Angling Articles

Welcome to this bi-weekly edition of Angling Articles by Summit Tackle

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s still plenty of fishing magic to be had before the season ends. In this edition, we take you on a late-November carp adventure, where patience, persistence, and a little ingenuity led to one unforgettable catch. Along the way, we share insights into tactics, bait presentation, and the joys—and mishaps—of winter fishing.

Plus, we showcase some essential gear that can make every trip safer, more stable, and more successful: from the precision-engineered SummitTackle Snag Ears, perfect for tight spots and snaggy swims, to the ultra-stable Colosseum Stage Stand Kit for secure bank stick setups on platforms and edges. Whether you’re chasing your last carp of the year or just enjoying time by the water, this edition is packed with stories and tips to inspire your next trip.

Winter is Coming… But the Carp Are Still Biting!

As November draws to a close, the air is crisp, the days are shorter, but the sun still warms the water just enough for some late-season magic. While many anglers are already packing up for winter, I managed to trade a couple of workdays for two unforgettable days on the pond.

This trip wasn’t spontaneous—a spot at the far end of the pond had been booked weeks in advance. I was ready to face the cold, the driftwood, and the challenge of winter carp. Every detail was planned in my head… at least, that’s what I thought.

The adventure began with a series of small disasters: the bait boat remote left at home, my lighter ran out, the piezo on my stove broke, and the hookbaits I had specifically prepared were nowhere to be found. To top it off, I forgot the toilet paper—thankfully, the shop on-site came to the rescue.

Day One passed quietly. Sunlit water, peaceful views, and carp teasing me by showing up just out of reach of my baits. Not a single take. I refused to let zero bites ruin the trip, though—patience is part of winter carp fishing.

Day Two brought a change of tactics. I decided to feed lightly and adjust the presentation. The rods stayed silent during the day, but by evening, I went back to basics. I drilled a boilie straight from the bag, added a cork stick, and hoped that the lighter presentation would tempt a carp’s bite.

Around 9 PM, the alarms screamed to life. One, two, three… I shot out of the bivvy like a madman, flashlight forgotten in the chaos. The lead had sagged completely; the carp was making a run for the shore. For a moment, exhaustion and frustration took over—I thought it was lost. Then came the grin: the fight was on. After a short, thrilling battle, the carp was safely in the net.

What made this catch even more special? The whole event unfolded during a group video call with my local bait team. Friends who had already closed their season cheered me on live from their couches, virtually sharing every moment of the fight.

The carp itself? Not the heaviest—just over eight kilos—but a true winter beauty. Its marbled color was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Every scale seemed to shimmer with a unique pattern. Pure joy.

The rest of the night passed quietly, save for an odd bite at 4 AM, likely a curious rat more than a carp.

While the season isn’t officially over, this trip reminded me that even in late November, carp are willing to play, and a little persistence, the right tactics, and the perfect boilie can make all the difference. There’s still time before the New Year for one more adventure by the water… but that, as they say, is another story.

Don't forget to follow @summittackle across social media platforms, as well as, Mike @mike.mo.karchevsky to keep up with all his angling adventures!

To make trips like this even more enjoyable, having the right kit can make all the difference. The SummitTackle Snag Ears are a game-changer when fishing to snags or tight spots. Universally sized to fit most bite alarms, they feature a clever slot for your hockey stick, keeping your bobbins perfectly aligned and your setup compact. Precision-engineered from high-grade stainless steel, they give you supreme strength and reliability, ensuring your rods stay secure even during the most aggressive bites.

For stability at tricky swims, the Colosseum Stage Stand Kit is essential. With both standard and mini stage stands, a serrated base that grips your platform, and thumb screws that lock tight with the Easy-Tight key, it provides a rock-solid base for your bank stick setup. Fully adjustable and crafted from high-grade stainless steel, it’s compatible with our entire stainless and aluminum/stainless range, giving you ultimate confidence when your rods are at the ready.

STAGE STAND KIT https://www.summittackle.com/products/stage-stand-kit-half-inch?_pos=2&_psq=STAGE&_ss=e&_v=1.0

SNAG EARS https://www.summittackle.com/products/ss-snag-ears-stainless-steel?_pos=1&_psq=SNAG+EARS&_ss=e&_v=1.0