You’ve worked hard to get a bite. Now it’s time to take control of the battle and finish the job...
THE pinpoint accuracy provided by pole fishing makes it hard to beat at this time of year.
It allows you to lower your rig over a precise spot without creating any commotion, before then trickling a few morsels of loosefeed directly over the top. Once you’ve tempted a bite, you might think that the hard part is over, but only half the job’s been done.
The fish is going do its best to shed the hook, using all its strength to do so. How you play it will dictate whether you win the battle, or it becomes ‘one that got away’. But, stick to the simple routine shown here and losses will be kept to a bare minimum.
EXIT THE TARGET ZONE
When the float dips, gently lift upwards. Once the hook is set, quickly drop the pole to the left or right. This will apply pressure, forcing the fish to leave where it was initially hooked and allow any others in the area to remain settled.
LET THE ’LACCY DO ITS JOB
Start shipping back slowly, letting your elastic do the work. A lot of elastic may have exited the tip but the correct grade will have enough cushioning to prevent a hook pull and possess sufficient power to enabl
