OK, OK, I'll give the small hooks another try guys, my mate might be right - dammit! I'll start on an 18 next time out and go from there.

I must say that my experience seems to be I bump/drop more grayling with smaller hooks. mayhap I'm just useless or doing something wrong. I certainly don't find grayling "hook shy".

Must admit to trying the swivel thing but not noticing any difference I didn't pursue it.

On the river your fishing river rat there is no need to go small as you say they aren't hook shy, I usually use a size 16 or 14 and have no problems with them at all, either double maggot or single maggot.
I very rarely fish red maggot as I have found you catch a lot more on the river in question with white maggots than red, I only fish red if I cant get white and I have noticed my catch rate drop when I switch, as for a swivel I've never used one and never found the need.

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A Scotsman in Yorkshire now there IS a combination

the B611 nickel X-strong spade end imo is a far better hook Jeff and no need to go up in size if chub are about, i have had chub to 6lb on a 20 with these hooks because of the extra strength ,and to stop the propeller effect or lessen it a good deal is hook one maggot blunt end and the other pointed end,it also does help to use a swivel in further reducing twisting to your hook length

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!

what rod are you using ????????? and keep with the swivel thing it does reduce twisting in your hook length, use it as your last "shot" and tie your hook length to that

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!

I'm not so keen in the nickel finish Bruce - bit like the Kammie animal patterns too. Can't say I have any evidence to show I catch less on nickel, but they just look a bit too shiny for my liking. I have had chub to 5lb on the B911s so they seem plenty strong enough for me, just personal tastes and confidence really.

Maggot colour wise I still like the old faithful bronze, failing that white, but I always ask for a few reds in with them to give that as another option on the hook.

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Bruce, my favorite rod is an old el-cheapo Ron Thompson 13/15 foot match rod. It has a lovely limber action that suits my casting style (with a 'pin) and you can really feel how much pressure to apply with light hook lengths. Don't like it at all at 15 feet though as it becomes unbalanced.

I agree with the confidence sapping nickel finish of some modern hooks. Not sure if it makes a difference to the fish but it certainly does to me!

I'm looking for a trotting rod as I intend to fish for grayling and chub.
Any suggestions as to what would be suitable (13' or 14' length)?

Thanks

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Brian

have a look at this shaky Brian ... how much do you want to spend ????


Shakespeare Mach2 XT Match 13ft Rod

or if you want something with a bit more grunt when needed if you connect with a decent chub etc

Leeda Carp Match 13ft Waggler Rod

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!

For the chub IMO the John Wilson Avon takes some beating.
that is what I would recommend for big nasty chub

And for Grayling almost any good float rod would do the trick, there is some ok rods for £20 upwards these days

gary

There's a budget of about £175 if necessary, but it would have to be a bit special to all spend it all given the price of the Shakey.

Thanks

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Brian