THERE’S no better way of catching fish than to use a float. It’s how most of us started our fishing careers and I have particularly vivid memories of that heart pounding moment when tiny bubbles suddenly appear in your swim, edging closer and closer to the float tip until it suddenly glides out of sight. It’s a real pity how many anglers today head straight for the multiple carp rod set-ups mounted on alarms, they are missing out on the gentle art of flicking out a delicate presentation next to a reed or lily bed – there really is no better way for honing your watercraft skills. Don’t be tempted by the ridiculously cheap deals. Go for a mid range set-up and you’ll reap the benefits of a well balanced outfit that will make your fishing a whole lot more enjoyable. This fine lot is what you’ll need for a fledgling float fishing career.

• Fishing Equipment For Beginners
• Beginners Guide Float Fishing For Salmon

Fishing Equipment For Beginners

You can always upgrade bit by bit when the addiction becomes hopelessly incurable. Sound advice from your local tackle shop owner is invaluable – you simply don’t get such important info from ordering your kit on-line. They’ll be able to steer you towards the appropriate tackle to buy as well as recommending the best local venues for some float dipping action. They can also provide you with the classic float fishing bait – good old maggots. Here’s a typical range of hooks to nylon suitable for river tactics, which include finer patterns spot on for presenting tiny baits for keen eyed specimen dace and roach. Float wise, it’s good to go river fishing with a broad choice to cover all situations. Pacey shallow glides call for dumpy patterns, while calmer stretches can be tackled using traditional stick patterns with either cane, lignum or wire stems, or even straight waggler patterns.

Beginners Guide Float Fishing For Salmon

Don’t forget to buy a packet of assorted float rubbers too – they cost pence but are critical for attaching river floats top and bottom to your line!