trickle downstream. How can any fish resist?
I guess most people areput off using bread more often by it‚s soft texture,which means that it will fly off the hook if notpresented properly. This certainly does not have to bethe case though, and when used correctly you shouldhave little problem using bread based baits. Firstly it is worth reiterating the importance ofusing fresh bread. Once bread has dried out a littleit becomes difficult to keep on the hook and willbreak down very rapidly. The second tip for keepingbread on the hook is quite simply use a big hook! NowI am not suggesting that you go silly, but forgetabout the size twenties used for maggot fishing. Whenbread fishing I ever use smaller than a size fourteen,and have been know to go as large as a size six.Remember that in most cases the hook will be buried inthe bait, so it‚s size is irrelevant. The larger lumpof iron will ensure that the bait has something tostick to. Using a big hook will also go some waytowards counteracting the buoyancy of bread. For themost part, I want my bait to be close to the riverbed, because this is where the larger fish will be.The quicker that my bait gets down to the bottom andthe longer it stays there the better. Following on from the need to get the bait downquickly, comes the design of the rigs that I use.Obviously, when ledgering this is less of an issue asthe weight will keep the bait down. When fishing withflake though, which is naturally buoyant, a shotplaced a couple of centimetres from the hook keeps thebait really pinned down. Try experimenting in themargins until you find a shot which is only just heavyenough to keep the bait down. Bite indicationgenerally comes from a very light fibreglass quivertip, when fishing upstream or across the current. Whenfishing downstream I prefer to touch ledger.Float fishing is a whole different ball game. Not onlydo you want to keep the bait down when trottingthrough the swim, but also when holding back. Inormally start off with a very buoyant float. Mypreference is for a cane and balsa wood Śtopper‚ stylefloat, although friends of mine prefer the dumpierchubber style float. Both will work, although thelonger topper has the edge when the wind is blowingthe float off course. Whatever the style of float, itmust be capable of supporting at least four AA shot.The bulk of the weight will be about 30-60 centimetresfrom the river bed with only a number four shot around15 centimetres above the hook. This rig gives greatstability and also allows the bait to be really workeddown the swim. If I want to really slow the bait downthen I will fish a little over depth to ensure thatthe bait stays near the bottom. By using a heavyset-up guiding the float down the swim becomes muchless jerky and ensures that the bait is not lost. Withpractice, the whole operation becomes smooth as youfeed, bait the hook, cast and then allow the float to
trickle downstream. How can any fish resist?