A Day with Steve Ringer at Barston Lakes: Catching Big Carp

Steve recently travelled to one of his favourite venues, Barston Lakes, in search of some big carp. From feeder choice to hook bait, Steve’s approach is simple but effective—and with a few new products in the mix, it’s easier than ever to target some match-winning carp.

Feeder Choice

When it comes to feeders, larger options are usually Steve’s go-to. Still, it’s not just about size—it’s about feeding the swim effectively.

Big carp want plenty of bait, so Steve makes sure the hookbait is accompanied by a generous feed. He favours larger hybrid feeders in 28g and 45g, which deliver maximum bait right where it counts. The bigger the feed, the bigger the fish that will turn up.

Tackle Choice

Steve keeps things simple with a single rod that can handle everything: the 11’ N-Gauge Pro Distance Feeder Rod. It’s perfect for casts ranging from 15 to 80 metres, giving him versatility without the fuss of multiple setups.

Paired with a big distance-style reel—the N-Gauge Distance 6000D—Steve gets the accuracy he needs for long-range casts and the control required to play big carp effectively. Loaded with 6lb Pulse Pro mainline and a 12lb Shield shock leader, this setup ensures that even the largest fish can be played safely under the rod tip.

Hookbait

For the hookbait, Steve sticks to wafters, small sizes of 6 to 8mm. Light and easy for carp to suck up, these wafters are perfect when paired with a heavily fed swim. It’s all about making the bait natural and tempting, so the big carp can’t resist.

Hook Choice

At this time of year, bigger hooks are better, and Steve opts for the brand-new Size 8 QM1. This hook works beautifully with larger hookbaits, giving a strong and reliable hook-up every time.

Baiting Up

Big carp won’t come to an empty swim. Steve uses a dedicated baiting-up setup to feed efficiently and effectively. His baits of choice are pellets and corn, larger particles that don’t get gobbled up by silverfish, ensuring the feed reaches the carp you want to catch.

Playing And Netting Big Fish

Landing a match-winning carp requires the right gear. Steve relies on a long black elasticated stem when playing fish, which reduces lost carp and improves hook-ups. This simple piece of tackle makes a big difference when battling and netting the lake’s giants. Also, when it comes to netting big fish, the Latex Landing Nets are a fantastic addition to anyones fishing. Their latex-coated mesh glides effortlessly through the water, reducing resistance for quicker netting.

By following Steve Ringer’s approach—smart feeding, the correct tackle, and a few new products—you can improve your chances of landing big carp at venues like Barston Lakes. For more information on new items such as the Size 8 QM1, please click here, or see below.