MY TOP TIPS

1 Conditions might not always be perfect but you can still win a bite – approaching a trip confidently is half the battle. 2 If chub are the quarry and you are using a hair rig, make sure you keep it short. 3 Using a tungsten putty weight 2ins away from the hook will help to pull the point home in the fish’s mouth.

4 Don’t allow a back lead to fall to the bottom randomly. Feel the main lead down and then, keeping a taut line, place the back lead where you want it before allowing it to sink. 5 Clear water demands polarised glasses and a peaked cap – I would rather leave my bait behind than these.