Using the waggler remains a highly effective technique for commercial anglers at all times of the year, but it does come into its own as the water begins to clear and the fish start to back away from angling pressure. Despite its traditional nature, it can yield impressive results in today's mixed-stocked fisheries.
Use semi-loaded wagglers
To maximise your success, use a semi-loaded float with most of the shot near the base. This allows the hookbait to fall slowly, giving fish at all depths a chance to take it. Add dropper shot to maintain tension and use a swivel to further slow the descent.
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Lightly shot the rig
Place 90 per cent of the shot around the base of the float, leaving just a couple of dropper shot down the line. A 2g + 0.5g float is ample and can cast within feeding range. Generally the lighter and more delicate the setup, the more bites you will get, however it is more important to fish to the conditions you are facing on the day.
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A swivel is essential
A hooklength swivel allows you to change hooklengths quickly and also prevents the line spinning up when retrieving. A hooklength of 0.11mm (3lb) to a size 18 hook is perfect.
Keep feeding
Active participation is crucial for waggler fishing. Feed regularly with a catapult, 15 to 20 maggots or pellets at a time, and cast frequently to keep the swim active. Fishing up to 25 meters is recommended to ensure comfortable, accurate feeding. This method works with nearly any bait so don't be afraid to experiment.
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Float the line
Unlike feeder fishing, where the fish hooks itself against the weight of the feeder, waggler fishing requires a quick and decisive strike. Keeping the line afloat is crucial in minimising the time between the bite and setting the hook. A 4lb mono is about right for this. By doing so, you can significantly improve your chances of connecting with more fish.
A longer rod, such as 11ft or 12ft, can also be beneficial in quickly picking up the line and setting the hook before the fish has a chance to reject the bait.
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Feed short
When waggler fishing, it's crucial to ensure that your loosefeed falls just short of the float. Overfeeding beyond the float's range can have negative consequences. By pushing the shoals further out, you risk losing contact with the fish and making them more difficult to target.
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Top tip
By carefully controlling the distance of your loosefeed, you can maintain a concentrated feeding area around the float and increase your chances of catching fish. This simple tip can significantly improve your success rate.
By incorporating waggler fishing into your angling arsenal, you'll not only enjoy the classic charm of this traditional technique but also increase your chances of landing a mixed bag of species, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable fishing session.
So, the next time you're out on your local commercial fishery, don't hesitate to give waggler fishing a try. You might be surprised by the results.
