FLOATS AND RIGS
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SOME FLOAT AND LEGER RIGS

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CHUBBER

The chubber float is ideal for fast flowing river fishing, it is often used with big baits for Chub and Barbel. With most of the shot being close to the hook the bait can be presented either on or close to the river bed. Generally medium to heavy lines should be used to prevent the possibility of constant break offs in the event that the river is snaggy.
Fish the main line straight through to the hook and if you find that big fish are present then step up the line size to suit. In clear water use baits like worm maggot bread or meat, and in coloured water the smellier baits like cheese or flavoured meats tend to work better.

THE LIFT METHOD

An enjoyable way to catch bottom feeding fish such as Carp, Tench, Bream and Crucians. Attach the waggler to the main line using a bottom float rubber. Place a shot large enough to sink the float 6 to 8 inches from the hook. Slide the float either up or down until just the tip is showing. When a fish takes the bait it will either swim off dragging the float under or lift the shot off the lake bed causing the float to lift in the water.

THE STICK FLOAT

Stick floats are only used on flowing waters generally at short range. The stick float is suitable for all but the fastest flowing waters. The diagram above showing the usual set up. More of the shot can be positioned closer to the hook if you are fishing slightly faster water. To prevent tangles at the cast it is a good idea to use your fingers to check the line and slow it to a gradual stop as it peels off the reel just before it hits the water. (NOT AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS). This should cause the rig to string out in a straight line. As a stick float is attached both top and bottom by float rubbers it is possible to slow or even stop the float all together by holding back on the reel line. This gives a greater control over the bait than is achieved by fishing with a waggler it also keeps the line between the rod and the float tight making the bite easier to strike into. Do not allow the line to bow as this will cause you to hit less bites and there fore not catch as many fish.

THE WAGGLER ON THE RIVER

A waggler set up is ideal for fishing slower deeper stretches of river where distance casting is required. String the shot out in shirt button style down the length of the line below the float with a smaller (dust shot) nearer the hook allowing the bait to sink in a more natural manner, and making sure that it is not carried along in the current just below the surface. Start off fishing as close to the bed of the river as possible but if snags become a problem shallow off slightly. Shorten the depth of the rig gradually until the target species are located, line must be paid off the reel constantly and kept on the surface it is a good idea to use a floating line. Do not allow the float to be pulled under by holding back the line, but do not allow excess line to come off of the reel as this will cause the line to bow and reduce the chance of contacting a fish on the strike.

WAGGLER FISHING ON STILL WATER

This is a very popular form of fishing and the example shown with the bulk shot close to the float is probably close to the top of the list. Place a single shot about 6 to 10 inches from the hook to assist in bite detection, do not hesitate to alter the position of this shot or the rig if bites are hard to hit. A good way to start is to have the bait either on or just off the bottom. Shortening the rig as necessary to find the fish. Remember the shallower you fish the harder it tends to be to hit the fish. If you find you are continually getting bites on the drop then alter the shot pattern accordingly to make the bait sink faster. That is of course unless you want to target those fish in the upper reaches. Re spacing of the shot may also help if there is a strong under tow on the water. Use as finer tipped float as the weather will permit. The bites will be more positive.

CARP RIG (POLE)

A very effective rig for fishing big baits such as sweet corn luncheon meat and pellet on those fisheries which house the smaller resident carp. A powerful carp pole is really essential with an elastic of no less than size 10.

It is a good idea to use a brand name carp float for both strength and high visibility. Set up the rig so that the bulk of the shot is near to the bottom regardless of it being a string of shot or an ollivette. Use a strong hook which is the appropriate size for the bait you are using. Size 14 holds a small cube of luncheon meat nicely. If the fish are hard to come by use the pole cup for both consistency in amounts of bait and accuracy.

THE DIBBER

The dibber float needs very little shot to achieve its correct position in the water. It has a very buoyant tip allowing bigger baits to be fished off the bottom. This rig is best used in shallow water or on the canal system. Ideally suited to far bank canal fishing, margin and shallow water carp fishing.

Simple to make up. Place three number 8 shot on the line and attach your hook length. Use line and hook sizes suitable to your baits. A 20 or 22 for caster maggot and squat and a 14 0r 16 for meat or sweet corn.

LEGER RIG

The fixed paternoster is a perfect leger rig for still water ledgering. Tie a 12 inch link to the main line with a four turn water knot it is a good idea to terminate this with a snap swivel which will allow you to alter the size of the feeder or the lead you wish to use. With out the need for retying the whole rig. Tie the hook length to the remaining 6 inches of the main line with your preferred knot. It is best to start with a hook length about 3 feet long and shorten it as required if the bites are hard to hit.

THE LOOP METHOD

A simple yet remarkably effective rig for both still and running water. The feeder is held on a loop so that a fish taking the bait does not feel any resistance from the weight, allowing very sensitive bite detection. Form a small loop and then a bigger one about 6 inches with the double over hand loop knot. Ensure  the feeder, swivel or ledger is in place before tying the big loop. Attach the hook length with the loop to loop knot.

PIKE RIG

A basic running paternoster ledger is suitable for most still water conditions at all distances. The further you wish to cast the bigger the weight you use. Simplicity in itself and almost tangle free.

Thread the main line (12lb) through a swivel, a bead and then attach to the swivel a pre made steel wire snap tackle. (A good time to use the grinner knot). Always use semi barbless hooks using the barbs to hold the dead bait on. Make sure that the link line is of a lesser strength than the main line so that if you are unfortunate enough to get snagged you lose the lead rather than leaving a fish with a hook in it.