NEAR-SIDE SHELF

CLOSEST to the towpath, this line generally produces well early on before fading completely. Spend some time with a plummet to find where the water deepens off from the near shelf (normally 3m or 4m out) and fish here from the word go.

Small perch are almost always found here and on some canals, gudgeon are present in great numbers too, along with a few surprises such as the odd big skimmer.

To catch the perch, feed chopped worm and caster via a pole cup. Change this to a little groundbait holding squatts and pinkies and you’ll also catch any roach, gudgeon and skimmers in the vicinity.