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Honestly, consistency is probably the biggest thing when you’re doing shorter campaign-style sessions like that. If you can bait the same spots regularly and keep disturbance low, you’re already putting a lot in your favor.
For night fishing especially, I’d focus on areas the fish already naturally move through instead of trying to force them somewhere totally new. Quiet spots with confidence, natural patrol routes, and consistent baiting usually beat just piling bait into random areas.
A lot of guys also overdo the bait at first. Sometimes little and often keeps them feeding more confidently than dumping loads in at once.
Sounds like a fun project for the year though. Night sessions can be ridiculously rewarding once you start piecing the patterns together.
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In reply to Post #21
Really interesting post, anything about baiting strategies gets me tuned in.
What are the key things to do in getting them really going on the feed when campaign fishing, finding spot/areas to then build up and fish on?
I am planning on doing more nights than days this year on a water Im working on and using day times to bait up and then few days after doing the night.
So looking to put as many things in my favour when doing one night a week.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4520 |  | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #29
...Korda advanced ****ting kit includes
1x round 10l bucket (pref camo)
1x pack of 10l biodegradable bin liners (fit perfectly around bucket with enough slack for 'heavy delivery'
1x pack.of non smelly baby wipes for efficient 2ply finger safe wiping
1x section of pipe lagging (green) for bucket rim comfort
Once ablutions are complete remove liner, knot and put in rubbish bag hanging from nearest convenient tree. Take home with other rubbish after sesh and dispose of as required...(McDonalds bins always a good option for karma...)
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In reply to Post #30
I seem to sh-t for England when I go fishing, I even have a clear out before I leave 
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personally I try my best to avoid having to go for a tom t~t whilst fishing...My functions invariably ocurr at bite time...Hobbling to the rods with ones cacks around ones ankles isn't a becoming look..  Not a fan of wet things on my posterior at any time so wet wipes are reserved for cleaning the hands. Bog roll/Kitchen towel always available and is squashed flat on the tube and placed in a large zip loc bag.
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In reply to Post #26
The toilet tip is a good one. May need to tread with caution whilst curling one out in the bivvy and then attempting to dispose 
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In reply to Post #23
I do flask coffee sometimes if i'm pike fishing, don't add milk when you put it in the flask, add it on the bank from a small container if you do drink it white.
I also don't drink instant coffee, so make a cafetiere worth to go in the flask and just top it up with hot boiled water, (like an Americano).
I've found it holds its taste better than instant.
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| | | noj | | Posts: 11459 | | | Social photographer... | |
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In reply to Post #25
I don't like to be tied down to the one hobby 
They both make the sleeves of my knitwear soggy
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I would add that if you can get away with it (weather depending) sleep with the front of your shelter zipped off or tied back. Being able to see the lake throughout the night is fantastic for me. Obvious benefits of spotting fish etc. as well.
Also echo the toilet comment! Especially on a short session I don't want to be making a disturbance by having to reel in to use the facilities half way round the lake!
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4520 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #22
. . .knock one out in the car . .? Thats technically dogging, not carping . . . . 
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In reply to Post #22
That's pretty hardcore Jon 
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In reply to Post #4
Similar to me, cooking on overnighters, far to much hassle for me 
Don't take cooking gear at all, do miss a morning coffee and I have done the flask thing regular but never tastes the same for me. Minimal gear, simple as possible for me, always
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| | | noj | | Posts: 11459 | | | Social photographer... | |
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Find the fish, catch one at dusk, knock one out in the car, sleep in the back, repeat at dawn and get home for brunch.
Job done
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4520 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #20
. . .IME bait / baiting patterns are the possibly the most important part of carp fishing - day or night. . .
When you cut through all the associated bs Carp are in effect water pigs and when feeding hard are arguably easy to catch. Sure you can fish for bites but if you find and feed em properly the latest rod/reel/rig can become somewhat irrelevant . . .
