Before i start here is some key notes to keep in mind:
- Keep a small amount of line between float - pole.
- Plump up well. You ideally want to be 2 inch over depth on Margins and a little less in open water - It'll stop you getting so many foul hooked fish and Liners.
- Never move your float once its in. Your paste will still be effective.
- Unless your feeding a margin swim for later on in the day - DONT feed anything.
As i have said previously the idea is to have a simple but effective approach, this starts with the Paste contents...
My Paste mix always consists of these two key items. Dynamites Green Swim stim & Water. Its basic but works. A lot of people use this mix now a days. Its more consistency than mixture in my view.
Basic mixing pattern is all you need. A pinching motion with a circular motion works for me.
You want it pretty much like slob. Sort of thick pea soup consistency or semolina if that's a better description.
It'll not stay on the hook. Its not meant to. As long as your hook is within the paste when its on the bottom you'll get bites. The carp will come and actually suck it up with the ground bait particles.
Another key piece of kit is a cup. You don't want these daft little ones that they sell in packs of 3 for a fiver! Aerosol lids do the job or my fav - playdo tubs! You want some bait out there. But you don't want to introduce a second bait into the swim. So going for a volume of around a golf ball of paste is about the right idea.
That's the sort of paste specimen your after, a good amount is always best. Simply flatten your pate' paste, put your hook in it, and softly push it over the hook then put into your cup! Simple. Another hint for fishing in shallow swims is to use a whited out top 1 on your kit. Try it and see the difference for your self.
So once you are all plumbed and picked your spot. Your ready to go, use your cup to take your paste out.drop it in, and slide your pole back so its level with your float (If your have your cup to close to your bush, you will tangle easily).
If your fishing close in on paste and suffering hook pulls. Instead of sticking the top 2 straight into the air. Try pointing it directly to the fish (Top 2 only, don't try it with multiple sections, you may lose one!), it'll help set the hook, obviously only a good idea in open water.
Your pretty much ready to go now. I practiced this today on Canal pond at Hallcroft and banked well over 100lbs of Carp to 5lbs. Once you start on paste, its very hard to catch on other baits in the swim. So make sure you get everything right.
Hope you have as much success as me on the tips i have given you.
Good luck,
Nathan
