A handy tip for any using a fixed paternoster is to use a float stop and run both the mainline and the lead link through it.if the mainline breaks above the stop and the weight becomes tethered the fish, if big enough, would be able to pull the mainline clear in theory.

You can also slide the stop about to vary the length of hooklength.

I'll try him with a standard running rig next time then Fred

Incidently, I took him for a sesh last night. 2.5 hours and not a single bite!

Didn't matter which chuffin rig I set up.

Well, I took my lad fishing on Thursday evening as planned - 2.5 hours in the water.

Set up the loop method with a groundbait feeder. 18 hook, 1.7lb hook length.

Maggot on the hook. Active feeder groundbait in the feeder.

Casting every 3-5 minutes.

It didn't matter whether he was set up with the loop method, fixed paternoster, running ledger, dink dink, bolt rig etc as we didn't see a single bite!

So much for the "abundance of roach and tench".