PART 1

What we introduce by way of free offerings and how we go about it can prove pivotal to our success—or lack of, perhaps. In the first of his new series of articles, Terry Dempsey draws on four decades of experience and shares what he’s learned about bait and its application

WORDS BY TERRY DEMPSEY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRY DEMPSEY AND FRIENDS

The year 2022 will be my fortieth spent carp fishing. I began fishing for the species at the tender age of 12, and I’m still as keen today as I was then. In those soon-to-be 40 years, I have seen so much change, on many different fronts…

The quality of tackle available nowadays compared to when I started provides the biggest contrast, from rods and reels, to the amazing selection of camping equipment and accessories. I caught my first carp on a cut-down leger rod and small spinning reel. The outfit was far from impressive, but it proved adequate. I slept on the ground in those days, beneath a 36-inch umbrella, and I used a black bin liner to keep my legs dry.

Another change has come by way of the size of our quarry; carp have grown dramatically. Twenty-pounders were thin on the ground in those days, and thirties were extremely rare.

The bait scene, however, has not changed too much in my time. Whilst carp baits are much more available now, the basics remain unaltered. Anglers have always been able to use highquality boilies and particles, and those from years past are not too different to what we use today. Although not nearly as readily available then, if you looked in the right places you could access information regarding quality carp baits and methods of preparation. I made my own HNV boilies then, and prepared particles—you had to learn quickly to survive in the fast-evolving carp scene.

If anyone asks me what the best edge I’ve acquired during my carp fishing is, my answer will always be the same. The biggest edge I have up my sleeve now compared to my early days is bait application. Location of feeding fish is obviously paramount when looking to catch carp, that cannot be denied. With correct bait application, however, those fish will come to you. In this series, I will look at several different ways of how you might increase your chances of catching a fish of your dreams. Done properly, bait application almost becomes an art form, and if you follow the principles, for every set of circumstance you come across, you should have an answer.