Dear Clover anglers

I have been fishing Clover for quite a few years now and I think it is a fantastic, little lake. There are friendly anglers, it is peaceful, it is full of wildlife and holds lovely looking carp, a few of which are 30’s.

At the end of October, l was lucky enough to bank a new 30.2lb mirror carp in excellent condition, (as all the Clover carp are). I believe there are now at least four 30+ mirror carp and at least one 30+ Common carp.

This season l have only been able to fish mornings in 5-6 hour sessions. That means, there have been times when I’m simply baiting up or preparing and raking weed in a few of my favourite margin area swims. Bit of advice... don’t let the swans see you baiting up!

I have kept on the same bait and setup, using fluorocarbon slack pined down lines, sharp hooks, fluoro rigs and balance/waffters hook bait. So there’s nothing new there.

I tend to setup away from the bank and once the baits are in position, stay well back from the rods as the carp will spook if they see or hear you. I like to use heavy leads which will eject on the take and l don’t let the carp run, as they know exactly where they are going once hooked. They are guaranteed to make for the nearest snag or round the corner to the next bay.

Carp tend to be mobile, moving from bay to bay. Rob is worth talking to, as he has spent many hours surface fishing, observing the carp and their routes.

Many Clover regulars have banked some top quality carp this season, so don’t give up and most of all, enjoy the fishing in these great surroundings.

Wishing for a mild winter!
Keep the bait going in.

Nigel.