, I don’t think it matters as long as it’s being fished at the right depth. However, saying that I like both yellow and black, and I’ve also caught loads on pink and red as well. Somewhat confusingly, black seems to be by far the best colour for me at night - but then again, I don’t think that carp necessarily rely on sight to find food items.

As for tackle for zigging, keep it simple. A cut down lead-clip, a heavy 3 or 4 oz lead, then choose a stiffish mono hooklink that won’t tangle easily (I use one of 14lb) and a sharp size 8 hook and simple knotless knot works a treat. I always like to leave a gap between the bend of the hook and the hookbait whether it be foam or a tiny pop up.

Here’s hoping you’ll find these few simple guidelines helpful in the coming months and try the zigs.

*Note - don’t forget your polarised sunglasses!

Tight lines

Mr.F

"Other anglers often ask about colour and flavour; I don’t think it matters as long as it’s being fished at the right depth."