Before we jump straight into spring though, let’s take it back slightly. My spring angling starts in the winter. I’ll use the colder months to recharge the batteries, the last thing I want is to be burning myself out before spring has started. I’ll also be making plans and I will try and get to the lake as much as possible in the lead up to spring, keeping an eye on likely areas and just generally getting the blood pumping for what’s to come.

I think a common mistake I’ve seen, is individuals getting all buzzed up thinking because spring has arrived, everything is going to be almost easy and when it’s not, they get disheartened and burn out before it has really kicked in. I’d say be mindful of that trap, don’t expect it to be kicking off and going crazy from the off, especially during early spring. It’s no different than in the winter in the sense that you’re looking for those little feeding spells and small windows of opportunity. It’s an important time to stay positive and active, keeping those eyes and ears on the pond, putting in the laps, checking every nook and cranny, climbing trees and watching marginal features for the slightest of changes. By checking the same areas each time you’re at the lake you’ll notice any little differences which could be an indication that carp have been visiting that particular spot or zone. It could be some cleaned off gravel or a new hole in some low-lying weed. The more you look the more you will notice.
Once that water starts to warm up and the fish become increasingly active, they are much easier to find. I know I bang on about it all the time but keep those eyes on the water! As the fish begin to search out food and clean themselves of parasites, they’ll be showing much more frequently. Keep an eye on the birdlife too, they will be aware of the fish becoming more active and big carp put birds on edge, especially when they have young. Another piece of advice would be that if you’re watching the water at this time of year but not seeing anything, then the fish are almost certainly somewhere else. You can take that information and turn a negative into a positive, knowing you need to be moving or looking in another area of the lake, which leads me nicely on to my next tip… travel light.

The last thing I need to be doing during the spring is taking too much crap with me. If the fish are active then I need to be active. I want to be able to move quickly, without giving myself any excuses as to why I shouldn’t. If you’ve taken mounds of gear, you’re far less likely to pack everything down to move to the opposite end of the lake and even if you do, by the time you’ve done it, chances are someone has beaten you there. Tackle down, travel light and only take the essentials. On longer trips I’ll leave stuff like spare clothes, food and water in the van, that way I’ve not got to carry it around the lake with me. I know I’m biased but when it comes to staying mobile, the TA luggage really helps, its designed for that purpose and makes you realise how much stuff you really don’t need – a definite edge.

So, to summarise, keep your eyes and ears on the water, stay mobile and respond to what’s happening in front of you. If you want to make it a spring to remember, don’t wait for it to happen – make it happen.

"Once that water starts to warm up and the fish become increasingly active, they are much easier to find. I know I bang on about it all the time but keep those eyes on the water!"