THE ART OF SINGLE HOOKBAIT FISHING
Joe Morgan reveals why he puts so much faith into single hookbait fishing
CARPOLOGY: What is your favourite hookbait (pop-up, bottom bait, wafter), colour and size?
JOE MORGAN: “Looking back over the years, I’d say a large percentage of the big ‘uns I’ve caught in the UK have been on single hookbaits. Back in the day, it was all about the yellow Mainline Pineapple pop-ups, but over the last 10 years, the IBs have taken their place. Although they work perfectly well on their own, I do add a little Isotonic Goo, which certainly doesn’t seem to hurt! They only come in 15mm yellow, so that’s what I use. In the last year, I’ve started using wafters a bit more, too, but that’s more when I’m fishing over bait. As a single bait, I think a pop-up is best since it’s the only thing there and is perfectly poised to do its job. No matter how the fish approaches it, the rig will work efficiently.”
CARPOLOGY: Do you use bottom baits?
JOE MORGAN: “Not really, but I’m sure there are situations where it could be a big edge, particularly on pressured lakes where they’ve been hammered on pop-ups. We have to remember how often they are swimming around eating bottom baits freely!”
“If I’m using a single bait, it’s on its own. However, I also use solid bags as singles since it’s still a ‘single’ little package.”
CARPOLOGY: What rig and lead arrangement do you use for your single hookbait fishing?
JOE MORGAN: “Good old Spinners! It’s without a doubt, the most effective and efficient rig I’ve ever used, and I have tremendous confidence in it. I fish this rig on a lead clip with a quick-change swivel and an anti-tangle sleeve. If there’s no rule dictating the use of tubing, I will mostly use it naked unless there are severe bars or snags.”
CARPOLOGY: When it comes to casting to showing fish, do you aim to land the lead far beyond where it showed and then reel it back, or do you wait for the feeding period to be over before casting to the zone?”
JOE MORGAN: “If I’m using a single bait, it’s on its own. However, I also use solid bags as singles since it’s still a ‘single’ little package. When casting a bag, it has to go straight on their heads. But if there’s an opportunity to cast past the spot with a single bait and then wind back to drop it more subtly into the zone, I will do so. It would be silly not to if you can get away with it, though it’s not always an option, especially in weedy waters. When I cast depends entirely on the lake and the situation. I’ve often cast singles onto shows and had bites quickly. Sometimes, I play the long game and line up the area to investigate later that day. Mostly, I like to fish in the moment and take the risk!”
CARPOLOGY: How often will you recast if you can’t get a drop you’re happy with?
JOE MORGAN: “I wouldn’t settle for a drop I’m unhappy with! As Darrell Peck used to say, ‘That’ll do will never do!’”
