To catch good nets of Roach either on seed or squatt you had to use a float that would not only show bites through the water (on-the-drop) but also be able to hold back slightly when the locks opened.

Anglers are now using this pattern on a verity of other canals with these problems i.e. The Oxford and especially around my local canal Theddingworth and Foxton locks. (Grand Union).

The pattern also works well were strung out rigs are required but surface skim makes presentation ni-on imposable, with having a slight shoulder you can actually use the surface skim to your advantage, by keeping the float tight to the skim, you can let float go a few inches then hold again which in turn keeps line and bait in a straight line, as it rises in the water and all bites will register either by hold ups or the bristle burying out of site (a little tip from me!!). 

I also use this pattern  for the Castle Ashby Winter League when drawn on either Scotland or Grendon ponds where Roach are the main query on the pole line.

Send mail to: mick@mbcanalspecials.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.