As the traditional commercial silverfish season approaches its conclusion, angler Will Reynolds from Essex, sponsored by Guru, is not ready to stow away his lighter fishing gear. With carp returning to the feeding frenzy, these fish can easily intimidate delicate skimmers and roach off traditional pole lines. In such situations, Reynolds chooses to rely on a classic approach: fishing with a waggler and corn.
"This time of year, carp start to bully their way onto every baited spot," said Reynolds. He notes that other anglers tend to feed short, allowing carp to dominate the area. However, by utilizing a well-fished waggler beyond pole range, anglers can create a secure feeding environment for skimmers and bream. This method not only helps attract the desired fish but also minimizes interruptions from carp.
Selecting the right peg is a crucial first step in this fishing method. Reynolds emphasizes the importance of wind direction in ensuring successful waggler fishing. "You’ve got to keep a tight mainline to stay in touch with the float. If you’ve got a side wind, or it’s blowing in your face, forget it, you’ll miss bites all day," he advises. Ideal conditions include a calm wind or one that blows off the angler’s back. Room behind the fishing site is also essential; casting cleanly is vital to avoid tangles with overhead obstacles.
"It’s a traditional method, and it needs traditional room," Reynolds reiterated, advocating for open spaces that allow for effective casting. He also stresses the importance of having a stable fishing seatbox for comfort and stability during the activity.
When preparing to fish, precision in setup is paramount. Because a heavy plummet can destabilize a delicate float, Reynolds suggests a clever technique: "A clever tip is to crack open two SSG shot and join them with a bait band. Hook that, cast it out and it’ll tell you everything you need to know without sinking the float." He recommends using an unloaded waggler that is similar to the fishing version, enhancing buoyancy and readability as adjustments are made.
The perfect rod for this Waggler setup is the Guru Aventus 13ft Float rod, praised for its forgiving nature that helps prevent hook pulls while also allowing for quick line retrieval. "The setup’s simple but dialled in," he explained, detailing the ideal specifications: a 4lb mono mainline paired with a 12-inch 0.12mm hooklength and a size 14 F1 Pellet hook. The choice of bait also plays a key role; corn is soft, necessitating a slightly larger hook to avoid losing it on casts.
For those fishing on calm days, a 5g loaded waggler is suitable, fitted with float stops and shotted with a small bulk of No9 shot strategically placed. Reynolds describes the aim as designing a float that is stable and responsive, ensuring sensitivity for detecting even the most subtle bites.
Fishing at a distance of 20 to 25 meters is optimal, according to Reynolds. While it’s possible to fish longer distances, accuracy in feeding is crucial. "Corn varies in size and weight, so even with a good catapult, you’ll get a slight spread," he noted. This variance illustrates the importance of precision when targeting skimmers and bream, allowing anglers to maximize their catch rates.
Overall, with Reynolds’ insights into choosing the right peg, proper waggler setup, and effective casting techniques, anglers can still find success as the silverfish season winds down. By adapting to the presence of carp and implementing these tested strategies, the opportunity for catching quality skimmers and bream remains promising.