fishing a new venue

 

How do I tackle a new venue

 

Gearing up to explore a fresh fishing venue? Brace yourself for a dose of challenge and excitement! Let's face it, getting the hang of a new spot can be a bit tricky for any angler. But don't worry, I've got some crafty tricks up my sleeve that can give you a leg up and turn a "so-so" fishing day into an absolute feast of bites and catches.

In this post, I will talk about my go-to strategies for tackling new venues. Ever wondered how to stack the odds in your favor, even when you're fishing blind? Well, I've got an example for you – my recent trip to College Pool, a a small lake within the Leamington AA. This cozy lake is has carp, a bunch of silverfish, and perch that keep you very busy. My aim for the day? Catch as many as possible.

If you're excited about discovering how to turn a new fishing spot into your personal playground, you're in luck. I'm here to share my secrets on getting the most out of a fresh fishing location. 

                                                                                               When I arrived at the venue, I wasn't sure where to fish, being unfamiliar with the lake. So, I decided to take a stroll around the lake. With a few other anglers in sight, I struck up conversations with a couple of them. It turns out that the lake has some significant depths – even up to 20 feet in certain areas. Moreover, one end of the lake isn't as deep as the other. Taking into account this information and the warm weather, I chose the shallower side of the lake for today, settling on the first peg. I particularly liked this spot because it was bordered by lily pads, offering excellent cover for fish ofering a good starting point. 

Once I had my seat box set up, I grabbed my baiting up rod and began to map out the underwater terrain. I prefer using the baiting up rod due to its stiffness and the braided line, which provides better feedback about what lies on the lake bed. To get a clear sense of my surroundings, I cast the marker lead from my right to my left, each cast about a meter apart within my fishing area. This process may take a little time, but it's likely to yield better results than even the most enticing baits. After I finished plumbing up, I discovered that the ares closer to the bank was packed with vegetation. However, about 30 meters out (roughly 10 wraps), close to the lilies, I found a clean area of silt or plants. This discovery strongly hinted that fish might be feeding in that spot.

Whenever I'm fishing in a new location or trying out a peg I haven't fished from before, I make it a habit to assess the surroundings. If there's a chance I'll fish there again soon, I might even take notes, ensuring I have a clear understanding of what's ahead for my next visit.

As it is summer time  fish are feeding quite well so baiting up with plenty of bait can be the key for a successful session. I started with five big bait up feeders, loaded with a mix of micro pellets and corn in a 8:2 ratio and caped with ground bait  all of this in the 30-meter swim which I discovers earlier next to the lily-pads and left it for 30 minutes for fish to settle over the baited area.

While this was happening  I started  throwing  a pinch of maggots approx every 30 seconds  a few meters in front of me so I can fish the whip over it. That was great fun for half an hour catching perch every minute if not more often. There were so many feeding as water looked like was boiling every time maggots hit the surface many of them even jumping out.

After a round of lively whip/perch fishing, I decided it was time to shift my focus towards the swim that I feed previously  hoping for some bigger fish. I opted for a small 20g Preston method feeder, I paired it with a size 12 MCM hook,  equipped with a bait spike. As for the bait itself  my choice for the day was 6mm pink wafters.

 Let me assure you, this  paid off handsomely. The bites kept rolling in, and this time, a different kind of action emerged. My catches predominantly comprised bream, tipping the scales at an average of 3 pounds. However, there were a few heavyweights in the mix, boasting a weight of 5 to 6 pounds with the odd nice roach.

In conclusion, venturing into uncharted fishing waters is an adventure that requires a mix of strategy, adaptability, and a touch of intuition. As I've shared my journey through the unknown at College Pool, there are some key takeaways that can make a significant difference in your angling escapades.

First and foremost, the importance of gathering intel from fellow anglers cannot be overstated. Engaging in friendly chats and learning from their experiences can give you valuable insights about the venue's depths, quirks, and potential hotspots. This knowledge can be your best guide in making informed decisions for the day and future trips 

Choosing the right fishing spot is a delicate decision between understanding the lake's topography and considering the prevailing weather conditions. My decision to opt for the shallower side of the lake and capitalize on the protective cover of lily pads showcased how such considerations can pave the way for success.

Equipping yourself with the right gear, like a baiting up rod, can provide you with better knowledge about the lake or river bed. This is critical in finding the spot where you need to fish to get the best out of your peg.

Baiting strategies are the heartbeat of a successful fishing session. Whether it's using a mix of micro pellets and corn in this case or ground bait and other particles, baiting up with care can transform the waters into a banquet for the fish. as well as choosing the fishing technique  in this case the methid feedr and the whip to start with.  

Ultimately, exploring new fishing spots is an endeavor that marries skill with discovery. The thrill of uncovering underwater treasures, from tiny perch to robust bream, and the strong carp adds a layer of excitement that keeps us coming back for more. 

So, my fellow anglers, go forth with confidence, armed with the wisdom shared in this post. Approach each new venue with curiosity and an open mind, and who knows what extraordinary fishing experiences await you. Tight lines and happy angling!