Help with float fishing.

[backintofishing]

I have never tried float fishing but wouldnt mind giving it a go as I never catch anything the other way

I was just after some advice on how to make a rig and what baits to use please?

What is the most likely catch on float fishing and is it effective all year around?

Is it mainly for rock fishing to save on gear as it is very rare I ever see anyone flot fish from the beach or piers?

Thanks in advance.

 

[The Great Wallsendo]

Float fishing is a great way to fish and you can catch all sorts of species

the above pic is the most typical set up you will find - give it a go into a lagoon, rocky edge and you'll stand a fair chance of Wrasse (put em back tho ) Pollack, Coalie or even Cod or other species - I've even seen Flatties on the float - presumably someone set their depth too deep

hope this helps

 

[mick dunn]

you can buy ready made float rigs cheap enough on flea bay.

 

[tatch]

Thats just what i did got em like that cos i had no idea how to go on for a start you soon get the idea though and ask others around you when you are fishing theres always people willing to share thier knowledge

 

[shaun]

shakspeare sell the packets with everything in, weight, float, beads elastic bands for stop knot... if you know the depth you definatly want to fish you can just tie the amount of line on like a leader instead of using a stop knot which can slip.

 

[rocketman]

shakspeare sell the packets with everything in, weight, float, beads elastic bands for stop knot... if you know the depth you definatly want to fish you can just tie the amount of line on like a leader instead of using a stop knot which can slip.

man the mainsail shaun me old mate ,the stopknot wont slips if tied correctly,will only slip unders a lot of pressure tights lines mates

 

[shaun]

man the mainsail shaun me old mate ,the stopknot wont slips if tied correctly,will only slip unders a lot of pressure tights lines mates

you seem to know alot more about fishing than you let on... and i somtimes find it gets caught on the top rod ring if you have a fish on.

 

[rocketman]

yous can catches quite a variety on the float shaun, pollock, wrasse , mackerel, to name a few , good baits are rag, crab, sand eels especially when using a drfter float for bass, any more tips just ask me old mates

 

[Davyred]

shakspeare sell the packets with everything in, weight, float, beads elastic bands for stop knot... if you know the depth you definatly want to fish you can just tie the amount of line on like a leader instead of using a stop knot which can slip.

Only if theres no tidal rise and fall though

Also, when fishing for Pollack, it pays to be able to move your stop knot to alter the depth, as I've found that adjusting the depth by just a foot can make a difference.

Another fish to float fish for is flounders. I used to have some great sessions in the Wear with them.

 

[SnaggedUpLad]

If theres no wind, sea's dead flat and you have a decent depth 10ft out try freelining aswell... brilliant fun.

all it is is a swivel 3ft trace (say 9lb trace) 1/0 hook and a juicey ragworm.

Probably my favourite way to have some fun with a really light rod and reel

 

[weefus]

you can buy ready made float rigs cheap enough on flea bay.

I find the local tackle shops sell them at a reasonable price to, without having to pay postage and packaging.

Home

 

[backintofishing]

Thanks for all the advice.

Can I just ask as well, do you cast it out as you would normally i.e give it a big chuck or do you just place it in the water and let it drift? Surely casting it you wouldnt get much distance?

Also do you have to hold the rod when float fishing or can you just place it on a rod stand?

 

[Iva-Cod-on]

You'll be surprised how far you can cast a float setup just get the hang of it then search the water at different depths/distances/drifts.
Holding rod is personal pref but just be aware pollock can really go!!

 

[Davyred]

Thanks for all the advice.

Can I just ask as well, do you cast it out as you would normally i.e give it a big chuck or do you just place it in the water and let it drift? Surely casting it you wouldnt get much distance?

Also do you have to hold the rod when float fishing or can you just place it on a rod stand?

You don't really need big distances with Pollack to be honest. I find it better to keep a tightish line to it, just letting the float trot down the tide.

As Iva cod on says, watch out though, cos Pollack can really shift, especially big ones, and they can be right at your feet.

 

[jcbuz1970]

Just been to marsden rocks today float and bait fishing, got a small pollack on the float (same set up as The Great Wallsendo) using rag as bait.
Very relaxing way of fishing, even went topless in this warm weather (till green peace tried to drag me off the rocks to deeper water.)

 

[rich666]

You can always use a bubble float. Loop a 25lb piece of mono with a double overhand knot, thread it through the eye of the bubble float and then loop that onto your main line with a turle knot. To set your depth get a couple of BB split shot and put one either side of the float, to alter the depth all you have to is slide the BB split up or down your line, takes seconds to adjust. To set the hook I use 15lb Mono to an aberdeen 2/0 to 3ft, anchored to a snap swivel with a tucked blood knot. This way all you usually lose in a snag or break off is a hook and some nylon.

I used this method for a number of years and had great fun on lighter gear with smaller bubbles on. An added advantage is you can add or take off weight by putting more or less water in the float.
It's a great way of fishing for mackerel or wrasse especialy using a little spinning rod.