It’s sometimes easy to fish almost on autopilot, turning up at your peg and immediately starting to work out where you’d be best off fishing the pole – and leaving one of the best weapons for catching cold-weather carp in the rod bag!
I’m talking about the waggler, something that for so many anglers only ever makes an appearance in summer when fished shallow with dumpy pellet wagglers. Those days are a long way off, though, and instead, fishing conventional float tactics with the bait presented on the bottom gives you versatility, something that the long pole just can’t offer.
Here's how I do it...
Use a loaded version
Loaded wagglers cut down on tangles and fly straight. I carry two basic patterns – a thick plastic Preston Innovations Dura Wag and a more slender Drake Floats insert peacock.
Plumb up accurately
You can’t get an accurate depth reading on the waggler using a big plummet. Instead, I use a large 3SSG locking shot designed for flat floats, nipping it on the hook.
Change baits quickly
Using a Quick-Change Swivel allows me to swap hooklengths and baits without needing to lose any depth off the rig if I decide to switch corn for pellets, or vice-versa.
Pick your pellets
I always try to feed 6mm pellets, as this is the same size as the bait that I’ll use on the hook. I’ll also take 8mm pellets in case the wind gets up or I have to go further out.
Keep fish on the deck
Feeding lots regularly isn’t advisable, as it may encourage the fish to move off bottom in milder weather. Half-a-dozen pellets fired out on each cast instead is perfect.
Cast with ease
Although carp are the target, there’s no need go heavy. I use thin 4lb Sinking Feeder Mono for easy casting. Hooklengths are 0.13mm Powerline to a size 16 KKM-B Eyed hook.
