Damian Kimmins
Senior Member
I read what you are writing, Richard but would still suggest that fish was preoccupied with feeding.Damian, I appreciate that this is barbel fishing world but here is a true carp fishing story.
During the early 90s I fished exclusively for carp. One day in Autumn I had cast out two rods, each with a single hook bait on and no freebies or groundbait. I was taking a pee when I heard the bite alarm start bleeping. Having quickly taken care of business I ran over to the rod but couldn't understand it.
The bite alarm continued to bleep but the bobbin wasn't moving. I stood there for probably 30 seconds trying to see any movement, which I couldn't. I could only conclude that a fish had picked up the bait and just the slight tensioning of the line was sufficient to slightly move the roller on the bite alarm and thus the "blade" on the end of the roller that "cut" the beam of light from the LED. I struck - 21lb carp hooked and landed.
At no time did I perceive any movement on the line.
I am of the opinion that too much intelligence per se is ascribed fish. Yes, they can learn to associate with danger regular occurrences followed by visits to the bank, but they are limited in firstly their intelligence and secondly what they can do in action to counter that!
They act on instinct which sometimes will mean they feed cautiously, and sometimes, conversely, they will feed throwing complete and utter caution to the wind.