Tackle choice

There is much debate regarding what floats should be used for this type of fishing but, as always, I fish as light as possible. A Preston Innovations Shallow is my favourite pattern and I use this in 4x8 when it is calm, 4x10 in a breeze and 4x12 when it is windy. Have no more than half a bristle showing so you see every bite. Mainline is 0.15mm Preston Innovations Powerline and hooklength is 0.11mm of the same material when it is predominantly F1s, and 0.13mm for carp. Elastic choice is important and 11h is best for F1s and mixed waters and 13h for carp. Use a size 16 hook for carp and size 18 for F1s.