A float slowly rising from the water can be mesmerising. A calm, purposeful lift that clearly says fish on, with total certainty. Thats the lift method, one of the most elegant and effective ways to fish in the margins.
A tactic made famous by the late John Wilson, a man whose infectious enthusiasm was captivating, and the lift method remains one of the cleverest bits of watercraft you can use when targeting carp, tench, bream and crucians in shallow water.
USE ONE OF THE BEST FLOAT RODS FOR THE 'LIFT METHOD'.
Stable set up
It’s important to have the rod set up stable on a rod rest. Use a front and rear rest for best results, with the rod tip angled downward toward the water. The whole point here is to make sure everything is still, to ensure the best presentation.
THE BEST FISHING CHAIRS ARE A STABLE SET UP.
The right float is crucial
The classic lift method float is big, buoyant, and entirely unloaded. This means it doesn’t have added weight to cock it, you do all of that with split shot. The more buoyant the float, the more obvious the lift.
Set up so that just the tip is peeking through the surface tension. Split shot, usually one or two BB or AAA, is placed hard on the deck, right next to the hook. When a fish picks up the bait and lifts that shot, even slightly, the float responds immediately, rising out of the water like a periscope.
REEL IN A BIG 'UN WITH THE BEST FISHING REELS.
Shot, less is more
This isn’t a method that wants a string of small shot down the line. Use as little shot as you can get away with. One or two small locking shots to keep the float in place, and one or two bigger shot, number and size dependant on the conditions usually BB or AAA, 3" from the hook. That’s all.
The idea is to anchor the float so that it's cocked just enough, too much and the float won’t rise on a lift bite, not enough and it will lie flat on the surface. You're aiming for that fine balance where the tiniest lift shoots the float up an inch or two and you strike instantly.
TRY THE 'LIFT METHOD' ON ONE OF THESE TENCH VENUES IN OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.
Pumbing up properly
This is the part too many anglers don’t pay enough attention to. You must plumb the depth accurately, right down to the inch. Set the rig so that your split shot sits on the bottom, and your hookbait is resting just next to it.
What you’re trying to do is make that split shot your anchor. When the fish lifts the bait, it lifts the shot. When the shot lifts, the float rises. It's mechanical, it's precise, and when you get it right, it’s as addictive as it is effective.
PELLETS ARE GREAT FEED, LEARN HOW TO PREPARE PELLETS PROPERLY IN THIS EXPERT GUIDE.
