THE
LIGNUM STICK FLOAT
The
Lignum stick float has become popular
within the last few decades, a
re-discovered float, that gives weight to
the float for casting to mid river or far
bank
With
major success on rivers such as the Trent,
Seven Avon, Thames etc.. The Lignum stick
float can be used when casting out at a
distance from the bank; with its heavy
lignum wood base, which has replaced the
normal cane. The extra weight will carry
the float when casting to areas of the
swim where an ordinary stick could not.
Long
before lignum cane became fashionable a
loaded stick float would comprise of a
heavy base such as a
hard wood stem or as the well known angler
from the Midlands Paul Newell told me that
he used a paint brush stem to give it
weight, which allowed him to cast to the
far bank of the Warwickshire Avon
resulting in a lot of match winnings.
The
lignum stick is a big stick and best
fished at distance, carrying between 5bb
and 8bb shots. It is an ideal float to use
as an alternative to a waggler giving a
different presentation altogether.
With a
slight up stream wind this float can ease
through the swim very gentle and almost
put the bait into the mouths of the fish.
Casting
the lignum stick is best done with a
sweeping side cast, feathering the line
that allows the shot to lay out in front
landing on the water in a neat line.
Overhead casting for longer distances must
be done with a sweep of the rod, from in
front of you, making an arc backwards and
casting out, making sure that the line of
shots stay in a straight line.
I find
by greasing the reel line with a silicone
spray or a grease pad, the line stays
floating and when mending the line to the
float, the float will not move out of
position. The secret is to keep a tight
line from the reel to float but not to
impede its downward trot, unless to hold
back allowing the bait to rise of the
bottom.
Dragging
the bottom of the swim can be done easily
with this float it helps to slow down the
float and the bait, making it very
appealing to lazy fish. This method has
accounted for many match winnings for me
and other anglers in the know. The shape
of the stem has a slight bulb at its base,
this allows more weight and helps with the
stability of the float.
THE LIGNUM
STICK FLOAT
