A thousand words leave not the same deep impression as does a single red.
Harry Stotle, Match Fishing Philosopher
There are many ways hook maggots but before we start remember that a finer wire hook will always cause less bait damage. This may not always be important but there will be many times when it is, particularly when fishing fine lines or lighter rigs.
A finer wire hook will cause less bait damage.
Harry Stotle, Match Fishing Philosopher.
Single maggot
Hooking a single maggot is straightforward; you can hook it from the top or bottom, typically using the standard method. This quick and effective technique is widely employed for most coarse species. It’s undoubtedly one of the most commonly used baits. Simply nick the maggot on top of the head for a great hook hold with the entire hook exposed—no elaborate explanation needed.
Upside down maggot
An Upside down maggot is very effective when fishing ‘On the Drop’
Threaded maggot
Threading a single maggot up the hook’s shank allows for a larger hook, especially effective in Ireland with sizes 14 or 12. When you hook maggots this way it is similar to caster fishing and conceals the hook within the bait. A number of fish can often be caught without rebaiting. If you’re suffering from missed bites give this a try.
Up and Down
Spin ups can sometimes happen when fishing with double maggot, particularly when feeder of Waggler fishing. Hooking 2 maggots ‘Up and Down” is a great way to reduce these spin ups. This is now my preferred way to fish double maggot on any method.
Fishing 2 maggots “Up and Down’ will reduce spin ups.
Harry Stotle, Match Fishing Philosopher.
Double hiding hook
Similar to the Up and Down method. This will also reduce spin ups and can be useful when trying to hide a larger hook.
Banded maggots
Maggots in a band is a very popular method. Simple to use, it is best fished with 2 or 3 maggots. It works very well, maybe because the fish have not seen it before. Give it a try on your local Commercial venue before they wise up!
Give banded maggots a try on your local Commercial before the fish wise up!
Harry Stotle, Match Fishing Philosopher.
Lasso
Lassoing a single maggot can be incredibly effective particularly for roach and chub and is very straightforward to fish. It can be more effective than fishing a single maggot a conventional way and it seems to avoid nuisance fish. A very simple and deadly technique. Give it a try!
Sideways
A brilliant but overlooked method!. How does a maggot sink in the water? Have a look and you will see that most of them sink sideways. Try this and your results will definitely improve!
Sideways hooking will definitely improve your results!
Harry Stotle, Match Fishing Philosopher.