TOP-AND-BOTTOM ATTACHED RIGS

BALSA MISSILE

This is my float choice for swims where I can wade out and fish into channels of deeper water between 3ft and 6ft deep.

All the shot (or an olivette) is positioned around 18ins from the hook, which is usually a strong size 12 or 10 either tied direct or to a slightly lighter hooklength than the mainline.

A hooklength is vital if you are fishing in snaggy swims.

ALLOY AVON

This is the pattern I use if I’m fishing from the bank into swims between 4ft and 8ft deep.

As a general guide I tend to use 1g of float capacity for every 1ft of depth, so a 6ft deep swim would be tackled with a 6g float.

The primary requirement, though, is good control, so don’t be afraid to use plenty of weight down the line if it helps you to present the bait correctly.

No3 BOLO

I don’t think enough anglers realise quite how good this float is for barbel fishing.

I’ve had some great catches on all four sizes in recent seasons in depths from 4ft to 10ft.

Like the previous two rigs, I don’t use any dropper shot below the main bulk as I don’t think they are necessary.

A size 12 or 10 hook and a bunch of maggots or an 8mm fishmeal pellet is the only dropper you’ll need!