FAR-SIDE SHALLOWER WATER

BIG fish will be here seeking sanctuary from boats and traffic on the towpath.

Look for 12ins-24ins of depth and feed with better quality fish in mind – roach, perch, bream or even carp.

For the bigger fish feed 4mm pellets and corn, with corn or an expander pellet on the hook and a rig taking 0.16mm (6lb) line to a 0.14mm ((5lb) hooklink, a size 16 or 14 strong hook and a No12 elastic. A dibber or bristle-topped 4x10 or 4x12 pole float will do nicely.

Fish a few inches overdepth and feed positively. Look at this line every now and then – towards the end of the session the swim will get stronger and stronger.

For roach and perch, fish casters and drop in occasionally with an eye to spending the final hour fishing across. Fish 0.12mm (3lb) mainline to a 0.10mm (2lb) hooklink and a size 18 fine wire hook to a No5 elastic with a 4x10 or 4x12 float.