
CATCHING BIG CARP IN WINTER ON THE BUG!
A tactical change from high attract to match-the-hatch Bug Corker wafters turned Mike Deakin’s session around down on RK Leisure’s Horton Lake, yielding the coveted Groucho at 40lb 6oz and a fully scaled mirror known as Willow at 31lb 12oz within two hours of each after he changed his approach!
“After finishing my 12-hour night shift, I made the three-and-a-half-hour journey from Cheshire to the RK Leisure Horton complex,” said Mike, demonstrating the sort of commitment synonymous with anglers from the North West.
“The fish were rather active and bubbling up in quite a few swims. I moved swims at 4 o’clock in the morning after hearing fish, but had no joy. After moving a few more times, I found the fish in a swim called the Lookout. Casting high attracts at them had no impact; I knew the fish were there but needed to change the way I was fishing.
“I opted to dig out some PVA-friendly hemp and 12mm Bug boilies and tied up some bags, switching over my hookbaits to 15mm Bug Corker wafters.
“At 5pm, I had a one-toner and upon picking the rod up knew I was attached to a good fish. After a very nervy battle, I slipped the net under Groucho, which tipped the scales at 40lb 6oz.
“With the rod cast back out to the same spot with a fresh bait, two hours later it was away again, this time with a lovely fully scaled mirror called Willow of 31lb 12oz.”