Design

Pellet wagglers come in loaded, or non-loaded versions, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Loaded wagglers are more streamlined and cast further and straighter than non-loaded types. They also only require a couple of small locking shot or, even better, a couple of rubber float stops either side of the float. The main disadvantage is that loaded floats tend to dive deeply when they hit the water – not ideal when the fish you’re trying to catch may only be 18 inches below the surface. Unloaded wagglers don’t cast quite as well with a string of big shot locked round their base, but don’t dive as deep. Some clever tackle companies have designed pellet wagglers with discs at the base of the float – like Middy’s Carp Pellet Popper (pictured left) – designed to make a noise on entry, and stop it diving too deep. Others have bulbous sight tips or specially shaped spiral stems to do the same job.

1. Loaded waggler 2. Unloaded with float adaptor 3. Use fine silicone tubing to protect reel line when nipping on shot