Big rivers such as the Severn and Wye can seem daunting to some, as they think they’re going to be deep and powerful.
But the truth is, they can be relatively shallow and sedate in places, which calls for a different way of fishing to the far more positive Bolo rod or feeder tactics.
If you’re on a peg offering a flow similar to a steady walking pace, and there’s 5ft or so of depth just over the near-side ledge, then we’re in business for the stick float!
It’s is a great way of fishing relatively close to the bank and, being a top and bottom float, also allows you to tweak your presentation as the session progresses to get the best out of the swim.
Here's six tips to help you get more from your stick float fishing...
GET THE BEST ROD FOR STICK FLOAT FISHING IN THIS BEST BUYER'S GUIDE.
THE SHOTTING RULE
Stick floats come in so many sizes, but a good rule of thumb is to use a float that has a No4 in shotting for each foot of depth – in other words, in a 5ft-deep swim, a float of 5x4 is about right.
GET A SMOOTH TROT
If your mainline is too thick, the float won’t travel down the peg properly. I use 0.16mm Daiwa Tournament SF, which is low enough in diameter to go through the rod rings with minimal drag.
CHECK OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE TO THE BEST FISHING REEL LINES HERE.
TAPER THE SHOTTING
I actually prefer a bulk-style set-up for the stick, although it’s more tapered in the bottom half of the rig – a bulk and then shot spread at increasing distances down to the hooklength.
GET THE BEST FISHING SHOT AND WEIGHTS IN THIS BUYER'S GUIDE.
GO FOR SMALL BAITS
I only take maggots, casters and hemp with me for the stick, fishing maggot or caster on the hook as a double bait. Maggots are the starting bait, changing to casters later in the session.
RELEASE THE LINE
An open bail-arm lets line peel off on the trot, but I also sometimes backwind line off slowly. If you’re struggling with the bail-arm open, this way makes striking simpler.
FIND THE BEST REEL FOR THE JOB IN THIS BUYER'S GUIDE.
SET THE PACE
Most days the fish will want the bait run at them, either at the full pace of the river, or more slowly. Begin at around two-thirds pace and experiment from there. Small changes can make a big difference on the river.
GET MORE SUPERB RIVER FISHING ADVICE FROM HADRIAN IN THIS TIPS & TACTICS ARTICLE.
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