Get on a good bait (that you can afford to apply regularly/properly) and the rest becomes simple . . .
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In reply to Post #18
I had thought about setting an alarm every couple hours or so. Might adopt this approach on the 2nd night if the first day/night session has been quiet.
Interesting to hear how everyone has a slightly different approach.
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In reply to Post #15
I tend to cast my baits out, and that is usually me done for the night until I get a run.
My lines are marked, a stop knot, so if I need to recast or after a fish, I can cast out to get the stop knot just past the tip ring, clip up and then cast a stringer back to where I am fishing. The number of times I have had multiple fish on the same rod after a recast in the night shows I sometimes get it right.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4520 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #15
. . .usually try and keep the bait trickling in around the clock, even if I haven't had a bite and in the past (dependant on the lake) have even set my alarm to go off every hour to ensure this is consistent. Not many others can be arsed to do this (ie. chuck out at dusk / watch movie / go to sleep / wake up a dawn etc) but can be the difference between catching and blanking . .
If I catch during the dark hours then usually put even more in . . .generally spread bait when boilie fishing so accuracy isn't key but will use a clipped up spod and horizon markers if it is . . .
As for bivvy lights . . .they should be banned. All kit should be set up and to hand in advance and headtorch only on red. Only use full brightness in an emergency or when tying fiddly rigs etc . . .
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Being dry, warm and comfortable is of utmost importance, IMO. You'll fish a whole lot better for it, too.
Food and drink is important to the above. Coffee, Tea, or any other hot drink you like. Plenty of water too. On the food front, it's great if you can be organised enough to prep a meal or two at home, I usually only do one, then make stuff up on the bank, whether fresh or otherwise. Food options are limitless though, only your imagination/preparation can stop you creating something. If on longer sessions my last night is near enough always takeaway night, like to tell myself I've deserved one 
Lighting isn't a massive deal for myself, I have a couple of average head torches and a RM Bivvy Light, which I've had for years. I try to keep the light to a minimum, though I have a friend who has his lantern on all night, which would annoy me plenty.
Shelters, bedchairs and sleeping bags go hand in hand with the initial thought of being dry, warm and comfortable. Plenty of information on the forum about decent ones of each category. Most are pretty reliable nowadays too.
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In reply to Post #15
@Nelbow
You are welcome pal,
I never use a heater, too risky for me and if you have the right gear you shouldn't get too cold. I find I get acclimatise to the cold after the first few weeks of being out in the cold and I don't mind it at all to be fair. The fishing is obviously very slow compared to the warmer months. The army softie jackets and trousers are very warm and very cheap compared to Carp gear.
Have a look on tackle trader for a barrow, there's normally plenty around for sale. There are also lots of sites on facebook now for buying and selling fishing gear. Then its just personal preference as to the size / type of barrow you want.
Generally I dont fish a lake for more than 1 or 2 seasons due to moving around with work, so watching and listening for the fish at night can be the key to success as well as logging past captures. If I cant find any fish I will pick a swim that gives me the best view of the lake to try and spot them for the following nights. It also helps to get friendly with the locals and share information on fish captures, bait, locations etc..
From personal experience I have found in shallow or bigger open waters fish react more to the wind. On smaller waters with a lot of protection from the wind, by trees or houses etc.. the fish can spend weeks in one area at a time so always best to spend some time looking for them first. So I always do a lap or two of the lake before pitching up and during the summer months I have been know to move swims 3 or 4 times before putting the shelter up for the night.
Sometimes I just fancy a social and its not always about catching fish for me. Just being out and enjoying yourself can be enough at times and if you dont catch well theres always another day. lol.
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In reply to Post #13
Yeah, fish behaviour is fascinating. I've watched some underwater videos and how they move around bait on the bottom. It's not quite how I've envisaged it play out in my head. I find it difficult to know where they would feed at night time when it's dark.
How many of you are active throughout the night? Or do you just cast out at dusk and wait til you wake in the morning to re-cast?
