In my experience there is nothing better than donning the waders, coupled with a prodding stick and venturing into the wet stuff analysing viable spots on the lake bed in which to present a bait on to start priming for later sessions to create a feeding spot. Having a long handle rake is helpful to remove any unwanted twigs, weed etc. that may impair line lay or rig presentation.
Providing the venue allows wading, the task must be undertaken safely, feeling you’re way into the lake is a must, having a vague idea of depth and substrate you’re treading is paramount as the last thing you want is a wet ‘booty’ or worse still getting stuck in a deep pocket of silt or sand.
It never ceases to amaze me just how different a spot can be when you arrive above it with a prodding stick. Pulling a lead over it and dragging back gives you a good guide, but in my mind it is never as accurate as treading over it ascertaining size, depth, substrate etc. with the underside of your boot and a prodding stick.
Another tip is to collect a sample from the spot, by simply digging in the handle or raking over the lake bed surface and carefully bringing it up to the surface, which can often reveal secrets like natural food larders such as bloodworm beds or other aquatic life. Clay spots are a favourite of mine, which carp are renowned for flanking on for mineral absorption to aid health and well-being. These are a reason for carp to visit the spot even before application of pre-bait.
This process helped piece together the capture of a very special fish that was on my most wanted list recently.
By venturing out into the ‘drink’ I was able to ascertain how far I could fish my hook bait safely, stacking the odds in my favour under a tree-line nearby a coots nest. The carp regularly use this subsurface jungle of branches and debris when it’s hot or a good south westerly is blowing. The money spot within the spot was the very edge of the gravel that met a smooth silty area in around 4.5-5 feet of water.