'These Winter Tactics Caught Me Two 70lb-plus Carp in Just 36-Hours' | Roo Abbott

No matter where in the world you fish, a 70lb carp is a true achievement that most anglers will only experience once, twice, or never at all in their lifetime. So, how about catching two 70lb carp in the same session from a venue with only four of them in it? Well, that’s exactly what OMC’s Roo Abbott achieved on his recent record-breaking, red-letter session in France. In the article below, he explains exactly how he did it…

("The first of two giant 70lb-plus mirror carp")

For me, when the leaves fall and the temperatures begin to plummet, that’s when my serious winter carp fishing in Europe begins. This year was a little different, however. Although I was returning to one of my favourite cold-water venues, Domaine de Bouxier in France, I was doing so as part of a group booking for my own Carp Angling Adventures all-inclusive fishing holidays and socials. So, there were a few more anglers about than on previous visits!

("To say I was smiling after this trip is an understatement")

WINTER FORM AND VENUE CHOICE

I was put onto this 52-acre water a couple of years ago by Magic Twig inventor Craig Barwell, who recommended it for its consistent big-fish winter form. He wasn’t wrong either, as on my first visit I landed a monster 71lb mirror – so I’ve returned consistently ever since.

("My first 70lber from the lake and the Magic Twig record at the time")

Despite being a relatively large lake, this venue is just what I’m looking for in a winter carp water, as it is largely shallow with a few deeper areas, making the fish far easier to locate. At this time of year, in my experience on most venues, you’ll see very little activity in the daytime and sometimes dolphin-like shows all night long.

With knowledge from previous trips, I knew the deeper area would be a good zone to start on my recent visit. Carp, in my experience, are creatures of habit, and the 10–12ft depths would likely be exactly where they wanted to be in the chilly conditions.

("I've always loved fishing in the autumn and winter")

MY WINNING WINTER CARP TACTICS: BAIT AND RIGS

When it comes to bait, as soon as those leaves start falling from the trees, that signals to me to start adding naturals back into the mix. And I’ll fish with them throughout the winter months.

("Maggots and worms form the bulk of my winter mix")

My mix for this trip was a combination of maggots, worms, casters and corn – all highly attractive and easily digestible for the fish, which is a crucial characteristic for any winter or cold-water carp bait. I wasn’t going crazy with the mix either; you certainly don’t want to fill it in, just introduce a little at a time. By that, I mean a couple of scoops regularly with my rig from the boat.

("All fish love maggots!")

Over the top of this mix I was dropping three slightly different rigs from what I’ve used on this venue in the past, and they certainly didn’t let me down. I’m a massive fan of the Slip-D Rig but wanted a stiffer section in the hooklink to keep everything away from the lead system. Therefore, the popular Slip-D Combi was the obvious choice.

("The successful Slip-D Combi Rig with a Dazzler Long Leg Aligner")

Adapting this further, I’m a huge fan of the Noodle Rig. I think that extension on the hook helps it flip and turn more aggressively and much faster. To replicate this effect, I’ve added the Dazzlers Long Leg Aligners instead of messing about with shrink tube. Combined with a size 2 Lock Heavyweight Hook, this is a serious rig that gives big carp all sorts of problems when they take it.

("Big carp deserve the respect of a big and strong hook")

Then, to add to the power, the lead system of course incorporates the Magic Wand. I’ve used the Twig to catch one of the four seventies from this lake previously, and the Wand has now put two more in the net for me. It splits opinion for sure, but both the Magic Twig and Wand have created many magic moments in my angling. Ignore them at your peril.

("The Magic Wand has already given me some special moments")

THE 'RECORD' RESULT

So, what happened? Well, it’s still difficult to comprehend, really. I’ve been going to France for many, many years, and a session like this is something you only dream about. Throughout the week I managed to catch two thirties, two forties, two fifties and, unbelievably, two seventies at 70lb 4oz and a new lake record of 78lb – my new personal best! Talk about a red-letter trip.

("This fish at 70lb 4oz would have been more than enough on its own")

I’d personally never seen anything like the record fish. This thing looked like the most ridiculous carp ever. Not only was it huge, but the scales on it were absolutely amazing.

("The new lake record carp at 78lb - what a fish it is!")

The buzz didn’t end there either. Our group collectively caught four personal bests, several fifties and, despite freezing temperatures, we all had an epic week.

I honestly don’t think I’ll experience something like this ever again – winter carp fishing, I love it!

Roo Abbott is one of the shining stars of the OMC Team. An experienced carp angler, Roo specialises in French carp fishing, particularly at venues that permit boats. He also recently starred in the Grand Fishing Adventure Underwater.