THE GEAR YOU NEED

REEL LINES

A good quality floating line is important. I use Pro Float in 3lb, 4lb and 5lb.

SILICONE RUBBER

Too many anglers just use any old rubbers for attaching stick floats to the line. Most of these have walls which are far too thick – they create surface tension so the float doesn’t work properly. I’ve even seen people using pellet bands to attach their floats to the line!

You need quality silicone rubber with a very thin wall. The quality of the rubber means that it can stretch considerably and create a very tight fit, which in turn allows the float to sit right and present the hookbait perfectly.

FLOATING LINE SPRAY

I always spray the reel spool with a good quality silicone spray before starting fishing. The coating not only helps the line to float but also assists it to run smoothly through the rod rings. The best one I’ve used to date is produced by Garbolino.

RIGS ON WINDERS

Anglers have put pole rigs on winders for many years, but for some reason not many seem to do it with stick floats. I think this reluctance might be down to the many variables of sizes and depths of rivers fished.

If you only fish a few venues, though, you will eventually get to know the depths and sizes needed and be able to make rigs up at home. It’s a good habit to get into, as it will save you loads of time on the bank.

Make up two of each rig and you will be covered against tangles and breakages, too.