Commercial Fishing Tips | Pellet Wag tricks for autumn - Matt Bingham

The days are growing shorter, but if you think it’s time to put the pellet waggler away, think again!

It works wonders during the heat of summer but I’m in no doubt that it should play a part in your armoury right now.

The appetites of the carp in your local water may have reduced a touch, but they are by no means in hibernation. They’re also sitting well off the deck and more than willing to have a munch just a few feet below the surface.

Here are six tips to get the most out of the method NOW!

Try different floats

Use a 4g-6g foam version, switching to a balsa float in a wind to maintain accuracy.

Cast around the feed

If bites drop off, feed as before but cast beyond or to the side for fish that have backed off.

Adjust the depth

No bites in 10 casts? Adjust your rig 6ins either way and carry on till you contact fish.

Locking the float

Line stops, unlike shot, don’t damage your line. No shot are needed beneath the float.

Turn to light line 

A 5lb mainline to a 0.17mm hooklength and size 12 Guru QM1 hook will usually suffice.

Stand-out hookbait 

If bites cease, try an alternative hookbait such as a dyed 8mm pellet before changing depth.