Stalker Setup

[Baza]

hi all, right i've just got a free spirit bank creeper stalker rod a wychwood reel loaded with 10lb soft steel,my problem is i have never stalked a fish and think my watercraft is now nearly there to try what i need to know is what should the rest of my set up comprize of, any comments would be appreicated.

thanx's in advance

baz...

[Chesh]

Jules its over to you master stalker.......... lol

my set up really depends on the sort of water i am fishing, with stalking its margin work really. I will set up my tackle after looking around at the likely spots that could possibly contain fish.

A good example of this was whilst down on CEMEX Anglings Blue Pool, the margins are deep and gravelly, i made the mistake of going with the rod already set up for margin fishing 2ounce lead etc...

didnt have a touch!! i put this down to presentation.

changed the lead for a small pallatrax stone, mono hooklink and 3 grains of corn on the hair.... WHACK !!! had a fish on within 10 minutes sadly though i lost it due to being rubbish at tying knots pmsl

if i was fishing though in silt or chod, it would be a small atomic dung lead quality invention for these circumstances

[Julian Grattidge]

Hi All,

For me, the whole point of stalking is that you carry around the *absolute* minimum of kit, which frees you up to walk huge distances without tiring, but more importantly allows you to get into the swims and locations that other anglers can’t reach.

As such, my stalking kit consists of;

Chest Waders (preferably neoprene)
Chest waders do three main things; they allow you to get very close to your quarry or baited patch with minimal disturbance, and they also allow you to sit about on the banks without the need for a chair or umbrella – so again, all weight/tackle saving. Neoprene are better as they don’t sweat, allow better stretch, and being cushioned, are more comfy to sit around in.

Small shoulder bag
To be honest I’ve still not found a shoulder bag to exactly suit my needs as they are all too big (manufacturers take note!). The best thing I’ve found to suit is one of my old DJ’ing record bags, which was designed to take around 50 12” records.

In my bag I have;

Stalking tackle pouch
My pouch measures 7”x4”x3” so is just large enough to take three or four leads, a pack of hooks, a few swivels, bait stops, baiting needle, bait drill, scissors, etc. and a few hooklink materials; one braid, one fluro and one surface mono. I also have a controller in there.

Mini rig wallet
To be honest, 99% of my stalking is done on worm, so It’s not often I’m changing hooklinks, but I do keep a few at hand so that if the need arises I can switch in under 30-seconds – I find successful stalking is about being able to immediately adapt to what you are faced with (a big kipper hopefully!) as you walk into a swim. I find using a gizmo type clip is essential, as it allows you to change set-up completely in a matter of seconds I’ve lost count of the amount of fish I’ve caught whilst stalking, simply by being able to adapt within a minute to the situation I’m faced with. The actual preparation time from seeing a fish, to putting the bait in the water can often be as little as say thirty seconds to a minute once you have a good system worked out, but don’t rush it as stealth is everything.

Also in the bag are;
Camera & Mini Tripod
Thin Waterproof coat
Small set of scales
Boilie & Particle catapults

I then have a decent sized Unhooking mat with a Weigh sling rolled up within it and a pair of Long nosed pliers attached to the mat to deal with any deep hooked fish.

I also have a small Bait bag, which will have floaters, particle mix, tub of worms and a few other odds and ends in.

That’s it, really. This allows me to sling the bag over my shoulder, carry my bait bag and mat in one hand, and rod and landing net in the other.

As a tip I find it ends up being quicker to break the net down when on the move as if you leave it set up it always end up getting snagged on something –I simply roll the net head up in my unhooking mat.

Just remember you polarised glasses and cap and you are done. I did a full feature on stalking in this months North West Angler for any that might be interested.

Happy Stalking!

Pic below shows my stalking kit ready to go out of the door… and one of the hopeful result; a nice Capesthorne mirror stalked on worm approximately nine inches from the bank in twelve inches of water.

[Baza]

cheers jules very knowledgable reply mate,never done it yet but am starting very soon, i think it would complete my target this year if i could stalk one out, and i think i'll start off fishing behind my usual set up then when the time comes wind in and go walkies.
so a worm's a good bait,do you catapult any pellets or particles out mate.

baz...

[Cliff]

Cheers jules, some good advice. Going to be doing a bit of stalking on a stretch of canal near my house where ive seen a few lumps cruising around!

[shaun]

Originally Posted by Cliff

Cheers jules, some good advice. Going to be doing a bit of stalking on a stretch of canal near my house where ive seen a few lumps cruising around!

good luck matey

best bit of stalkiing kit i have is my MOD belt with pouches...............i can get everything in em leaving my hands free for rod work and tree huggin

[BIG COL]

can you tell me if my Stalking equipment is okay it's a MAC been told I can get into trouble with it

i think youll be ok with the mac col its the poncho id worry about