It’s probably fair to say that the Harrison Torrix is more of an all-rounder than a dedicated distance casting or fishing rod. That said, it can still really pull longer casts off with ease, thanks to the rod’s fantastic build quality and helpful features. For casting larger floats like pellet wagglers and landing bigger fish you should go for a slightly more powerful rod with a smooth, progressive action. Steve favours the 11ft 6in Drennan Carp Waggler Combo.

Little or no wind and good visibility is perfect for waggler fishing. In these conditions you can use a sensitive waggler float to good effect. This is a rod that comes in test curves of 3 and 3.25 lbs; as I anticipated, the 3.25lb offering did bring more to the table in terms of power and casting performance over longer distances. The important thing is to plan ahead. Let’s imagine I am fishing a match on a Sunday. I need to allow seven days to turn the bait, so I will lay down two pints of fresh, riddled white maggots, in four pints of old, dark sawdust the Friday or Saturday eight days before the match.

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Now it is time to give those caster maggots a “drink” of water. I add half a pint of water into the container which now contains the maggots and the sawdust, pouring it all down one hole in the centre of the container. The only problem is it needs to be an on-going thing. If you only use casters occasionally rather than every week I wouldn't bother; either buy them if a decent source is available or use dead maggot - they are not as good but do a job.

They were told three fish would attain a qualifying spot... Using casters the pair managed 15 bites!” Harrison is a brand known for using top-of-the-line materials, and this certainly shows in the rod’s performance. It sports a set of very high quality guides, available in both 40 and 50mm offerings; the 50mm guides are especially suitable for distance fishing, and they also do an excellent job of eliminating line frap, which is a massive help, too. And when you do get a bite, be patient and try to count to three before lifting to strike. Bites are generally missed by striking too early. Count to three, and you’ll hook more than you will miss. Unless I am loosefeeding I will mix the hemp and casters together and feed them like this. Because they sink at different speeds, keep them apart if you are loosefeeding. Casters are a great bait in the winter months on natural venues like rivers and canals. However casters really come into their own in the spring and summer months, where they are a fantastic bait for Carp and Chub on commercial fisheries.As you would expect being a bait breeder, Benny always put great store in having top-quality, fresh bait and it is a simple but essential point that I have never forgotten.