Float locks

[Chris Bishop]

Haven't tried this yet but I've read a brilliant article on it in a pile of Pikelines Pete Waller gave me last weekend.

It converts your average, bog-standard pencil float into a polaris-style float, which will lock when you tighten the line, meaning you'll always be fishing more or less just right.

Sounds an ace idea. Being the sceptical sort I've got a couple of questions.

- Don't you have to use a lot more lead to make sure it pulls through ok and the float settles properly..?

- Can the float jam in the tip ring and cause problems netting fish..?

- Can the line cut on the edges of the tubing under load or does the tubing just bend when it's subjected to a sustained pull..?

 

[David Will]

I used float locks whilst boat fishing a few times.In answer to your questions.
I found an ounce drilled bullet was sufficient with nylon. With braid it took more lead.The float can also take much longer to settle meaning if you have any drift or a side wind everything is out of position.
Can the float jam , well I found it difficult to forcibly wind the float down the line once it had hit the tip ring.After the line (nylon)had been through this treatment it took on a curly appearance and I changed the last twelve foot after each fish , just in case.
I never found the line cutting into the tubing a problem.
Do I still use them ? no for the reasons above. Stop knots suffice and are virtually free. I know Pete does come on this site and if he has any tips that solve the gripes I have I would be delighted as in principle i think they are a brilliant way of fishing the right depth as well as a boon to Pike safety as indication should be instant.

 

[Carp Angler]

Fishing the right depth?

Are you assuming that pike always feed on the bottom?

Not a dig, just an observation.

 

[Chris Bishop]

Take your point Rik, just seemed a way of making one particular method a little bit better but I'll reserve judgement 'till I've given it a try.

 

[David Will]

Sorry Rik what was meant was the avoidance of fishing too far over depth . This results in poor indication and possibly a deep hooked Pike. This is especially dodgy when self cocking floats are used. So for correct depth read correct for float fished deads on the bottom.

 

[Carp Angler]

I understand.

 

[Chris Bishop]

You know when you're too far over - the float won't sit up when you tighten the line.

Sometimes (flowing water, drains) you have to fish over-depth by quite a bit to stop the current pulling the float under. But the current also holds the float tight against the stop knot, so you're still fishing "tight" enough to show takes promptly.

Agree 100% about self cocking floats. A fish can pick the bait up without it registering.

 

[David Will]

Chris as a matter of interest did Pete W make his own f/locks or does he buy them.

 

[Chris Bishop]

No mate, they were in an article in a pile of old magazines Pete Waller gave me when I went fishing down his way last weekend.

You can get them (Marvic make them...) over the counter, the old Pikelines article had a bit on how to make your own from an old cotton bud, by heating the tube and bending it slightly.

I'll try them out on the drains over the next few days and see how it works.