There are tactics that seem to get short shrift from anglers at certain times of the year... and during the warmer months in particular, using a traditional waggler is one of them.
But if you’re looking to put together a net of quality fish, this should be one of the first approaches that you consider. It provides a lot more finesse than a feeder set-up, and allows you to go beyond the pole line, where the carp often ball up in search of food when temperatures are high.
Basic waggler fishing skills that you’ve honed over the years will stand you in good stead, but there are also a number of small tweaks you can make to improve your efficiency even further.
HEAD TO ONE OF THESE AMAZING VENUES TO CATCH LOADS OF FISH ON THE WAGGLER.
Pick the right tools
Use a soft-actioned 13ft float rod with a 3000-sized reel that is loaded with 3lb sinking mono mainline. Pair this with an insert crystal waggler in the 3AAA range, held in place on the line with the bulk of the shot loading, and two No8 droppers spread out below. This set-up provides a neat presentation and minimal disturbance in shallow water.
THE BEST FLOAT RODS ARE IDEAL FOR ALL TYPES OF WAGGLER FISHING.
Keep bait choice simple
On most venues, 6mm expander pellets will work well on the hook. They’re soft, light, and will sit on top of any silt pockets on the lakebed without falling into them. A size 14 hook is about right for these, and will ensure they don’t fly off during the cast. If bites prove a little elusive, switch to either a 4mm expander pellet or a grain of sweetcorn.
WE HAVE ROUNDED UP THE BEST BAITS YOU CAN USE FOR FISHING...
Feed little and often
This isn’t an approach that requires a hefty bed of bait to be laid down first, and a little- and-often approach, helping to gradually build the target zone, is a better option. Fire in five pellets twice in quick succession after each cast. This steady trickle of free offerings draws in fish without overfeeding them, keeping them competitive.
THE BEST FISHING CATAPULTS WILL HELP YOU FEED MORE ACCURATELY.
Adapt to the conditions
Surface skim can cause problems when you’re trying to get the perfect rig presentation on the waggler, but adding a squirt of washing-up liquid solution to the mainline on your reel spool can solve the issue. This will help your line to sink, allowing you to continue using the waggler even in conditions that perhaps aren’t quite ideal.
IMPROVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR FLOAT FISHING WITH THE BEST FISHING REELS!
