Time is always at a premium and there are many anglers whose only window of opportunity to get on the bank is at the weekends. These ‘weekender’ sessions are often tricky because the banks are generally busier and you can find yourself competing against other anglers as well as the fish! Here are a few tips to help you catch on those busy weekend sessions...
Under Pressure
Have a look at the areas of the lake that have the most angling pressure. If you can find an area with little or no pressure then, inevitably, this is where the fish will turn up. The favourite pegs being busy doesn’t necessarily mean that the fish will be found there – with modern fisheries, pressure plays a huge part in where they will be.
Experiment
A number of anglers have had great success fishing differently to the majority of others on the lake. If the fish are used to one style of approach, such as being fished for in the margins, then it could pay to fish two rods out in the middle with a ‘banker rod’ in the margins and to experiment with this set-up. You’ll be surprised how breaking the norm can result in more fish in the net. Fish soon wise up to the same approach, especially on busy waters.
Be Active
Time is of the essence so make sure you’re active and working for your time on the bank – it will certainly equate to more bites. If it’s not happening, don’t just sit there and wait! Try a different tactic like using a zig, changing your hookbait colour, or moving swims. As long as you’re not thrashing the water to a foam or causing a huge disturbance for other anglers, then sometimes you can stumble on the solution to the code of that lake on that particular day. What’s that old saying – “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”?
The Best Laid Plans
Although you might have an idea of how you want to fish, you should never approach a venue with a fixed plan until you’ve looked around. You may have had previous success in a certain area with one method but, if you don’t use your eyes (and other senses) on the day, you’re likely to find that the fish might be in a totally different place or that they require a radically different presentation. There’s no use fishing hard on the bottom if the fish are all cruising on top. Reach for your floaters! It’s amazing how preconceived ideas can limit your catching ability.
Enjoy yourself
Increasingly, people put so much pressure on themselves to catch but you must remember that fishing is all about enjoyment. After all, it is a hobby. Spend time enjoying the outdoors! Enjoy our timeless pursuit among like-minded people! Our free time is so precious, especially with the pressures of family, work, and modern life so make sure you get out there and enjoy your fishing. As the famous saying goes: “Time spent fishing is never wasted!” Or did I just make that one up?
