Probably one of the favourite methods used by Bass fisherman in European waters is to use the lures in trolling mode. I prefer to use fluorocarbon leader in which is inserted one or two swivels to prevent twisting of the leader rather than just the one as shown in the diagram below. It is essential to ensure the hook in the Eddystone Lure is set in line with the body of the lure to prevent spinning. Always check the lure as soon as possible after a missed strike.

A suitable ball or barrel weight is attached in front of the leader on the main line and secured using a rubber band. Your now ready to fish. Use of a Paravane may aid in getting the lure to the depth you favour. Usually 60 to 100 yards of main line are let off before trolling proceeds. Remember to set your drag. For the most effective action trolling speed should be less than 3 knots.

Many fine Bass and Pollack are captured by this method, trolling close to reefs or rocks. To catch fish by this method always use a long flexible rod which will cushion the tremendous strike of the fish. The colour of the lures used depends on the depth fished. Best results seem to be White/Blue Back, White/Green Back and White for Bass and Red Colours for Pollack.

Trolling for Bass at night only use Black.

This is my favourite fishing rig for both wreck & reef fishing and I have captured countless fine specimens using this method over the last 25 years. I prefer to put two swivels in the leader to prevent twisting of the leader thus ensuring the lure always swims correctly. Use a sea boom in this rig to prevent the leader tangling with the main line when being lowered to the seabed. Try our Eddystone Sea Boom, they are available in two sizes and are virtually indestructible. One of the advantages of using a sea boom is that the sinker can be quickly changed if it proves to be not the correct weight.

Lower the rig quickly to the seabed being careful not to snag the reef or wreck. Slowly retrieve the rig with a slow reeling motion and count the number of reel turns up so that when a strike is recorded you know what depth the fish appear to be at. If you get a strike just continue reeling slowly and do not strike the fish. It will catch itself using this method. Oh, remember once again to set your drag before fishing. 

If you get a strike, but the fish is missed, continue reeling slowly as the fish may return for a second bite.

This is the method to used from either the shore or a boat. A 1 oz. barrel weight is needed to give the rig some weight to achieve a reasonable casting distance. A short leader is used of about two feet. Eddystone Eel Lure size No 4. or size No 5. should be selected. Once casted the lure should be allowed to sink and then slowly retrieved so the lure can exhibit it's swimming motion. Should you get a strike simply keep on retrieving slowly and the fish will hook itself. Remember always to set the drag before casting. Our larger Eddystone Eel lures are not suitable for casting due to wind resistance.

Eddystone Eels can be used in a combination rig for wreck or reef fishing where shoals of fish are suspected to be. The combination rig should be constructed as shown in the diagram below. The rig should be dropped to the bottom taking care not to snag either the wreck or reef.

It can be retrieved at either speed or in a slower but precise reeling speed pattern until a strike is achieved. If no strike is achieved the whole procedure should be repeated again. Always check your echo sounder when using this rig to ensure there are fish to be caught.

I prefer the method of speed reeling and a large chrome pirk of the Norwegian design 12oz in weight is also favoured by myself instead of a lead weight. If the wreck is "snaggy" take the treble hook off the pirk to avoid loosing gear.

This is a first class method for catching pollack and coalfish. Remember dark lures for deep water and lighter colours for shallower water.

The leader (trace) should be made using 50lb line using dropper knots at 3 feet intervals. Snoods of 8 inches should be made with Eddystone No 3 Eels attached. Three way swivels may be used instead of dropper knots but this can prove expensive if you get hooked into the wreck or rocks.

This method of fishing can be hard work, but rewarding if the fish are there.