Help

[Paul_2005]

I went fishing for the first time in 25 years sunday. Iwas float fishing a shallow river using a small breadflake on a 14 hook. After a while I started getting good bites but couldnt hook a thing! The barb was exposed - could it be the fish were very small or I've lost the knack of striking! Going back for round 2 this week - any ideas.

 

Sensible answers please

[Dick Dastardly]

Could do with a bit more information mate but initialy I would say use a smaller hook and bait to find out what is trying to take your hook.

[Steve Burke]

Lots of possibilities here. One that immediately springs to mind is too much slack line between the float and the rod. Were you trotting or fishing a static bait?

[Andrew Boyd]

Double check the depth, perhaps your snagging the bottom?

 

Perhaps try. . .

 

1) Reducing your hook and bait size, try a 16 or 18.

 

2) A small ledger.

 

Good luck

[chavender]

does the river contain grayling !,but it might be a case of over exaggerating strike's. and a little more practice will settle things down,i do quite often make some terrible casts and strike like a complete twonk ,i'am natually clumsy and it takes a few goes before my striking and casting settles down into a nice rhythm and smooth action,as i tend to snatch and have a jerky strike do to me being heavy handed a bit,i'd say give your self more time to find your own rhythm and pace.

[Paul_2005]

Thank you all for your help, I'll try a smaller hook and less power on the strike

[Newt]

Post back after your next session and we can help you fine tune bait, rig, presentation, and all of that.

[Paul_2005]

Will do, thanks all