Commercials are as popular now as they’ve ever been, but anglers now want something a little different from them.
The days of wishing to catch nothing but carp and F1s are long gone for the majority, with mixed bags now a much more appealing prospect.
With that in mind, a growing number of fisheries have dedicated pools specifically for silverfish, and the move has been widely welcomed.
A whole host of species are likely to be on offer, with quality roach, bream, tench, chub and barbel a possibility on most of these waters.
But as with every style of fishing, there’s a knack to having a red-letter day, and I’ve worked out a simple yet deadly approach that’ll keep bites coming from start to finish.
FISH LIGHT
Fine things down to 0.14mm mainline to a 0.10mm hooklength and a size 18 hook.

GET THE LENGTH RIGHT
Set up the right amount of line to swing fish to hand, allowing for the stretch of the elastic.

LUBRICATE ELASTICS
Lubricate your elastic twice in the session to prevent bumping fish off on the strike.

TOP IT UP
To avoid spooking fish if bites cease, top up the big-fish swim with one ball at a time.

STRING IT OUT
String your shot out to catch roach on the drop. If tiny silvers prove a problem, tighten the shotting a fraction.

ATTACK THE ANGLES
Fish your 10m big-fish line on an angle. That way bonus fish won’t be disturbed as you fish the short pole zone.
