How to catch silvers shallow on the waggler

Mark Pollard advises ditching the pole to catch more summer silvers

How to catch silvers shallow on the waggler

by Angling Times |
Published on

The waggler has become a bit of neglected tactic for anglers, especially on commercial fisheries, where the pole seems to be able to do the lot.

But where silvers are concerned, the float can leave the pole for dead when it comes to the speed at which you can catch roach, rudd and skimmers.

Here's how to have an action-packed day on the waggler...

You can have an action-packed day on the waggler
You can have an action-packed day on the waggler

Go for an insert

An insert waggler is extremely sensitive, allowing you to spot bites on the drop. I like to use a semi-loaded MP Slim.

Go for an insert
Go for an insert

Find the right depth

Although I’m fishing off bottom, there’s still a depth the fish want to be at. To find it, shallow up until you get bites.

Find the right depth
Find the right depth

Shot down the line

Lock the float with a couple of BB shot. Down the line go four evenly-spaced No10 Stotz so the bait sinks quickly.

Shot down the line
Shot down the line

Go for a big hook

You need a big hook, especially for casters. A size 16 Matrix MCX-1 lets me bury the hook inside the caster.

Go for a big hook
Go for a big hook

Fish casters

Casters beat maggots. They always produce a better stamp of fish, and make a bit more noise when hitting the water.

Fish with casters.
Fish casters

Alter the feeding

I’ll fire 20 or so casters out at a time, but if the fishing is very good, I’ll up the feed to double that amount.

Alter the feeding
Alter the feeding
Big catches can be taken on the waggler
Big catches can be taken on the waggler
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us