4-Week Bomb & Ledger Fishing Course

Ledger fishing involves presenting bait on or near the bottom of the lakebed, with weight holding the rig in place. This session introduces juniors to the two primary types of ledger fishing: bomb fishing and feeder fishing. They’ll learn the purpose and advantages of each approach, and when to use them based on the conditions and fish behaviour.

Juniors will explore the tackle required for bomb fishing, including suitable rods and reels, bomb weights, and simple hooklengths. Coaches will demonstrate how to set up a basic bomb rig, focusing on safety, simplicity, and effectiveness. Participants will be supported in setting up their own rigs with guidance.

Casting technique is crucial in ledger fishing. Juniors will be taught how to perform safe, accurate casts with a focus on repetition and direction. They will also learn basic baiting strategies—how to pre-bait a swim to attract fish and how to keep it active throughout a session.

Feeding plays a crucial role in the success of any ledger fishing approach. In this session, juniors will explore how to introduce bait effectively using both traditional and modern methods. They'll learn how fish respond to different feeding styles and how to create and maintain an active swim on the bottom.

The session includes a practical workshop on mixing groundbait to achieve the perfect consistency for your chosen feeder. Juniors will also be introduced to micro pellets, crumb, and additives, and will learn how to adjust mix based on water conditions and target species.

Feeding is not just about what you put in—it's about how much, how often, and where. Juniors will develop a basic feeding plan, learning how to start the swim with an initial feed and then top-up without overfeeding. Techniques like using PVA bags, pole cups, and catapults for loose feed will also be discussed and demonstrated.

This session dives into a variety of bottom-bait strategies, including PVA bag use, pellet cones, and traditional pre-baiting techniques. Juniors will learn when to use each strategy and how to choose a baiting approach based on conditions and fish activity.

A highlight of the session is learning how to tie a hair rig—a method that allows baits like pellets, corn, and boilies to be presented more naturally. Juniors will follow a step-by-step guide to tying their own hair rigs, gaining confidence in knot-tying and rig construction.

Different waters and target species call for different hooklength materials. Participants will compare monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid, and learn how to select the right hooklength for the job. The discussion will include the importance of abrasion resistance, visibility, and flexibility in relation to the target fish.

The final session gives juniors the chance to put their skills into practice with minimal intervention. They’ll select a peg, choose an appropriate ledgering method, and set up independently. Coaches will observe and provide support where necessary, ensuring all juniors fish safely and effectively.

Juniors will complete full fishing cycles—casting, waiting for a bite, striking, playing the fish, landing, and unhooking. They will be encouraged to adapt their approach during the session, responding to changing conditions, fish movement, and feeding patterns.

To complete the course, juniors will take a short multiple-choice quiz covering key concepts such as types of feeders, baiting strategy, and safe casting. A practical assessment will follow, with juniors required to:

• Correctly identify and set up ledgering equipment
• Tie and explain a hair rig
• Perform an accurate and safe cast
• Land and unhook a fish safely

Upon successful completion, each participant will receive a Certificate of Achievement, marking their progress in bottom fishing techniques and their readiness for more independent angling.