We've all walked past tiny streams and rivers that you could jump across in parts, and dismissed their angling potential out of hand. Yet many of these miniature waterways are home to thriving fish populations that provide exciting action to those in the know.
Clear and shallow water with very little room for manoeuvre leads to the fish – that can range from chunky dace and roach right through to big chub – living a little on edge, so a stealthy approach is the key to unlocking the potential of these venues.
Mike Lyddon shares certain tactics and baits that are more likely to produce than others, but one thing’s certain – this mobile style of fishing can be surprising!
Head for cover
A swim may look devoid of life at first glance, but if it is home to any form of cover, however insignificant, then the fish may simply be hiding out of sight. It doesn’t need to be a large snag or overhanging tree to hold fish, and you’ll be amazed at what can suddenly dart out from what seems like just a small blanket of weed or a reedbed.
SOME OF THE FISHING ON OFFER ON THESE FREE STRETCHES CAN BE INCREDIBLE.
Keep on the move
Each swim may be home to just a handful of fish, and once you have caught one, it is often a case of needing to move on, as the other residents will be spooked for a while. Go armed with a rod, a landing net, an unhooking mat and a handful of terminal tackle items so that roving between potential hotspots requires just minimal effort.
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Use tough baits
A lead regularly plopping in will spook any fish nearby, so it is important to cast infrequently and minimise disturbance. Choose tough baits that can’t get whittled away by tiny minnows or silverfish while you wait for a proper bite. For example, prawns and cockles are ideal when going in search of chub.
THE BEST FISHING WADERS CAN HELP YOU NAVIGATE OVERGROWN SWIMS AND PUT BAITS WHERE OTHER'S CAN'T!
Feel for bites
Freelining is the perfect tactic, and while you can often see fish take the hookbait if you are wearing polarised sunglasses, there will be swims where the target zone is out of sight. In such cases, hold the line between the reel and the first eye with your fingers and feel for any resistance building in order to detect bites.
A SET OF THEBEST FISHING GLASSES CAN HELP YOU SEE UNDERWATER MUCH EASIER.
