Coarse Fishing - 'Trotting the Stream'

One of the more popular forms of coarse fishing is 'trotting the stream'. This is a method in which we allow a float on the line to carry the bait down at a certain depth and let it flow with the current along the waterway. We know that fish like to rest or hide in ambush behind structures (such as submerged rocks or tree roots) in the water or 'creases' between different current speeds. With these behaviours in mind we can use our coarse rods to direct the float past these structures and at the same time try to present the baits as naturally as possible.

To do this, we start off using as light a line as possible. There are many stick floats on the market, you could even have a go at making one yourself out of large bird quills or balsa- I think the important thing is to keep it simple. The top of the float has to be seen from a distance so ensure the tip is large enough and coloured brightly so as to be readily observed. We attach the float to the line with bands (that can also be bought to size) both at the top and the bottom of the float. We then allow enough line below the float to cater for the depth of water we want to fish. Attach the appropriate hook then experiment with how much weight is needed to cock the float or keep it upright, with an inch or so above the surface.

There are several schools of thought concerning the spacing of these weights (split shot): some people like to group the split shot together 12 inches from the hook- others like to space them out evenly along the line between float and hook. I prefer the latter believing that the line flows more evenly through the water and therefore more naturally.

Once the rig is set and in the current, we release the line to run off the spool as the float flows down the river. Allow the line to lightly flick through your fingers so you have some control when the fish takes the hook, which could happen at any time. One technique you could try (particularly if you are using dragonfly nymphs for bait) is to occasionally halt the release of line causing the nymph to rise against the current to the surface. This mimics the behaviour of nymphs rising for air. The other technique is to hold the line and swing the bait up when the float approaches banks that are possibly undercut, as this is a perfect hideout for most species. This allows the bait to penetrate these hard-to-get-to places.

Adding some groundbait between runs improves the feeding activity but after 20 minutes or so, if there's no action, you can move downstream and repeat the process. In this manner you can cover quite a large area in a short amount of time- particularly in smaller rivers and streams. 'Trotting the stream' takes patience and skill, and you may have to modify some of your methods for different species of fish and areas of water.

For more information on this and other methods of coarse fishing, visit http://mycoarserods.com

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