Canal fishing with a fixed rod

Even though sport fishing is constantly evolving technically, sometimes it is necessary to take a step back and go back to the origins. The new generations are fascinated by spinning, carp fishing, surf-casting but often forget that the mother of all fishing is one and only: the fixed rod. Unfortunately, whether due to fashion or because it is more complex than other techniques for beginners, the fixed rod has been supplanted in favor of fishing with the Bolognese rod, English fishing and many other specialties. However, every now and then, it is good practice to go back to the origins, to rediscover how our parents or, who knows, our grandparents fished. So grab a fixed rod, maybe in a canal, a typical spot for many, many competitions in the 70s, before the general advent of the roubaisienne.

Amarcord: the fixed rod

Many have learned to fish with the fixed rod. Some probably with the "velocette", or fixed rods from 2.50 to 4.50 meters dedicated to speed fishing for bleak, roach and minnow. Others have practiced with longer tools, such as 6.7 and 8 meters. There is certainly one element in common: promotional line, float, some pellets (or styl – for the more traditionalists), a terminal and a hook on which to bait maggots or worms. This is exactly how hundreds and hundreds have started their passion for fishing. With the fixed rod, an ancient rod, which takes us back in time and still proves to be valid and precise, despite the fact that more than fifty years have passed since the advent of the reel.

What you need to start fishing in the canal

To fish in the canal with the fixed rod, no particular technological "equipment". A good fixed rod of 7/8 meters, possibly with a carbon tip, light enough and balanced. You also need 3/4 floats in the shape of a drop, carrot, or inverted pear with a capacity of 3 grams. A spool of 0.12/0.14 main line, some split leads, a micro swivel, a spool of 0.12-0.10, small-sized hooks with a short shank. Obviously, a disgorger, a landing net, a catapult and bait such as maggots must not be missing.

The set-up

A basic line for canal fishing with a fixed rod requires the use of a 3-gram float, a capacity more than sufficient to guarantee a good hold in the event of a current. The main line will consist of a 0.14 (possibly 0.12 in the case of clear water) on which a crown of pellets will be placed in 20/30 centimeters, consisting of 15 pellets of the same size indicated in the figure. To complete the line there will be a 10 centimeter terminal, tied with a blood knot to the rest of the rig. We recommend 18/22 hooks, on which to bait a tuft of maggots.

Guaranteed fun

A line like the one proposed is the basic solution for canal fishing. The advantages lie in being versatile, therefore suitable not only for rudd, local catfish and chub, but also for tench and small (but very fun) carp. After careful baiting before starting to fish, we will cast the line and make a pass following the direction of the current. When we find ourselves at the end of the pass, we will keep the line held: it will be precisely at this moment that the float will have a jolt, will sink and will give many catches that will make us rediscover the pleasure of an ancient technique... the fixed rod!