What sort of tactics are you using when over night fishing.
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In reply to Post #12
Something else that might help is using a shelter rather than a full blown bivvy. I have a Hide XL and the thing is up in seconds with plenty of room. Its made me get out and do more overnighters before work as I know it is down just as quick as it went up. Plenty of different ones around too of course 
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In reply to Post #1
My biggest tip is learn their habits I.e. where they feed at night. No good going into the shallow weedy bay where they hang out and get caught during the day especially if you're leaving first thing. Also I always change into my waders if I'm lucky enough to catch. Nothing worse than getting soaked doing self takes at night and climbing back into the bag like a drowned rat you won't get back to sleep!
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In reply to Post #8
Ha! There's no stupid question in my book of life. No one knows everything and especially in angling as technology and tactics evolve.
Like the idea of having half a dozen rigs bagged up and ready to clip on a go, pre-made at home. All glugged and prepared to cast the day/night before a session. That's a great tip so thanks for that.
Few updates:
Found a Carp Porter barrow that I'm picking up tomorrow. Not getting any younger and carrying all my gear is cumbersome.
Also got a Powalite+ light for the bivvy outside. Quite like the idea of having a light on a PIR for when I come screaming out in the dark. Has a red light setting on it too so it's not too bright.
Still undecided with what to do with my old bivvy. It's a Chub Vizor. Easily 10 year old but is in perfect condition. Just can't find the overwrap anywhere which is why I'm selling it to upgrade.
Researched a load of lakes around Yorkshire. One is Caistor Lakes with carp to 50lb+. Facilities look great for overnighters too.
Thinking the barrow is the best purchase with all the benefits it brings.
Thanks to everyone for their input thus far.
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4520 | | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #1
. . .forget loo roll - can get damp/wet and is therefore useless. Always carry a full pack of cheap fragrance free baby wipes - much more efficient for wiping ones ass, as well as cleaning your cooking kit between / after meals etc prior to packing up.
On that subject, the most important bit of kit is my boilie bucket that once the contents are emptied into an airdry sack doubles as my **** bucket. . use it with a pack of biodegradable liners and this season some pipe lagging for extra comfort! Nothing like watching the rods when your regular and having those all important morning ablutions . . .
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In reply to Post #1
A fair few of my night sessions are straight after work, and I have differing shift times, either 7-3 or 3-11.
I always take the stove for coffee in the morning, I simply don't function without it.
Breakfast recently has been chocolate brioches.
On an early day shift, I have a sandwich at work, and take a pre-prepared pasta dish for heating as my evening meal. Ice cream tubs can be reused after washing😉
On a late, I have a proper lunch before work and will either eat my staff meal at work, mid shift, or take it with me. (I nearly always choose a sandwich)
On a late shift day I walk the dog around various spots on the reservoir in the morning to try to get a location for when I get back there at midnight.
My gear is sorted ready so when I finish work I can walk the dog around the block, load the car and drive to the venue.
Casting at night I just cast out stringers or mesh on the hookbaits, no faffing. The bivvy goes up after the rods are out.
An early finish means I can walk around when I arrive.
If I'm on an early shift I may spod in a bit of bait.
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In reply to Post #1
Hi mate. Personally I'm not too keen on lights, particularly if being woken by the sound of your alarms going off. Ruins your night vision, so I only use when I have to. I lay my gear out in same way as nothing more frustrating than wasting time searching for an item which you know you have with you but can't find. As for heaters, hmm, warm layers far safer. Enjoy. Nothing better than watching the morning arrive, often the best time of the day whether you're fishing or not.
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In reply to Post #4
Read original Q and I thought I know, then thought someones going to rip the pish if I say it as I think/have thought for.........yes....decades, glad I'm not alone G
Having said that, we must be made to think nothing is as simple as it once was.
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In reply to Post #1
If you genuinely mean overnighters ie. buggxxing off in the morning knowing spots is really valuable. I also have me rigs all baited up and ready to go. Just clip on and cast.
