Tactic of the Week
Match ace Andy May’s waggler tricks for stillwater action
THERE’S no doubt that the best anglers gain their elite status by thinking outside the box.
Whether it’s a clever way of boosting their baits, a cunning tweak to their rigs or a sixth sense when working out what happens underwater, the most successful anglers always have something up their sleeve.
Former Fish O’Mania champion Andy May consistently catches more than most, and his latest winning edge is all to do with the depth at which he is fishing.
While most are convinced that pinning their baits to the bottom is the only way to get bites at this time of year, the Dynamite Baits and MAP-backed star has been fishing well off the deck.
In fact, he’s been bagging up just 2ft deep in swims with more than three times that amount of water. Quality roach, rudd, hybrids and skimmers make up the bulk of his hauls, along with F1s and carp.
BUSY ROUTINE
If you think you can simply set your rig shallow, cast out and get a fish every chuck you’re in for a bit of a shock.
Keeping busy is very important, and Andy is always working the swim in order to make the most of his day on the bank.
“Moments after I have cast out I’ll grab the catapult and fire 20 casters over the top, and repeat a few seconds later,” he says.
“That might sound a lot at this time of year but I’m a firm believer in being bold with your feed – it attracts the bigger fish.”
If Andy goes more than a minute without a bite he will twitch the float so that it bobs under briefly, slightly moving the hookbait at the same time.
EXPLORE THE DEPTHS
An average commercial is around 6ft deep, and the fish could be sitting anywhere up or down in the water column.
It is a matter of trial and error to find out where they are feeding most confidently, and Andy will always start the session at full depth.
“I start on the deck, but if I’m missing bites I will shallow up by 6ins at a time. These indications will be fish above the hookbait, brushing against the line and pulling the float under.