How to fish an unfamiliar dam?

[Shaine]

Hello Anglers
I have very little experience fishing freshwater and I am keen to explore new waters. I have tried some farm dams near me and have blanked consistently  .
I began to believe there were no carp in these dams but was soon proved wrong when some local kids caught carp on bread crust.
How do you approach new waters? Lets assume the locals are very secretive about their dips and sauces.How does one go through the motions of determining sweet, strong, bitter, sour....
Is there a method that can be employed?
I realize it's not a one size fits all situation but I encourage any input you gents have. THANK YOU

[REEFMAN]

Have you read this post by Walkerskiller... ?
http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=6368.0

[Nooduck]

Farm dams can be notoriously difficult to fish!
When I fish at a “new small dam” I start with basics like plain corn/ brown bread/ worms and I stay away from flavourings.


Take your binoculars with and study the water, feeding Carp normally leaves a trail of bubbles and look at Carp magnets like overhanging trees.
Doing this will give you a better idea where the fish likes to feed.

[Sting Ray]

I agree with Nooduck. Try to start with plain pre-cooked mielies or fish with white bread, you can also try earthworms.


It would be good if you could feed an area a day or 2 before your fishing session, then fish that area.


If you cannot, then start by using plain mielie bomb feed, cast about 5-7 bombs out to your spot before baiting up (to make a feeding area). I would start with Garlic floaties (I use Vampire small bleeding floats- Magicbaits on a Diachi #1 hooks, 8lbs Maxima Ultragreen hooklinks). Sliding rietvlei trace.


If you want to use dip. Start with very little, then if no bites, put a little more.


Don't give up, when I started I had no clue about freshwater angling, but if you persevere you will catch.


Tight lines.


Sting Ray

[Kosie]

Hi Stingray most have been said allready, I will also go with worms and bread. I will also use some maroek in my bread for hookbait and maybe some kingcorn in my mieliebom.