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In reply to Post #1
@kevan67 wow! What a reply pal. This is why I love reading this forum as I find the user posts incredibly helpful. And your two posts are great to hear how you approach your fishing. Certainly sounds like a regimented routine you have which is inevitable when your fishing as much as you do.
I'm on the market for a barrow. Whilst I see the value in one I don't want to pay hundreds of pounds. I'm just starting out again. Already forked out a fortune which is no surprise to anyone on this forum how quickly that takes. I don't like cheap gear either.
Thankfully I still have some gear like Pro Logic bed chair and a sleeping bag (forget the brand name).
Does anyone see value in a heater? Like a gas canister run heater?
Lights. What does people use in their bivvies? I'm looking at some sort of LED light to support my head torch and have it hang in the middle, perhaps.
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In reply to Post #4
If doing an overnighter won't take much. Prob have kabuto noodles or something similar, porridge pot and jaffa cakes for breakfast, coffee sachets and a bag of peanuts for snacks. Means I don't go hungry and only need my kettle and no cooking gear. If doing longer then tend to plan more and look at precooked meals, burgers, pasta etc trying to be efficient and not taking too much food as I always used to take home half of what I took
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In reply to Post #1
what would you eat for 24 hours at home ? when I used to do quick overnight sessions tuppaware box of sarnies and flask of coffee or tea bit of fruit job done
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In reply to Post #2
I also have a spare stove in my bag for emergencies. Its one of those cheap ones that just screws directly onto the can for emergencies and I also have a spare can of gas in my bag.
Tip: Whenever you run out of something make sure it's the first thing you replace when you get home and unload, or you will forget it.
Fishing clothes go straight in the washing machine when I get home, pans etc... go straight in the dishwasher and my re-chargeable lights and camera go on charge.
Bait
In the main I roll my own bait so will always take it fresh with me, I don't go mad on the bait front depending on the time of year I will take maybe 5kg of frozen boilies with me for the 3 nights.
Tip: I keep 5kg of shelf lifes in the car as backup. Just in case
I also use one of the rectangular 5ltr buckets which I have pellets and glugs in for PVA bagging.
Tip: I also have the storage containers that fit into the top of the bucket. I use these for all my essentials, so I don't really have to go routing though any of my bags. So I will have hair stops, scissors, baiting needle, floss, hook sharpener, pva tape, pva bags etc...
The bucket also doubles up as a seat, I just fold a towel up and sit on that.
Finally
It's not uncommon for me to fish 3 or 4 pegs of an evening chasing fish around if needed. My rods, net, bucket and bait are all easily accessible on the barrow, So last on and first off.
All the above sounds like I take loads and loads of gear and it's a load of hassle but its not, I can be fully setup and fishing in ½ hour that's bivvy and everything, likewise I can be all packed away in my car and leaving the lake in ½ hour in the morning.
It's all about the routine and motivation.
Tip: If anyone works away from home like me, I joined the village gym where I can use the gym and facilities at any Village hotel in the country for £50 month. So that's where I go to get showered and changed on my way to work in the morning.
Tight lines and I hope some of the above is helpfull.
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In reply to Post #1
To fish overnighters regularly you need to make sure you are warm and comfortable and organised if you are going to do this long term. For me its all about the routine, its like a military operation now lol.
I fish all year round 2 - 3 nights a week as I work away from home. So I don't have the option of going home and replenishing kit / food. I also don't get to choose when I go fishing as I pretty much fish Mon, Tues and Weds nights and have to be prepared for whatever the weather is going to throw at me each week.
I try to keep everything compact and have honed my gear down to suit how I fish over the years. I also tend to move lakes regularly so my setup changes depending on the lake. But that only tends to be my rods and landing nets.
Because I don't go home during the week I end up taking far too much end tackle and leads with me. But I am happy to do this rather than get caught without. Some gear I will leave in the car depending how far the walk to the swim is.
