Features
and Depth
The
depth of water you are fishing in is very important.
Fish will be at various depths according to weather
conditions. By gaining experience you will be able
to "follow" the fish as conditions change
, therefore making consistent catches . The plumbing
rod can tell you of sharp changes of depth out in
the lake. Normally when gravel is extracted from
lakes , the method used creates long strips of gravel
which are like banked seating at a football stadium
.
These are called gravel bars .
These are excellent places to fish as not only do
the fish feel safe but food tends to collect at
the bottom of these bars. The fish tend to use these
bars to travel around a lake in the same way we
follow a motorway (interstate) . Most of the time
these bar`s are invisible (being underwater) By
finding the change in depth you are well on your
way to finding a
"HOT SPOT" all of your own. Then other
people might start calling you lucky! But you will
know better!
The
Bottom texture
The
depth is not the only important thing the plumb
rod can tell you. With experience you tell what
sort of bottom you are fishing in. How is that important
you might ask. Well carp just like humans have favorite
places to eat.
Sometimes the softer
(silty) bottoms contain all sorts of goodies for the
fish to eat . The technique of feeling along
the bottom with rod and line is something where practice
is needed. You have to use a heavy lead (sinker) of
at least 2oz so keeping a tight line between rod and
lead.
You cast out the lead and pull it along the bottom
with the rod at right angles to the water. You can
"feel" the lead through the rod . When you
are over gravel , the tip will ping and stutter as
if you are dragging it over a jagged rock (which you
are) You will find the lead has lots of marks in it,
this is a sure sign of a gravel bottom.
Where as with a soft bottom the lead would have sunk
in so takes a bit of effort to get it out but you
can feel its like pulling the lead through sludge
(which it is) With a sandy type bottom you will find
it will be harder than the silty bottom so the lead
wont sink in so far . You will find it a smooth steady
pull with a consistent resistance. When fishing waters
with lots of weed in them it pays to try and find
clear areas near the weed as there is a good chance(if
they are the same depth as the weed) that they are
kept clear by moving and feeding fish .