fishing is a sport enjoyed by trillions of people all over the world. some like to fish off the bottom, some off the top and some using floats. each method works and used correctly can make a days fishing a good one.
ledgering or otherwise called bottom fishing is the method where the bait sits on the bottom of the lake/river with help from a weight or swim feeder. There are a number of ways of detecting bites when ledgering. The 2 main ones are watching part of the rod for movement (such as a quiver tip), or attaching something to the line (such as a bobbin), and watch it go up or down.
It is also worth mentioning "touch ledgering", with this method you hold the line near the reel and feel for a bite. Please don't try wrapping the line around your finger if carp fishing, the speed of the takes can be such that the line could cause injury.
If conditions allow, you can also watch the line where it enters the water. Both these methods can be very sensitive, but I don't want to get involved with them at the moment. some people find this boring but others swear by it and wouldn't dream of using a float or on top. the diagram below shows a typical free running ledger bottom set up.
using a float system is as easy or even easier as using a ledger. you set up the method on your line chuck it out and wait for you float to dip under the water as an indicator of a strike.The float is very much up to the individual angler and the weather condition you are dealing with.
If it is a calm day and you are fishing close to the bank, then a small waggler or stick float will be perfect. I prefer a waggler attached at the bottom only so that I can sink the line between rod tip and float in case of wind drift. In windy conditions however, or if you need greater casting distance, a float which will take a bit more weight is called for.
Again I prefer attaching it bottom only for the same reasons, but this is very much a matter of personal preference.
Weights are next and here I prefer to use a putty type weight so that I can get greater control over the amount I am using. Split shot are fine for smaller fish but do tend to weaken the line slightly and I won't take that risk.
Hook size will depend on your quarry and the bait being used, but I don't tend to go any smaller than a size 12 and no larger than a 6. the diagram below shows the waggler set up i find most productive.
Floating off the top can be really easy and a lot more easy than the last two methods shown. it can be as simple as a hook on your line with the bait and nothing else or the same set up as a float system but without the weights pulling the bait down. the video in the link below is filmed by two boys who swear by the "on the top methods" and catch regularly with it, they have just started uploading video's so subscribe and they have assured me that they will have many video's upcoming that you wont want to miss!!
whatever method you choose is up to you, all of them work and have great results but personal preference takes a huge part in the decision making. so whatever method you slap on your line, have fun, fish responsibly and go catch fish!!
