F1s are a different kettle of fish to carp when it comesto edge fishing. Instead of bombarding the swim with bait, you need a subtle approach. Small, regular feeds of pellets, maggots or casters are key, and accuracy is paramount.
Unlike carp, F1s are line shy, so opt for a light rig with a small hook. A 4-inch 0.14mm fluorocarbon hooklength with a size 16 Guru F1 Pellet hook is ideal. Don’t be afraid to strike at the slightest indication, as F1s are notoriously delicate biters.
Focus on fishing close-in to feed by hand but be ready to catapult bait further out if necessary. Remember, the noise of the bait hitting the water can attract F1s.
By understanding these key differences between carp and F1s, you can significantly improve your catch rates in the edge. Here are 3 steps to success, and master F1’s in the edge.
FANCY SNARING YOURSELF SOME BIG F1'S? SEE OUR GUIDE TO SOME OF THE BEST F1 VENUES
Easy does it
Unlike carp, F1s respond best to a little and often feeding regime, so this means throwing or potting in small helpings every few minutes. The noise and stream of bait falling through the water helps to pull fish in. On venues with few silverfish, that’ll be maggots or casters.
THE BEST MARGIN FISHING POLES MAKE LIGHT WORK OF CATCHING LOTS OF FISH DOWN THE EDGE.
Dot the float down
Even the tiniest of indications on the float can be a proper bite, so I’d shot it to leave as little on show as possible and lift into every touch I see. There’s also no need for a heavy float, because F1s won’t churn the swim up as big carp tend to do. A 0.3g size is more than ample.
YOU CAN CATCH F1s SHALLOW IN THE MARGINS, READ THIS EXPERT GUIDE ON HOW TO DO THAT HERE.
Fish light
It might seem that when a lot of F1s are in the swim, you don’t have to be too delicate with rigs, but this isn’t the case – they’ll still be very wary! In fact, rigs need to feature much lighter hooklength diameters (I use fluorocarbon) and a light hook such as the Guru F1 Pellet.
