Angler Comments

Moving with the Carps!

With the main lake doing 30 plus bites the previous week and the fish very active in the evening how would we fair this week with only 7 anglers on. 

We will start with Carl Pettitt starting his session off in Big Southerly. The wind had been blowing hard for most of the session, pushing waves down the lake and making presentation and line control far from easy. Still, it felt like the sort of conditions that could switch the carp on, so Carl committed to his plan and clipped up at 26.5 wraps, left of the caravans, confident fish would eventually move through the area.  With accuracy key, spinner rigs were casted with precision on the spot, going with a Black Pot Jungle Hand Grenade yellow pop-up on all 3 Rods not forgetting too add these are Carl’s own made hook baits  . Around the rigs went a measured helping of crumbed Mainline Cell, mixed with liquidised corn and house hemp — enough attraction to pull fish in and keep them feeding, without spooking the bigger, warier carp.

The first takes came as the wind held strong, confirming the fish were present and willing to feed. Two solid carp were soon banked with the Biggest being ‘Browny’s 43lb 8oz’. Then came the bite that changed the session. A slow, steady run developed, heavy and purposeful, and from the first surge it was clear this fish was something special.

After a tense battle in the waves, the carp finally rolled over the cord and into the net. On the scales it went 65 lb — “The Weld”, a new Top weight for this carp, also a New PB for Carl. Three carp landed in demanding conditions, capped off by one of Gigantica’s most iconic residents, made it a session that will be remembered for a long time. Congratulations Carl. We will surely see you back again too go one better ? 

Coming out ball 2 in the draw we have Jake Turner, Selecting The Stink to start the week off. The session didn’t start how Jake would have hoped. Five nights were spent in the Stink, but despite putting the time in, action was limited and confidence was low. With fish showing elsewhere and the need for a change growing stronger, the decision was made to move — a call that would completely turn the week around. The switch to Baxters Hole immediately felt different. From the off, Jake was seeing and hearing fish, a huge boost after a quiet start. Setting up in the Baxters, he clipped up at 26.5 wraps towards the red tower, confident the carp were moving through the area.

Tactically, everything was kept sharp and simple. Slip D combi rigs tied with a size 4 wide gape were used, each presented with double slow sinking maize . Over the top went a carefully prepared mix of Manilla Crush crumb, 10mm and 12mm Manilla, boosted with Manilla Cloudy liquid, plus hemp and corn to keep fish grubbing around the spot. The results spoke for themselves.

On Thursday at 12:30am, the alarms ripped off and a powerful carp was soon in the net at 49 lb — confirmation that the move had been the right call. But the best was still to come.

At 7:45am, another take developed, heavy and unstoppable. After a tense fight, the scales settled at an incredible 68lb ‘The Virgin’ a new PB and the biggest fish of the week. Not to mention a new top weight. Jake back this up with 2 stocky’s and ‘Buster’ 47lb 10oz.

After a slow and frustrating start, the decision to move swims completely transformed the session. Proof that trusting your instincts, following the fish, and having confidence in your approach can make all the difference. The move paid off. Well done Jake!

Also out on his first trip out at The Big G we Brandon Hillback. Coming out a very generous ball 1 Brandon opted to select Alcatraz with previous good winter form. Brandon’s first trip out at Gigantica proved to be one to remember. Choosing a spot at 32 wraps left  in the W, he set up for a productive session with spinner rigs tipped with yellow dumbell wafters and slow-sinking maize as hookbaits. To attract the fish, he fed a mix of Manilla crumb, 12mm boilies, corn, house hemp, and Cell Smart liquid, creating a tempting bed that kept the carp active and feeding.The results were immediate and rewarding. Over the course of the session, Brandon landed 9 carp, including a standout fish weighing ‘Violet’ 44lb 8oz a new personal bestalong with ‘Jene Genie’ 36lb 12oz. A fantastic start to his Gigantica adventures, proving that careful baiting and presentation can deliver trophies on a first visit. A PB to go home with. Well done mate 

We also had two regulars of the main lake this week with Paul Carpenter who managed ‘Bubbles’ 44lb 8oz from pole position out at 32.5 wraps fish too the reeds in stink. Along with Scott Larman fishing Co’s Point landing 3 carps the biggest being ‘KAIZEN’ 31lb 8oz. Fishing out at the Flat Oak at 30 wraps. 

20 bites Coming from the main lake this week. Some would say that’s not a bad week for a December trip. Two 60s out and 2 PB’s. Christmas week next week, with some pretty savage conditions. 

Tight Lines, 

Tom 

Team Gigantica