Tips, Tackle, Techniques
It's difficult to explain what makes float fishing so special. It is incredibly effective, being the most natural and most sensitive method of presenting bait, but it goes beyond that.
The key to success when using river floats is to rig them "top and bottom". This allows the line to be held above or on the surface of the water, ensuring that the float can be properly controlled. Rigging floats "top and bottom" requires a small but essential piece of tackle called a float cap. A float cap is silicone tubing that is available in various diameters and colours, either pre-cut or in longer lengths to be cut to size as required. The float cap should have a slightly smaller diameter opening than the stem of the float, so that it holds the float firmly in place.
With the huge range of shapes and sizes available, float selection can be
a baffling topic. Luckily, there are a few easy steps to follow in choosing
the correct float.
1) Understand the difference between River and Still Water floats.
2) Choose the correct diameter float for the conditions.
3) Choose the correct size of float for the conditions.
River anglers eagerly anticipate their floats down favorite runs and tangling with acrobatic steelhead. Before embarinkg on the the maiden fishing trip of the year, anglers should go through their vest and make sure they ready for the next day on the river. Even though the opener is months away, it's good idea to start getting for the now. After all, nothing ruins a fishing trip faster than unprepared.
Here is a quick overview of the essential tackle and baits needed to ensure a successful angling experience.
Are you like most sitting around during winter dreaming of a FISH ONLINE? While most lakes have nothing but thin ice many anglers don't know what to target this time of year. They assume that even though most steelhead streams are free of ice at this time of year that steelhead cease their migration due to the cold. However on a warm December such as the one we are having many fresh steelhead continue to run with many early fall drop backs mixed in.
Loop cast is great for beginners and when fishing in tight quarters wherethere is not enough room for a back cast. A single loop cast can reach 25-30 feet, while a double loop cast has a range of 35-45 feet. With enough practice anglers can pull up to 5 loops of line (one on each finger) and increase their range to 75+ feet.
New designs keep plastics on the up and up Floating Soft Baits... Soft plastic baits have been catching their good share of fish for many years: bass, walleye, pike, and muskie have all been deceived by their subtle actions.
Anyone who has caught a carp by accident, probably thought it was the largest trout, muskie or pike they have ever hooked. Few anglers have had any luck targeting them seriously, as they refuse virtually all baits and bolt away at the first sign of trouble. However, will a little preparation and the right approach, carp fishing can be extremely successful. Using the same delicate floats and light lines that we use for steelhead, we've had some phenomenally successful days.
The ideal main line for float fishing should be relatively buoyant and offer good abrasion resistance. Since all fishing lines sink, it is best to choose ones that will sink relatively slowly. Thinner diameter lines are also preferable because they are less affected by the wind and cut through the water's surface tension more easily when mending the line.