When it comes to float fishing for Luderick, the centrepin reel is the best tool for the job. Debatable perhaps, but in my opinion, and for the purposes of this article lets assume that this is correct.
Photo 1 - TopLeft Grice & Young Avon Royal Supreme, TopRight Okuma Aventa Pro, BottomLeft Alvey 475B, BottomRight Grice & Young Golden Eagle
I prefer to use a centrepin for a number of reasons. Centrepins give you the ability to let a float drift unencumbered, they let you maintain your line easily, they don't introduce line twist, they allow direct contact when playing a fish and they are easy to maintain. They do have one disadvantage in that they are harder to cast, and you will never get quite as much distance as you could get with a sidecast, for example.
Luderick fishing isn't difficult provided you follow a few basic rules. In another article I have talked about getting the correct bait, presenting the bait at the correct depth and the type of gear required to get the float into the correct position.
But, what is the correct position? What makes a good spot, and where do fish hold once you are in that spot? If you can answer these questions, then you have a fighting chance of catching a few luderick.
This article attempts to give the novice some ideas using a few examples.