Q How hard should I strike when fishing the pole? I keep on wrapping the rig around the tip when I miss but am worried that a gentler strike won’t set the hook properly.

AThis largely depends on the depth of water you’re fishing in and the species you’re fishing for. In swims over 8ft deep, the strike requires a bit of force to set the hook but in 3ft you need less power. In shallower water simply lift the float when it goes under, much like you would when repositioning the float. Modern hooks are razor sharp and should penetrate with the minimum of effort. Perch need a good strike as their mouths are bony. On the flip side softmouthed skimmers need only a gentle touch.