QUICK TIPS

HOW far down should I shot my pole float when fishing for roach on rivers?

Chris Hines, Rowley Regis

ROACH bites are generally fast and quite positive affairs, so don’t leave too little bristle on show or you may end up striking too early. With a typical two-inch-long bristle, shot the float so around half of this is on show – this will also show up any bites on the drop.

However, if you are planning on fishing with the float held still and a bait fished well overdepth, leave the whole bristle showing. This will allow the fish to get hold of the bait properly without pulling the float under too early.