By far the best bit of kit I have bought in recent years has been the FOX Explorer barrow, it saves me loads of hassle with loading and unloading my gear into and out of the car.
Sleeping / Shelter
I don't compromise on my bedchair, sleeping bag or shelter, for me it's important to keep warm and comfy (I dont want a bad back). Unless its bone dry, I always use a groundsheet, sometimes just a half ground sheet. All my gear fits inside my bivvy or my brolly with a wrap on it. Depending on the lake nothing is left outside other than the rods, alarms and landing net. I use a Fox explorer barrow which I can get all my gear on to and it all fits into the bivvy. It also fits in the back of my car without having to pack it all down. A god send for me.
I recently picked up a cheap PIR light, which I aim out of my bivvy door at night. Severs 2 purposes, if someone / something comes near you in the night it lights the bank up, if you get a fish it lights up as you run out the bivvy which helps me from smashing into everything.
Tip: I would practice how you load your barrow and where everything goes. I know every piece of kit on my barrow and where it goes. I can load / unload in pitch black and know immediately if I have forgot something or something is missing.
Clothing
I have a good set of salopettes and coat (Fortis sj6) to keep me warm. I always have a good set of water proofs in my barrow (Gore-tex) and I keep a spare set of clothes in my car including spare socks.
Its all about layers, I buy all my gear from the mountaineering shops not the fishing tackle shops. Craghoppers is good stuff. So its usually a wicking t-shirt and fleece + lined craghopper trousers. In winter I use a set of Nash zero tolerance thermals. Then everything as normal on top.
I tend to walk to my peg in trainers / boots and then change into normal wellies with thermal liners in the winter. Depending on the lake I may also need to take waders, I also use the waders when photographing fish so not to mess up my fishing clothes.
Electrical stuff.
I have a dedicated bag for my electrical gear, lights camera, tablet etc..
I keep a small supply of batteries in my bag along with a spare headtorche. For my main torch I use a ridge monkey re-chargeable one. I also have the re-chargeable bivvy light. I keep this in a ridge monkey case along with a spare battery pack which I can use to re-charge the lights my phone or my camera. So you just have to make sure you re-charge them. (This is the first thing I do when I get home).
I also take a tablet which I will have downloaded tv series / films onto. For 6 months of the year when night fishing its pretty dark of an evening and I may not see another angler for weeks in the winter.
Cooking
I only warm up food when I am fishing overnighters, I prepare all my food at home at the weekend and freeze them in individual portions. Chilli, Bolognese, Stews all sorts of stuff, basically anything that can be batch cooked. I generally have these with plain rice.
I take two evening meals with me that are frozen and if I do a 3rd night in the week I will buy something whilst I am away. I don't like keeping meal in a cool bag for more than 2 nights. For breakfast I will simply have a porridge pot and a banana. I don't buy crisps, biscuits, chocolate etc... Too easy to get in the habit of eating crap.
All my food goes into a small cool bag, I only drink black coffee or water so that saves me quite a lot of hassle.
Tip: I always have a cleans towel and a clean tea towel in my bag
For cooking and making coffee I have a Bulin T4 (Fantastic stove) which I use for cooking and making coffee. I use the standard coleman gas cannisters (Or anything on offer NGT etc.)
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Getting back into overnight fishing so thought to ask the more experienced overnighters what tips and tricks you've learnt during your sessions.
Everything from essential gear all the way through to tactics and everything in between.
I'm sure everyone will have slightly differing answers based on their own experiences so hopefully we'll pick up a few things from one another.
One subject I'm keen to hear about is how you approach the food situation. What you cook, what with, how you store it, what in, etc.
Biggest tip I ever learned to date was at 14 year old... always have at least a spare **** roll in the car or luggage. Came home with no pants that session. Toilet roll..... and extra batteries for head torches and bite alarms. What a bitch when they run out during a sesh.
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