1 Line & 2 Baits

A simple approach of groundbait and casters is all Dynamite Baitsbacked Alex Dockerty needs to keep the silver fish coming all day.

- Alex Dockerty

It is said that if the simple things in life don’t put a smile on your face, then you will never be truly happy.Dynamite Baits and Garbolino-backed angling coach Alex Dockerty knows this feeling well.

Being a top-flight matchman, Alex often finds himself chasing carp and F1s in order to compete, but for the 21-year old Doncaster rod there is little better than getting the chance to use a bit of ground bait and a few casters to allow him to target silver fish, getting a bite a chuck all day long.

“Fishing like this is a very pleasant way to spend the day,” he told us.

“It’s cheap, easy, active and exciting. What more could you want from a day on the bank?”

To see how Alex sets out his stall when looking to target “a big bag of silvers” as he says, we joined him on the banks of Oasis Lake, one of the many fish-filled pools on the fabulous and prolific Lindholme Lakes, near Doncaster.

JUST FOR THE LOVE OF IT

When it comes to commercial-fishery fishing, so many of today’s baits, tackle and tactics are based around the exploitation of carp and F1s. It is a real rarity for anglers to get the chance to fish all-out for silver fish. But, by adopting Alex’s approach you can feel the thrill of getting a bite every minute.

“Because most anglers target the carp, the silver fish don’t get a look in,” Alex explained. “This means they are not hook shy, so the bites are very positive. Also, if you were fishing a match, for example, and you have had a few carp and F1s before the swim has gone quiet, by targeting silvers you can quickly build a weight using the same gear. Using the heavier carp gear allows you to swing any fish, and if you do get a bonus fish during this time, you have the strength in reserve to still land them. It’s a win-win situation for me.”