DAVE HARRELL: RIVER TACTICS

KEEP IT ON TOP!

For good presentation with float gear you must use a floating line. I use Pro Float in breaking strains from 3lb to 8lb.

GET IT SUNK

For swimfeeder and sunken line floatfishing on slow rivers I use Pro Feeder line in 3lb to 14lb breaking strains.

HOOKLENGTH CHOICE

For hooklengths I always use Pro Rig in diameters from 0.08mm to 0.26mm.

IN-LINE OLIVETTES

For big-fish rigs I use lines from 0.16mm to 0.22mm and In-Line Olivettes from 1g to 10g.

STOCK UP ON SHOT

Too many anglers go fishing with insufficient shot. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen this happen. No excuses, you just need to stock up!

JOIN A CLUB

Club fishing can be a great way to learn, as well as forging new friendships. Your local tackle shop should be able to put you in the right direction in terms of who to contact.

TRY WORMS

All fish love worms, so make sure you carry at least half-a-kilo of dendrobaenas with you to every river session.

ON-LINE OLIVETTES

For fine mainlines of 0.12mm and 0.14mm I always use On-Line Olivettes from 0.60g to 6g. These are locked on to the line with silicone rubber and are easy to move without line damage.

USE A CATTY!

If you need to get your feed out a long way, always make sure you have a few catapults and spare elastics with you.

GO FOR CHUB!

Like barbel, chub love pacey water in the summer months. You can catch them on all sorts of baits, but float tactics work best for big weights.

TRY AN AVON

A great float for pacey rivers with good depth close in. Use with an In-Line Olivette and 5lb to 6lb mainlines.

BABY BOLO!

There was a time when Bolo fishing was all about big floats, but not any more. They now go down to just 1g for swims 5ft to 6ft deep.

BALL IT IN!

Several big balls of groundbait at the start of a session can draw a lot of fish into your swim quickly!

DISH THE DIRT

Soil is a great addition to groundbait when you need to get it down quickly. I always have some with me for river sessions.