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This is typically a new generation version of the old sunken float paternoster, utilizing modern technology. The float is a modern day, high density foam moulding with a central plastic sleeve.

The rig is one that was designed to cater for fishing in lakes pits, ponds, drains and rivers, although the latter version as will be seen in the river version has the bait mounted head up, rather than dorsal-pectoral fin fashion.

It is a rig which provides a very efficient way of fishing a livebait in a fixed position, typically against snags where you might wish to place a bait, suspecting or knowing a pike to lie. Free moving live baits would likely swim into the snag themselves presenting all sorts of problems with snagging.

Equally you may wish to position a bait on or near a drop off spot where the fry shoals and attendant pike patrol this then is a rig for you, it puts a bait in position and keeps it there.

The developments in the rig are the use of up traces to prevent a bite off should the bait swim up toward the surface thereby coming close to the reel line which, should a pike seize the bait at this time, risk biting through the nylon line, hence the term 'bite-off'.

The uptrace should be at least 6 inches longer than the hook trace and the weight should be sufficient to hold the float and bait in position and not be lifted by the bait. The uptrace in this diagram utilizes a swivelling helicopter bead which is locked by its special stem to the uptrace bottom swivel by silicon tubing.

Similarly the new type sunken float is held in position by a piece of silicon tubing holding its hollow tube stem via silicon tubing to the uptrace top swivel, thereby removing the need for a stop knot and bead above it to set the depth. It can be fished 'loose' but would then requires a stop knot and bead to function.

The link from the bottom of the uptrace swivel to the lead is approximately half the breaking strain of the reel line and further weakened by tying 2 or 3 granny knots in its 36 inch length. It could be slightly longer or shorter but this distance is efficient for both presentation and casting.

The hook trace is pre attached to the uptrace and consists of 2 size 8, 6 or 4 semi barbless trebles spaced to suit the size of bait in use, 3to 4 ounces being ideal! The bottom swivel on the uptrace can have a link clip for attachment of the hook trace as an option, cover this if you use it with silicon tubing to prevent tangles.

The hook trace should be of at least 20lb BS wire and the uptrace at least 30lb BS wire.

Casting these type of rigs should be done with consideration for the bait and risk od tangles, a side cast rather than a full on overhead cast providing the control.

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.