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Fishing in autumn on a gravel pit means accepting the vagaries of the sky and falling temperatures, and betting on a fine reading of the behavior of the local carp. This session, which I prepared over the long term, had the primary objective of triggering a peak of activity on a specific area of a gravel pit rich in bottom variation, in order to crack a big subject. And despite the constraints of distance, weather and logistics... The result was worth the effort.
A long-term strategy
It all started three weeks before the first night's fishing. Despite a drive of over an hour to the gravel pit, I set up a regular pre-baiting program: two to three passes a week with 5 to 10 kilos of boilies and pellets at each baiting. On the menu are baits from Starbaits' Performance Concept and Probiotic ranges. The aim? Get the fish used to feeding in a large, well-defined area.
To save time during the sessions, I had defined my GPS points beforehand, which enabled me to place my rigs to the millimetre using the bait boat, while respecting the logic of habituation baiting. Each rig was set without direct recall, so as not to arouse the suspicion of the larger subjects.
Perfect conditions for a big fish
The timing was ideal: gradual cooling, disturbed weather with no rain and falling atmospheric pressure. I had planned three lightning nights, not consecutive.
The first one will be enough to validate the objective!
After a powerful start in the middle of the night, the surprise was total: the fish quickly got stuck in submerged branches... But no boat was available. I started by "playing the guitar" on the line before releasing it completely by opening the pick-up. I waited a few long seconds and made contact again, hoping it had worked. Bingo! The fish has freed itself from the obstacles. The fight resumes, intense and heavy, typical of waters with good depths. At the landing net, a big block that weighed in at over 25 kilos.
Although the target was quickly reached, my fishing didn't stop there. A few more nice carp came along for the ride!
Technical choices that pay off
To limit the pressure of undesirables while maintaining a high level of attractiveness, I opted for large-diameter pellets in 20 and 24 mm. This also enabled the undesirables to attach themselves to the pellets. The rigs used were also in line with this approach. No fuss, no muss, just tough stuff. Not only in terms of the often lengthy fights and the presence of obstacles, but also to prevent the pellets from being damaged by multiple undesirables (crayfish, catfish, etc.).
This autumn session proves one thing: observation, regularity and precision pay off. Even with few programmed nights, a rigorous strategy where anticipation and programming take precedence, often leads to successful fishing. This specimen, weighing in at over 25 kilos, will remain a pleasant surprise and above all a fine achievement.
