How to prepare a 72h carp session
How to prepare a 72h carp session
A 72-hour carp session is a commitment: three days and two nights by the water, in search of the finest specimens. On the Lot at Aiguillon, these long sessions allow you to set up comfortably, bait progressively and enjoy the best activity windows — dusk, dawn and nights. Preparation is the key to success: equipment, comfort, strategy and mindset.
Gîte du Martin Pêcheur offers an ideal setting for 72h sessions: private pontoon, direct access to the Lot, and the possibility of resting at the lodge between takes. Hamid, your host, knows the habits of carp in the area and can point you to the best spots. A well-prepared session avoids forgetfulness, stress and maximises the chances of memorable catches.
What you need
Complete fishing equipment
3 rods, reels, rod pod, alarms, setups, boilies (5-8 kg), groundbait, landing net, unhooking mat. Check each item before leaving.
Shelter and comfort
Fishing tent or bivvy, mattress, sleeping bag, lamp, change of clothes. Comfort over 72h is essential to stay vigilant.
Food and drinks
Plan for 3 days: simple meals, snacks, water, hot drinks. A cool box to keep fresh food. The lodge allows preparing meals if needed.
First aid kit and safety
First aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, charged phone. Nights on the Lot can be chilly: bring warm clothes.
Written checklist
List of all equipment to bring. Tick off as you go. Forgetting something on a 72h session can ruin it.
Rigging and practice
Plan in advance
Book your stay at Gîte du Martin Pêcheur. Check the weather and Lot water level. Prepare equipment 1-2 days before. Good planning reduces departure stress.
Spread baiting over 72h
Day 1: moderate initial baiting (100-150 boilies). Day 2: regular re-baiting (20-30 boilies every 4-6 h). Day 3: maintain or reduce. Don't over-bait on the first day.
Set up comfortably
Set up the rod pod, alarms, shelter. Locate zones, sound, cast. Take time to set up properly. Comfort over 72h influences vigilance and enjoyment.
Manage activity windows
Dusk (7-10pm), dawn (5-8am), nights: stay attentive. During the day, rest, eat, check equipment. Lot carp are often more active at these times.
Adapt and persevere
If takes don't come, change zone, flavour or presentation. A 72h session offers time to experiment. Hamid can advise you if needed.
Practice this technique with us
Gîte du Martin Pêcheur is designed for long sessions. The private pontoon allows setting up for 72h without having to move. Hamid will welcome you and point you to the best spots, carp habits and local tips. The proximity of the lodge allows resting, showering and preparing meals if you want to alternate between the water's edge and home comfort. A 72h session at Gîte du Martin Pêcheur is a complete experience.
Book your stayCommon mistakes
Over-baiting on the first day
Too much groundbait from the start saturates the swim. Start moderately, increase gradually. Carp must discover the zone without being stuffed.
Neglecting comfort
72h without comfort = fatigue, mistakes, ruined session. Bring a good shelter, suitable clothes, food. Comfort improves vigilance for takes.
Forgetting essential equipment
Use a written checklist. Check rods, reels, alarms, batteries, setups, boilies. Forgetting something can ruin the session.
Not adapting strategy
If nothing bites in 24h, change zone or presentation. A 72h session offers time: use it to experiment.
Your questions about this technique
How many boilies for 72h?
Plan 5 to 8 kg of boilies for 3 rods over 72h. Add 1-2 kg backup boilies (different flavour) and some pop-ups to vary presentations. Better to have too much.
Do you need to stay 72h straight by the water?
No, at Gîte du Martin Pêcheur you can alternate between the pontoon and the lodge. The alarms will alert you in case of a take. Enjoy the lodge comfort to rest.
What weather for a 72h session?
Avoid violent storms and floods. Stable weather (even rainy) is preferable to sudden changes. Lot carp bite in all weather, but stability helps.
How to manage baiting over 72h?
Day 1: moderate initial baiting. Days 2-3: regular re-baiting (20-30 boilies every 4-6 h). After each catch: 15-20 boilies to maintain the swim.
Does the lodge provide equipment for 72h?
Gîte du Martin Pêcheur offers carp rods for hire. Ask Hamid for availability. Bring the rest of the equipment.