Float fishing still waters

[rufus]

Originally Posted by Jim Crosskey 2

Can't believe I'm the first to suggest this but have you considered using a sliding float set up? Your bulk shot goes about six inches away from the bait, the float is fully sliding on the line and stopped at the correct depth by a float stop or sliding knot made from pole elastic. This way, you only have six inches of line flying in front of the float?

I was thinking the same thing because I have exactly the same problem with fishing the local cut hard against the far bank without the services of a pole. I set up a sliding loaded waggler stopped by a small shot at the correct depth and back shotted with a BB to sink the line so that you don't pull away from the features. I nail it to the floor with whatever shot I need on the day to defeat the movement of the water and then sit back and catch fish.

[Mithrandir]

I might be being studid, but how would you fish a sliding float on the lift method?

[rufus]

Originally Posted by Mithrandir

I might be being studid, but how would you fish a sliding float on the lift method?

If the depth is set properly with an unloaded waggler surely it would work something like it? Not exactly the same admittedly.

I get a lot of lifts on the method I use, though only as far as the loading of the float will allow so not true lift method where the float can lay flat, lots of sail away bites too, all depends on which species picks it up. My bottom shot are just a few inches from the hook ala lift method, just so long as the waggler is loaded sufficiently and weighs much more than the lock and back shot, the whole lot lands in a neat heap and misses all the trailing branches. It's not the most elegant method but it works for me and saves lots of tackle!

[chavender]

how too fish a loaded/semi-laoded float in the lift method



by using a semi-loaded float ,theres enough bouyancy left so when the tele-tale shot is suported by the fish the float will rise ,if your float has the segmented stem of contrasting colour bars ,each bar = ½ of the tell tale shot's weight then two segments will rise out of the water and if conditions allow you can fine tune the rig by splitting the weight ,one on the deck one just off and with a lift bite one segment will rise up then the next in stages .

using a loaded or semi-loaded float means it settles quicker after hitting the water ,the same float can then be used as a fixed float or slider

[Mark Wintle]

To cut to the chase; however you look at it, it is difficult to get any float rig to settle that close to the island without tangles/hooking the island/pulling out of position, with an added dependence on your skill and the prevailing weather conditions.

As an old match angler I'd look at it logically and go for the sensible solution in the circumstances and fish a feeder. No faffing about, accurate, tangle free and feeds the right spot. Job done!

There are plenty of better float fishing opportunities. That said I've fished a lot closer to the far bank on similar widths on rivers like the upper Thames for chub with simple waggler rigs (2AAA, 5BB or 3AAA locking) with very little shot down the line - couple of no. 10s. Up the rat holes as we used to say...

[slime monster]

loaded crystal short waggler , 2 small shot to lock the float ,cast with no hooklength and clip up when target is reached then add hook length ...one or two no 10 dropper shot which can be laid on if req'd ,these fly straight and true in wind and can be easily seen in most light conditions against the dark of the island, the line must be sunk by putting rod tip under water and swiftly striking up a couple of feet .

---------- Post added at 20:21 ---------- Previous post was at 18:59 ----------

Nice to see you back on here Mike.

[MarkTodd]

Thanks one and all, you have given me plenty to work with.
Mark W, I know what you are saying but having fished for some 42 years probably 36 years of that have been fished without the aid of a float! I just thought it was high time I learned to float fish properly so this year is it. I am trying to catch all my favourite species on the float.
Once again thanks everyone. Mark

[phil level]

I just thought it was high time I learned to float fish properly so this year is it. I am trying to catch all my favourite species on the float.


Interesting thread, having tried most methods have now settled on The Float as well, feels more natural.

[MarkTodd]

Must be honest after spending so long ledgering in one form or another float fishing is proving to be much harder work! after 4 hours I go home kna**ered.

[Mark Wintle]

I think it would be very interesting to have all of those that have offered advice with their varied float rigs to see them actually show how it's done on the swim that Mark has in mind i.e. the 20 yard cast to an island. How many would achieve sufficient accurate/stability/presentation to say that it was do-able. And how accurately the swim is fed...