Canal Tactics

lp1886 · #1

I'm after a bit of help regarding general canal tactics. I'm due to fish a canal match soon but i'm relatively inexperienced in this style of fishing. Now i wish to target small fish with the possibility of the odd bonus bream or tench. I think i should be targeting the bottom of near shelf, down the track and bottom of far shelf on both sides of me so 6 swims in total. I've been told that i should take bread, dark g/bait, pinkie, worm and caster. The problem i have is what baits should i be using in each area of the 6 swims. Should i be fishing the bread close in and the g/bait on the far side or vice-versa and so on? All help/guidance will be greatly appreciated.

#2

Which canal is it lp1886

I'm sure one or more of the canal cracks on here should be able to give you some decent tips

#3

Ip1886 sounds like someone might be trying to cofuse things a bit with six swims

It all sounds really good in theory but in reality you are doing really if three swims produce, more like two.

Could really do with what cut it is; there are plenty on here that will help, don't matter even if you are fishing against them, there are some really good eggs on here.

Guest · #4

Hi mate 3 swims will suffice,dependant on the cut of course,dependant on boat traffic,width wind and tow etc on bottom of inside shelf,bottom of far side shelf(as starts to shelve up) and top of far shelf if heavy boat traffic remember to top up after each boat. hope this helps

lp1886 · #5

Cheers for the help chaps.

It's not a club match, just a knock up between myself and 6-8 others from work dependant on weather.
Should have had the match today but a few dropped out so going to re-arrange for next week.
I don't know the exact section but we are going to go on a day ticket stretch of the Ashby canal.
It's not going to be anything serious, i just want to catch a few fish.
I think i'll fish liccy bread (do i squeeze this into balls or feed loose?) and punch on the inside line, choppy and caster at base of far slope and g/bait and pinkie at top of far shelf.

Thanks

#6

Chuck 6 babies heads in 3/4 across ( 2ft deep) and fish squatt over the top and sack up

#7

day ticket stretch of the Ashby canal.

Aint that in Joffie's or CWH's kneck of the woods?

If it is, sure they will have a few thoughts if they clock this topic

#8

Hello Ip 1886,
I live local to the canal and know it quite well.
You did not say which part you are on which will make a big difference to the bait being used.
If you are fishing the moira furnace stretch which is approx 1 and a half miles long and very weedy but is very good fishing at the mo.
It is not like any other part of the Ashby canal as its only recently been re- dug out with funding in a bid to link up with the canal at Snarestone.
No boats !
Pellets and maggots account for Tench (8oz to 1lb) and skimmers (same stamp). There are roach, perch, rudd, chub and small carp also present.
Fishing down the middle is best.
Keep it simple and feed a bit of fishmeal groundbait with a few micro's. Pellet or red maggot as hookbait.
All the other area's of the Ashby canal are bread dominated.
Punch bread at the bottom and top of the far shelf for roach and skimmers.
Chopped worm down the middle with a few casters.
If you have good cover over maybe have a caster line for the odd tench away from your bread line.
The moira stretch is definately the place to fish as Snarestone, Shackerstone and Measham can be quite hard.
It's like a canal commercial !!!!!!!!! but watch for the weed !!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best area's are the bottom marina at conkers, above the lock in the turning bay, from the furnace itself to the walkover bridge and the top turnaround where the canal ends.
Fish the opposite side to the pathway as recommended due to the cyclists, joggers, dog walkers etc.
If there are 6 to 8 of you I would recommend parking at the furnace car park and fishing from the furnace to the walkover bridge but be aware of the over head power lines.
Go over the bridge and walk back down to the furnace. you should all fit in there.
It's easy fishing as described, good luck.
If you defo know where your going, post it up and I will try to give you more info.
CWH

#9

Nice one CWH

joffmiester · #10

its more of choppies area TK i used to fish a few night matches at snarestone it was always tench and skimmers back then no one really fished for roach

#11

Ta guys - hope LP 'does the bizz' with that info

lp1886 · #12

Thanks for all the info given, its greatly appreciated. I will definately take your advice about fishing the moira furnace stretch, especially if there aren't any boats!!
Cheers