Now we’re in winter, we can be faced with cold, still days, or a light wind off our back. On these days, fish will be further out from the bank, in a safe zone where they feel secure. It may not be until the latter part of the day that they come in closer to search for food.
This is why it’s so important to be flexible and carry the tools to find them, and there aren’t many methods more satisfying than a good old-fashioned waggler to go in search of fish and enjoy a brilliant day’s sport.
Here's some tips for fishing the 'wag'...
Floats – use an insert
When bites can be finicky, you need to use an insert. Its slim tip will show every indication very easily and I’d use a loaded float to do away with having big bulky locking shot.
Go for maggots
Bigger baits like corn and pellets can be too selective both as feed and on the hook. At this time of year, it’s hard to see past maggots, something all fish love.
Fish a longer rod
In the cold, a long 13ft rod will give you a few benefits. You’ll pick up line more easily on the strike, you’re in more control on the cast, and you can punch a float out a little bit further.
Land every fish
There’s no telling what you might hook next, and a good happy medium for carp, F1s and quality silverfish would be an SFL-B in a size 16 to a hooklength of around 0.11mm.
Spread the feed
Loosefeeding maggots means that the bait will end up spreading out slightly That’s not a bad thing, because it gives you a wider area to work with and to cast around in.
Change the depth
Although most waggler work takes place on the bottom, there can be days when the fish will come slightly up in the water. A slow fall of the bait will find fish off the bottom.
