FLOAT TACKLE

IF YOU are the sort of angler that enjoys packing minimal tackle into the car but still wants big results, then the waggler is made for you. A rod, reel, landing net and a few essential bait and terminal tackle items are all you need to outshine those around you this month.

1

You’ll get plenty of change from a tenner for your autumn bait bill. A pint each of 4mm and 6mm pellets, a tin of corn and a pint of red maggots is all you need for a session.

2

Big carp have a lot less fight in them at this time of year so you can scale down and still land them. My reel mainline is 4lb Preston Innovations Sinking Feeder Mono to an 0.11mm or 0.13mm Reflo Power hooklength. A size 16 or 18 hook finishes it off.

3

Switching between a hooklength with a bait band and another for straight hooking is vital. In order to save time when doing this, attach your hooklength to a Quick Change Swivel. They are very small and don’t affect presentation or the natural fall of the hookbait.

4

Playing with your shotting pattern will help you catch more fish. As a rule I have several bulk shot around the base of the float and then a few smaller shot spread down the line. I regularly alter the position of these small shot to help the hookbait fall at different rates.

5

There’s no place for big pellet wagglers at this time of year. Scale down to a slim insert waggler and make sure only a fraction of the tip is showing. This will help you spot subtle bites that carp and silvers are renowned for during autumn.