The whip

 

  A while back, during one of my visits to the local tackle shop, I stumbled upon a range of whips that instantly caught my attention. Their sleek designs and lightweight constructions cought my full attention. Coincidentally, the weekend was fast approaching, and I had signed up for a FeederMaster qualifier. My focus was firmly set on enhancing my casting accuracy, especially at longer ranges. It was not the most opportune time to delve into whip fishing, as all my efforts were directed toward perfecting my technique for the upcoming event,

                                                                         As a passionate angler, I'm always looking for ways to improve my fishing skills. Recently, I had a day off from work, and I decided to spend it practicing my medium to long-range feeder fishing techniques. Since my main focus was on improving my casting accuracy, I wanted to fish at my favorite spot, a serene lake that has never failed to impress me. Before heading out, I stopped by the local tackle shop to stock up on bait. As I was walking towards the checkout, my eyes fell upon the whip previously mentioned .However, as I was leaving the tackle shop, my passion for fishing tackle overtook me, and I found myself unable to resist the allure of those whips. I went back to the display and picked out the 3.5m version since I already used a 3m and a 4m whip. It felt like the perfect in-between length for what I needed. As I drove towards the lake, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with a tinge of guilt for indulging in my love for fishing tackle This while hitting two traffic jams.

Finally, I arrived at the picturesque lake, filled with anticipation for a day of fishing. I loaded  up the barrow with an assortment of tackle, carrying more than necessary. The recent wet weather had left my gear damp from the last match, so this outing presented the perfect opportunity to let everything dry out and be ready for action once again. The management of the lake deserves a special mention. Not only did they maintain the place immaculately, but they also provided a fleet of wheelbarrows for visitors like myself to transport the tackle effortlessly to their chosen fishing spots. It was a thoughtful touch that further enhanced the overall experience. With my barrow in tow, I made my way to the section of the lake that required longer casts. This was where I intended to set up my fishing box. I opted for a method feeder line, casting at approximately 75 meters, and a second line positioned at  57 meters. For the longer cast, I chose my trusty 13ft distance power feeder rod, while for the shorter line, the 12ft power feeder special came into play. This particular rod offeres a softer, more forgiving action, which was perfect for targeting smaller fish, as my focus for this line was primarily on bream. Both of my rods were equipped with 5000 reels, to maximize casting distance and ensure an easier retrieval .

With my fishing setup complete, I turned my attention to bait preparation. For the method feeder, I concocted a mixture of micro pellets combined with crushed pineapple boilies. The sweet aroma of the pineapple would surely entice the fish to investigate my offering. As for the cage feeder line, I opted for a blend of halibut ground bait mixed with a specific bream ground bait with a high content crushed corn. To further enhance the attraction, I added a pint of dead red maggots and a generous handful of corn to the mix. The combination promised to create an irresistible feeding frenzy.asd for hook baits used corn, dead reds or maggots.  

Filled with hope and anticipation, I began my session by baiting up the shorter line with a substantial 6 big cage feeder, aiming to establish a concentrated feeding area. Simultaneously, I prepared a method feeder to fish for the first 30 minutes. This would allow the baited area to gather some fish. However, just as I was about to cast the method feeder, a sinking feeling washed over me. Something vital was missing from my carefully assembled gear. A closer inspection confirmed my fear—my landing net and, more importantly, the landing net pole were nowhere to be found. Disappointment filled my heart. With a determined mindset, I approached the anglers fishing nearby and  kindly  asked them to keep an eye on my tackle while drove home to get the net handle. Despite the setback, I kept a positive attitude I couldn’t leave that to ruin such a great day.

Finally, I managed to return to the fishing spot, armed with not one but two landing net poles just be sure, with the landing net securely set up, I was ready to dive back into the action. I eagerly cast the method feeder, aiming for the inviting edge of the island, hoping that the fish would be enticed by the irresistible combination of bait and technique.

While waiting for the method feeder to work its magic, I couldn't resist the temptation to pick up the whip and give it a go. I had prepared a delicate rig, using a 0.7-gram float on a 0.14 mainline, with a size 16 hook tied with 0.12 line. Carefully plumbing the depth in front of me. I introduced a few balls of the ground bait mix I had prepared for the cage feeder line, a tempting feeding zone.

Just as I was about to start fishing the whip, a sudden jolt of the feeder rod caught my attention. The tip bent over aggressively, indicating a fish had taken the bait. I swiftly grabbed the rod, feeling the power of the fish as it darted towards the right, hugging the island's edge. It was a spirited battle, and I could tell this was a decent size carp. However, despite my best efforts to turn the fish back, the pressure proved too much, and with a disheartening crack, the line snapped, leaving me empty-handed. It was not the outcome I had hoped for after the earlier mistake with the net pole, but I refused to let it dampen my spirits. Hope still burned bright within me.

Setting aside the feeder rods for a moment, I redirected my focus towards the whip. It was time to regain confidence and simply enjoy catching fish. I used on the hook two red maggots, presenting an irresistible temptation to the fish below. Almost immediately, the float disappeared beneath the water's surface, followed by another and another. Fish after fish graced my presence, with most of them being small skimmers and roach, occasionally accompanied by delightful surprises like big perch or roach. During the session, a hefty 3 lb bream came, and with the whip's finesse, I effortlessly brought it to the net. It was a testament to the whip's ability to handle a variety of fish with ease, enhancing the overall pleasure of the angling experience. 

Although the whip had provided me with a constant action, It was time to refocus on my original goal for the day to improve my casting accuracy. With determination in my heart, I returned to the feeder rods, eager to improve, On the shorter line, I decided to introduce a couple more large baiting up feeders, creating a more enticing feeding area. With the cage helicopter set up and a hook baited with lively maggots, I carefully cast the feeder into the water, awaiting the bites. The tactic proved fruitful, bringing to the net a few bream. However, I was hoping for more consistent bites  , Seeking to maximize my chances, I switched back to the method feeder approach. As the day neared its end, I found myself drawn once again to the edge of the island. There, I decided to focus my efforts using the method feeder, casting it precisely to the target spot. And just as the golden rays of the setting sunbathed the landscape, the rod tip bent with the weight of a powerful fish. It was a moment of pure joy, a testament to the effectiveness of the method feeder and the rewards it could bring. I beautiful mirror came, and the day felt complete,  

In conclusion, it was a successful day of fishing despite some minor setbacks. Forgetting the landing net pole was a small hiccup, but it was quickly resolved. The whip proved to be a great tool to catch a variety of fish, while the feeder rods produced some nice bream and carp. The mix of micropellets and crushed pineapple boilies for the method feeder and ground bait mix with added dead red maggots and corn proved to be a winning combination. It is akways a great experience to fish in such a beautiful location, with a well-maintained fishery, and with friendly anglers around. Overall, it was a successful day of fishing, and great memories were made