Spring is arguably the most exciting time of the year for the carp angler. After a long, cold winter the fish begin to move, feed and search for warmth in the upper layers of the water.

Location is everything. Target the warmest areas of the lake first — north-facing banks that catch the sun, shallow bays and any snaggy areas where fish hold up. A pair of polarised glasses is worth its weight in gold at this time of year.

Keep your baiting subtle. A few small pouches of boilies and some crushed particle can be more effective than a big bed of bait when the fish are still shaking off winter. Bright, high-attract pop ups fished over the top will pick off the mobile fish.

Don't be afraid to stay mobile. If you haven't had signs of fish within a couple of hours, move. Spring carp reward the angler who hunts them down.