"An angler who has ledgered his way to hundreds of competition wins, gives his own choice of tackle for a basic leger kit."
In very simple terms Ledgering means fishing on the bottom without a float but using some form of bite indication. Ledgering is by no means a new technique. It has been popular for hundreds of years. Yet in recent times there have been enormous developments.
A vast range of equipment is readily available - but to purchase every item would cost the earth. Fortunately, it is not too expensive to buy a basic outfit that can do a little of everything and start you off on the right track.
Today the choice of Rod and Bite Indicator is inseparable. Modern Legering Rods include provision for Bite Indicators as an integral part of the design. The two main types of Bite Indicators are Swingtips and Quivertips. Swingtips have been around for years and quivertips about a less fewer years.
Most people use Quivertips because they have many advantages as Bite Indicators - especially the fact that you can use them in fast-flowing waters where Swingtips would be useless. If you are buying your first leger rod it should certainly be a quivertip.
Quivertip Rods come in two forms, with either a 'screw-in' end eye that will take a variety of bite indicators, or with Quivers which can be pushed in and still be interchangeable. Quivertips that push in are preferable. They vary in sensitivity so choose the right one for your conditions.
5. Leger Rod butt
containing extra Quivertips.
6. Leger Rod - main section.
7. Leger Rod - Quivertip section.
1. Target
board - for easing bite identification.
2. Rod
rest with multi-position head.
3. Sturdy
fixed-spool reel with 3-4lb line.
4. Leger Rod rest.
In action a Block-end Swim Feeder releases the Bait through holes in the feeder. To fish an Open-end Swim Feeder, partially fill it with your hook bait and then plug the ends with Groundbait. The bait is released through the holes and through the ends as the Groundbait plugs dissolve
The length and stiffness of the Ledger Rod is governed by the waters you are going to fish. For example, a Ledger Rod ideal for fishing the lower River Severn would not be ideal for use on a relatively still lake. It would be nice if everyone could start out with a number of different Rods, but since this is probably beyond most pockets you will have to accept a compromise with your first Rod.
A basic mistake many beginners make is to buy a Rod that is too short. If you buy one, say, 10ft (3m) long - including the quivertip - then in effect you are fishing with a Rod of only 8 1/2 ft (2.5m). This is too short. You need a Rod with a total length of around 11ft (3.3m) - and if it comes with a variety of interchangeable tips, so much the better.
You should choose a Ledger Rod made of carbon or a carbon composite - the difference in price between carbon and glass-fibre is negligible. Buy a Ledger Rod manufactured by a top company and from the current catalogue. Ask your tackle dealer or local anglers for advice on which model to go for. It is a good idea to make sure you can get replacement joints for the Ledger Rod in case you have an accident.
Your Ledger Reel should be slightly bigger and stronger than a Float Fishing Reel. It needs to work harder - particularly if you use it for 'Feeder Fishing'.
For most conditions a Fixed-spool Reel with at least 100yd (95m) of 3-4lb (1.4-1.8kg) Line is strongly recommended. The Reel should be filled to capacity, using old Line as backing.
Avoid the 'super' Lines - they may be excellent for Float Fishing but most are rubbish for Ledgering. It is important to remember that some Lines sink and some lines float - you need a Line that sinks.
You will also need a number of other items:
Rod Rests were once nicknamed 'Idleback' because it was
thought they were used only by lazy fishermen eating their sandwiches! Now Ledger fishermen rely on them.
When
fishing longer Rods, two Adjustable Rod Rests can be used for support. A Rod Rest with a Multi-position Head means you can alter the Rod angle with the minimum of fuss,
or use two Rods where permitted.