Gurus Underwater 5: Shallow Fishing for F1s at Weston Pools

Championship Pedigree and Tactical Insight

Double Fish'O'Mania champion Andy Bennett takes centre stage, demonstrating the refined shallow tactics that have made him one of the most consistent performers on the commercial circuit. Later in the film, former Fish’O’Mania winner Kristian Jones joins the session, putting his own rigs under the underwater spotlight.

Behind the scenes, England Internationals Steve Ringer and Matt Godfrey dissect every movement in detail. Their analysis bridges what the anglers feel through the pole and what the cameras reveal beneath the surface.

Breaking Down Shallow Fishing for F1s

This episode explores every major variation of shallow fishing, including the fixed shallow rig, the jigger and the increasingly popular over-shotted approach. Each method is tested and refined in real time as the fish respond in front of the lenses.

Andy builds his shallow setups around the ultra-responsive Aventus Zero 900 Pole, paired with F1-specific top kits for maximum control at close quarters. Fine hook patterns such as F1 Pellet Hooks and Super LWG hooks are combined with N-Gauge Line to ensure strength without sacrificing finesse when bites come thick and fast.

Subtle feeding adjustments play a huge role, with micro-bait bands and a Speed Bander helping present pellets perfectly. The use of Micro Shot and carefully balanced Slim Maggot-style floats allows the rigs to fall naturally through the water column, something the underwater cameras prove critical for triggering confident takes.

As fish behaviour unfolds on screen, the team adapts shotting patterns, hook placements and feeding rhythms. The result is a detailed, practical masterclass in how to tweak shallow tactics for maximum efficiency on commercial venues.

New Product Launch: XS Cookie Carbon Inline Floats

Launching alongside the film are the brand-new XS Cookie Carbon Inline Floats. Developed directly from the success of the over-shotted rig used during filming, these floats proved exceptionally effective for shallow F1 fishing.

The inline design allows the line to run through the body, creating direct contact between the hook and the pole tip. With no float eyes to rip out under pressure, they are incredibly durable and strong.

A carbon stem enhances strength and durability while maintaining a lightweight, tangle-resistant setup. After seeing their performance during filming, the team fast-tracked development to release them alongside this groundbreaking episode.

Precision Tackle for Commercial Performance

Throughout the session, every piece of equipment plays a role in refining performance. From the balanced control of a Light Catapult when feeding at range, to the reliability of a Speed 400 Landing Net and Aventus 4+1 Landing Net Handle when big F1s surge at the net, the emphasis is on efficiency and durability.

Comfort and organisation are equally important during intensive shallow sessions. A well-set-up RSW Seatbox, adjustable rig storage and essential accessories like a Reaper Pole Sock and Pole Elastic Connector ensure that everything runs smoothly when the pace quickens.

A New Benchmark in Underwater Fishing

Gurus Underwater 5 delivers an unprecedented look at shallow fishing for F1s, combining elite-level expertise with groundbreaking underwater footage. The insight gained from watching fish react in real time reshapes understanding of this highly effective commercial tactic.

For anglers looking to sharpen their shallow approach and gain a genuine edge on the bank, this episode is essential viewing. Gurus Underwater 5 will be available for viewing on Thursday, 19th March at 4 pm on Tackle Guru TV YouTube Channel or tackleguru.com.