Ian Toplis

Favourite Venue: Alders Farm

Favourite Bait: GOT 4mm Soft Hookers

"I have only been fishing for Carp for the last 4 years, but feel I have adapted fairly quickly to the different approaches needed to compete. "

I started Match Fishing around 20 years ago, taking part in some of the Midlands’ largest matches held at Butterley Reservoir in Derbyshire. I learned quickly about Bream fishing and still enjoy fishing the “tip” on both Commercials and natural venues, in fact anywhere I go, I seem to catch the “snotties”..!!

I have only been fishing for Carp for the last 4 years, but feel I have adapted fairly quickly to the different approaches needed to compete.

I have recently gained limited sponsorship from M.W.Floats, Sarfix UK and of course G.O.T. Baits (thanks Trev..) and it’s my personal goal to achieve the “double ton” in 2006 with the help the best pellet range available today.

Pellet on the Deck - Scone

I’ll use a 5 feet deep, open water swim as an example.

My rig is based around a 0.3 or 0.4 gram M.W.Diamond. These are a very strong, stable pattern that lend well to this style of fishing. I use Sarfix DNA Finale Carpa line in 0.16 for durability and strength, Fox Series 2 hooks in an 18 and Black Hydro up the top kit. Shotting is a simple strung out bulk of four or five number 8’s as I feel that this gives the bait a more natural appearance when lifting and dropping.

I always plumb up to dead depth unless the lake is towing when I’m never afraid to put line on the deck.

From Spring to Early Winter, I always start with 100 or so G.O.T. 4mm sinkers along with a couple of grains of corn and a few G.O.T. 4mm Expanders, “splashed” in through a large pot to kick-start the swim. Hook baits are G.O.T. 4mm or 6mm Expanders. The corn can be used as a change hookbait.

If the bites are instant, I’ll generally top up through a Kinder Pot after every fish or every 3 or 4 minutes, whichever comes first. If the swim does slow or die, I’ll top up with another big pot of 4mm sinkers again, “splashed” in from a height.

I never tend to hold the rig still. I lift and drop and even drag the rig gently from side to side to induce bites, and a good tip is to occasionally hold the float bristle just clear of the waters surface and wait for the elastic to rip out….A couple of 4mm Expanders on the hook also tends to sort the finicky feeders out.

Have it..!!

Scone

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