Tactics
Anglers who visit Wales often find it rather strange to catch carp 1,400ft up on an isolated mountain lake surrounded or spinning for big pike in densely wooded valleys bounded by craggy heights of scenic grandeur. Yet despite the beautiful scenery, Welsh fish respond just like they do anywhere else, and often better. Carp are the most popular quarry these days. They’re tough and capable of extreme cunning at times, incredible stupidity at others. If they’re surface-feeding, you’d be daft not to use a floating bait with no weights and maybe a small float for location purposes. Use bits of bread to attract them and fish close into the margins near weeds or overhanging bushes. Failing this, use a running leger, always casting to the same ground-baited spot.
Llyn Celyn near Bala
Float tackle gets most fish, of course, though the best depth varies with the mood they’re in. Persevere until you get it right - then, Bingo! Catching good bags of hefty tench is an art form and legering is the only sure-fire method. Use the strongest end-tackle you can get away with - even for silver fish, as most fisheries will have enough heavies for your needs. Barbel and chub tactics are pretty much alike; running float in the deeper pools and heavy bottom leger in the more powerful runs. Go about things right and you’ll get fish that will give you a Welsh holiday to remember.