Float Angling in Winter

Dear carp anglers, in this article, I’ll take you along for a session of float angling. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Written by Ramon

At sunrise, I hop on my bike with my rod, landing net, unhooking mat, a can of corn, and some hemp. In my pocket, I have an extra float, a box of weights, and hooks ready to stalk the carp. Arriving at the small but oh-so-beautiful water, we take a moment to look around. Where do we see bubbles, ripples, and things like that? Where are the fish?

A little bit of corn and some hemp is more than enough in winter.

Found it!! In the corner of the water near the pipe. Carefully, I sneak to the water’s edge. Hoping not to scare the fish away, I gently toss some corn kernels under the edge. Just about 10 pieces with some hemp. The water is cold, so the fish feed minimally, so small amounts of corn and a bit more hemp work great. Once the fish start feeding on the hemp, they won’t stop, and the corn will also come into play.

Initially, we’re not even going to fish yet, but sneak back and continue searching for bait bubbles. Unfortunately, I find little else, so we make 2 extra spots at the usual places. I start fishing at the last baited spot. I put my corn kernels on the hook and let them slowly sink to my spot. My float stands beautifully there. Just a millimeter tip above the water. Luckily, I can fish so sensitively now because there’s little wind and the water is calm.

Within 5 minutes, I see a trail of bubbles heading towards my float. Oh, this is exciting! My heart is racing. A small swirl appears next to my float, which is swaying nicely. Slowly, my float rises and then slowly moves away. I tighten the line and give a small strike… Damn, missed!

Since the fish will be startled, I move to the first baited spot, but first, I toss some corn and hemp on the spot to return later. Arriving at the first baited spot, I see a large patch of bubbles. Quickly, I let my float sink under the edge. The game repeats itself. This time, the fish is hooked, and the fight with a lovely little mirror carp begins. I think to myself, “what a cute little mirror carp” and what a fun fight! The fish went in all directions. A feisty little thing. After landing the fish and checking for wounds, it can go back with the words; “Send your grandma“.

The youth who were static carp angling also came to visit.

Normally, I leave the spot alone and move to the next spot, but to my surprise, I see another trail of bubbles heading to the bait spot. I think to myself, “It can’t be,” but sure enough, within 2 seconds of the fish being released, another one is already feeding. Well, let’s add some corn and hemp and go! It doesn’t take long before the game starts all over again, only this time I feel a thump and my reel screams!

I have to stop the fish because it’s heading straight for a fallen tree in the water. Slowly, I try to brake my reel with my hand; it works! The fish turns and goes to the other side of the ditch, showing itself briefly. I almost freeze. I already felt quite a bit of weight, which the fish cleverly used, but I didn’t expect this and let out a primal scream. Excitement… This could be heading towards 30 pounds! As before, the fish made good use of its weight, and wow, it’s strong. After about 20 minutes of fighting, she was allowed to go to the net.

Enjoying the fish, still under the influence of adrenaline!

After inspecting the fish, it turns out to be one of the oldest fish the water knows and also at its top weight; 28 pounds, making it the heaviest fish caught in the water. I’m ecstatic with happiness because things haven’t been going smoothly lately, but this old character beauty makes everything right again.

Cheers, Ramon.

Bert Altena

Since childhood, I have been found by the water. Around the age of 12, I learned carp fishing. What makes carp fishing enjoyable for me is the relaxation and preparation for the carp session, combined with a way of fishing that constantly requires innovation to surprise the carp again!