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We have looked at a static bottom method and a mobile, active method in the free roving rig, there comes a time when you may need a little of both and the rig for the job is a float paternoster. Paternoster rigs come in various forms, again these are likely to be variations of the theme of the rig shown and discussed here. Undoubtedly some of the variations will be detailed in the more specialised, advanced methods discussed later, but what follows will allow you to get paternoster fishing effectively. In fact the basic rig as detailed for free roving is very much the basic set up from which the paternoster develops.

By removing the swan shots or quick fit sinker and attaching a leger link of around 36 inches of 5 to 7 lbs BS mono to the bottom eye of the up-trace bottom swivel and by adding a suitable size leger weight, 1, 1 1/2 or 2 ounces to the other end, you have a float paternoster rig than can be fished with the float visible at the surface if you know the depth or if you set the float depth at say 6 feet from the bomb in water of perhaps 10 to 12 feet, you can fish what is known as a ‘sunken paternoster’. This latter rig will require to be fished in conjunction with at least a visual drop-off/drop back indicator clipped to your rear rod rest (see Getting Started) below the reel which should have the bail arm open to allow a running pike the opportunity to Unclip your indicator and run freely. As with the earlier leger rig the indicator should perhaps be fished in company with an Optonic type bite indicator or Backbiter audio visual indicator, to keep you aware if either a run or drop back bite occurs, many paternoster bites are preceded by a short drop back before a full blooded run develops, some even continue to swim towards you, so be alert and close to your rods at all times!

Bait for this rig is preferably a live bait as this rig as mentioned earlier is designed to be fished where you might not wish or should not allow a free roving bait to work, close to snags and likely ambush points for pike. It is active and attractive and will allow a bait to be put exactly where you want to fish it and know that it will stay there. There are two ways of mounting your baits, dorsal to pectoral root on live bait on still waters and upper hook to top lip and end treble to pectoral root for river fisheries (see River Paternoster) , this latter can be used to put some action into a dead bait on rivers if you should so wish!

The paternoster link should be slightly weakened to allow it to break if the bomb becomes snagged by tying a couple of overhand knots in its length.

NB: it is illegal under Environment Agency By-laws to move fish from one water to another with out consent and Pike Online supports this restriction on the translocation of fish wholeheartedly and recommends each angler observes this ruling and any that may apply on the individual fisheries you may visit.