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.
WHEN FISHING A RIVER, WHERE YOU FISH IS CRUCIAL. THIS GUIDE WILL HELP YOU IDENTIFY THEM.
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 FLOAT FISHING 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.
IF YOU WANT TO CATCH MORE FISH ON THE FLOAT, CHECK OUT THESE EXCELLENT TIPS.
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.
HEADING TO THE RIVER? YOU NEED TO TAKE SOME OF THESE BAITS WITH YOU!
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.
USING ONE OF THE BEST REELS WILL AID YOUR CASTING AND MAKE REELING FISH IN EFFORTLESS.
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.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO RIVER FISHING, THIS EXPERT GUIDE HAS ALL THE TACKLE AND TIPS YOU NEED!
