An introduction to ledgering.

It covers the techniques and its varied methods.
I intend to update the diagrams and methods when I have the chance.  If you have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to pass them on to me.  :)
 

1.
 

What is ledgering ?

 
Ledgering involves many different styles and techniques.

Ledgering is simply fishing with a lead weight near the hook.   The idea is that when a fish feels the weight, it shall bolt away and hook itself in the process.   You may also use the weight to help you cast out to the appropriate distance.

The styles and techniques that have evolved vary greatly.   Some rigs are designed to hook fish by themselves.   Other rigs rely on special devices on or near the rod to tell you when to strike a fish.   This diversity allows anglers to mix and match styles.   It lets them specialize in one technique that suits them and the fish they wish to catch, or enables them to change mid session and target entirely new fish.
 

Different Methods

 
Ledgering includes many styles of fishing.  They are all classified under ledgering because they are all very similar.   i.e.  They all use a weight to aid in casting, and are designed to fish on the bottom.

The main advantage ledgering has is that it let's anglers customize their fishing to their own needs.   Match anglers can use this technique to target and catch all species in their swim.   It lets them be adaptable.   It is this that makes the difference between bagging up and having a blank.   I have seen two people sitting next to each other with identical swims, and have one win a match, and the other be lucky to catch one fish.
 

!!! Tip:

I feel that adaptability is the most important component of fishing generally.   If you cannot recognize the signs and change your technique at the drop of a hat, then you must be prepared to suffer long droughts of catching little to no fish at all.   Ledgering is one style of fishing that enables you to be adaptable.   If you are prepared to put the time and effort in adjusting your rigs and studying your swim, then you will eventually learn to target the best fishing instinctively.

This is what separates the pro's from everyone else.

( ...pity I don't heed my own advice !   I just love float fishing ! )

The following section covers the major forms of ledgering.   Whilst there are many rigs and adaptations,  the ones listed below have been proven to be the most simple yet reliable.   i.e. They catch fish !

The bolt rig

The Bolt rig is a style of rig that uses a heavy weight.   It uses the principle that once the fish picks up the bait and then feels the weight,   it will bolt and hook itself.   This rig is used for catching many specimen fish, especially carp.   This rig enables you to use supple braid hook lengths.   This braid helps cut down on fish feeling the line on their lips and as a result, they shouldn't spit the bait back out.   Once the fish has confidently swallowed the hook bait, they usually turn and swim on.   Once the fish feels the weight, it starts to swim away.   The weight hopefully helps to hook the fish.

The in-line rig

The in-line rig allows you to fish with just enough weight to cast, but when a fish picks up the hook bait, it feels no resistance because the line slides out as the fish pulls.   A variation of this uses a stop shot behind the weight.   This acts as a virtual delayed bolt rig and sets the hook when the shot hits the weight.   WARNING  If you break off and loose this rig with a fish on, it will act as a tether, and may kill the fish !   I do not recommend using this, unless you are a barbarian or use something that will slide off easily.

The link ledger

The Link ledger is by far the most basic yet adaptable rig.  The link allows you to add or remove whatever you require.  You are able to quickly and easily change to a bomb or a feeder.  This is a highly recommended rig.

 

The feeder

The feeder comes in many forms.   The diagram shows an open end feeder.   All feeders are a small devices that hold ground bait.   Once the rig has reached the bottom, a short, sharp tug will drop the ground bait right near your hook bait.

The main types of feeders are:
 

• block end feeders,
• open end feeders,
• maggot feeders,
• cage feeders,
• in-line feeders and
• method feeders.


!!! Tip:

An important thing to remember is; when mixing your ground bait, make sure that it is just moist enough to hold together.   The consistency will be correct when all the ground bait is released where you desire it to be.   You will know that it is incorrect if you see the ground bait floating on the surface, or if it is still in the feeder when you reel in.

* Insert picture of quiver tip *

The quiver tip

The quiver tip is a specialised type of fishing rod.   It has a highly sensitive tip that bends around when a fish pulls the line.   The quiver tip allows you to use small weights used only for casting.  The sensitivity of the tip shows you every line movement.   The quiver tip is a diverse indicator.   It increases your chances at catching all sizes of fish.   Most rods come with their own range of tips which vary in sensitivity.   This allows you to use the appropriate tip for any situation.

When fishing with a quiver tip it is important to follow these steps:
 

• Cast out to the area you wish to fish.
• Position your rod at right angles to where you cast.
• Ease back the line until the tip is partially bent.


The bent tip allows you to see when all fish pick up your bait.   If a fish takes your bait normally, then the tip will bend towards the fish.   If the fish takes the bait but swims towards you, then the tip will unbend and the line will go slack.   This technique gives you a chance at striking fish you would normally have missed.

NB:  It is up to the fisherman themselves to decide when they should strike a fish.  This is something that you will pick up with experience.

What equipment do you need ?

 
There is a huge range of ledgering equipment available today.   The tackle available caters from the very basic to the very specialised.   This means that you can put together a custom outfit that will suit all of your fishing requirements, whatever it may be.   The following is an outline of the major components that coarse fishermen use.
 

Rods

Stuff about the blanks etc.

Reels

Stuff about the different reels like bait runners etc.

Lines and Braids

Stuff about different lines and braids etc.

Bite Indicators

Stuff about bite indicators etc.

Hooks

Stuff about hooks etc.

Rod Pods and Banksticks

Stuff about Rod pods etc.

Weight's

Stuff about weights etc.

2.
 

Designed and made by Sean Roberts
sean_m_roberts@hotmail.com
~ Please do not SPAM  me ~

1. and 2. )  Image originally from the "Improve Your Coarse Fishing" magazine. Editor: Gareth Purnell