TOP 5 TIPS

1 When using static bottom baits such as fish sections or boilies, try combining them with a couple of lobworms to add movement and draw the fish’s attention to them.

2 On unpressured catfish waters I will often fish direct to a loose freespool mechanism, but once the fish become angler-aware it is far better to use an open spool and bobbin set-up.

3 When re-setting pop-up livebaits in the dark I use a large Drennan night light pushed into the foam ball so I know when it’s on the surface. That way I can easily count it down to the depth I want.

4 To avoid tangles with livebaits use a heavy monofilament hooklength and a fluorocarbon leader that will pin it to the bottom.

5 Try to think like a fish and sense any changes in the weather. These small details have a huge impact on how, where and to what degree feeding will take place.