RIVER FLOAT RIG

WHEN fishing a river, the more water you can cover the better. That makes a Loafer or Avon float trotted down brilliant for picking off perch that may be sat well downstream away from any disturbance, especially in clear water.

A classic bobber or Loafer float is the pattern to use. They’re bulbous and highly buoyant, and unlikely to be pulled under by large baits or when dragging the riverbed. Where you present the bait goes a long way to deciding how many bites you get. On a river that means fishing relatively close in to any marginal cover like reeds or lily pads, which perch use as an ambush point.

Tackle needs to be strong, as you can expect decent fish on this tactic. A big hook ensures maximum penetration, so a size 6 or 8 will work perfectly with lobworms or standard dendrobaena worms.

Lines of 6lb breaking strain fished straight through are likely to deal with anything you’re likely to hook.

“On a river, the more water you can cover the better”