laguna
Well-known member
So daft it might just work?
Well I've had a few let me tell ya!
Okay so we have fixed leads, in-line leads/running leads, semi-fixed leads, fixed floats, in-line floats, slack lines, bobbins to the deck and free-lining.... we've probably all debated the merits of each at one time or another.
So why is it I always look for bloody alternatives (as if we don't have enough to debate about)?
Here it is... Far bank free lining!
An oxymoron if ever there was....
Free lining has its obvious advantages but lets face it, its only really good for close in work and feeding line out free spool. Perhaps a Wallis cast will throw it out a bit further, but then not everyone's practised in the art of fluff chucking able to cast without weight, relying instead on the weight of the bait. At best I can just about manage a side-cast/a modified version (lets not go there) using my close face (never really got on with pins).
I once witnessed someone catapulting out his hook bait!
So here's the thing... semi-fixed is known to be an effective bolt rig if setup properly (good for my night fishing) but on a river I like to trot with a stick during daylight hours and sometimes free lining is my preferred method - but not always practical. Oh the lure of the far bank.... the far bank is out of reach for free-lining, upstream is difficult due to a strong wind, overhanging branches preventing a decent cast or whatever.
So how do I get it out there without lead or float?
Here are two methods I use.
1. The first is to use PVA, simply hook it on and cast. I have used a small pebble in the past for weight but I've also used a bit of groundbait and a few pellets. Once the mesh or bag has dissolved the hook bait will trundle somewhere along the bottom. The obvious problem here is that the flow puts a bow in the line so I need to hold the line off the water, keep mending and trap it against the spool with my finger. Once the line that enters the water starts moving I know the PVA has dissolved and I can then let go of the line.
2. The other, preferred way is to use a pivoting in-line lead together with a little 'flow-cone' I made which rests against a rubber bead above the hook link. The cone is an in-line moulded bit of plastic with a rigid tube inside, you could probably make one from a plastic milk bottle about 1" in diameter at its widest, maybe a little less. It looks similar to those impact shields used for surf casting if you know the ones I mean? I've since learned that Tubeworx do cones for flies to push more water? Anyway the difference being; instead of it releasing the snood on impact, its used instead to good effect with the flow of water acting upon it. When the lead hits bottom the cone will carry the hook link straight down stream. The lead stays put and orientates itself allowing the cone and bait to carry on. The further it goes the slower it goes due to the resistance of the lead being cast opposite me (or slightly upstream actually) causing the line to run through at a right angle. The cone can also be pointed in either direction to offset pace.
Maybe the concept isn't really free lining as such??? well maybe it needs another name, but at least its free to trundle the bottom on the far bank and it runs at a pace similar to a float, if not slower (mostly at the depth and pace the current dictates). I'm also happy that if I let the mainline develop a bow, it slows the hook bait down even further creating a bit more resistance but you do need a decent lead to hold bottom sometimes depending on your river. Also a low strike in the direction against the flow is a must with a bow in the line.
As soon as the lead comes to rest its off and I'm fishing within seconds without having to wait for PVA melting or hold the line off water. I've caught a few fish too so I'm happy about the way it works.... even with my Daiwa 120M
But by far the biggest advantage is.... I can hold back - anywhere I like.... even slightly up stream where the lead sits!
I can even reel in a little and have another run through without recasting! :w
Now my question is; what do you think of the concept of Far bank free lining?
Are your ideas as daft as this?
Coat, taxi!
Well I've had a few let me tell ya!
Okay so we have fixed leads, in-line leads/running leads, semi-fixed leads, fixed floats, in-line floats, slack lines, bobbins to the deck and free-lining.... we've probably all debated the merits of each at one time or another.
So why is it I always look for bloody alternatives (as if we don't have enough to debate about)?
Here it is... Far bank free lining!
An oxymoron if ever there was....
Free lining has its obvious advantages but lets face it, its only really good for close in work and feeding line out free spool. Perhaps a Wallis cast will throw it out a bit further, but then not everyone's practised in the art of fluff chucking able to cast without weight, relying instead on the weight of the bait. At best I can just about manage a side-cast/a modified version (lets not go there) using my close face (never really got on with pins).
I once witnessed someone catapulting out his hook bait!
So here's the thing... semi-fixed is known to be an effective bolt rig if setup properly (good for my night fishing) but on a river I like to trot with a stick during daylight hours and sometimes free lining is my preferred method - but not always practical. Oh the lure of the far bank.... the far bank is out of reach for free-lining, upstream is difficult due to a strong wind, overhanging branches preventing a decent cast or whatever.
So how do I get it out there without lead or float?
Here are two methods I use.
1. The first is to use PVA, simply hook it on and cast. I have used a small pebble in the past for weight but I've also used a bit of groundbait and a few pellets. Once the mesh or bag has dissolved the hook bait will trundle somewhere along the bottom. The obvious problem here is that the flow puts a bow in the line so I need to hold the line off the water, keep mending and trap it against the spool with my finger. Once the line that enters the water starts moving I know the PVA has dissolved and I can then let go of the line.
2. The other, preferred way is to use a pivoting in-line lead together with a little 'flow-cone' I made which rests against a rubber bead above the hook link. The cone is an in-line moulded bit of plastic with a rigid tube inside, you could probably make one from a plastic milk bottle about 1" in diameter at its widest, maybe a little less. It looks similar to those impact shields used for surf casting if you know the ones I mean? I've since learned that Tubeworx do cones for flies to push more water? Anyway the difference being; instead of it releasing the snood on impact, its used instead to good effect with the flow of water acting upon it. When the lead hits bottom the cone will carry the hook link straight down stream. The lead stays put and orientates itself allowing the cone and bait to carry on. The further it goes the slower it goes due to the resistance of the lead being cast opposite me (or slightly upstream actually) causing the line to run through at a right angle. The cone can also be pointed in either direction to offset pace.
Maybe the concept isn't really free lining as such??? well maybe it needs another name, but at least its free to trundle the bottom on the far bank and it runs at a pace similar to a float, if not slower (mostly at the depth and pace the current dictates). I'm also happy that if I let the mainline develop a bow, it slows the hook bait down even further creating a bit more resistance but you do need a decent lead to hold bottom sometimes depending on your river. Also a low strike in the direction against the flow is a must with a bow in the line.
As soon as the lead comes to rest its off and I'm fishing within seconds without having to wait for PVA melting or hold the line off water. I've caught a few fish too so I'm happy about the way it works.... even with my Daiwa 120M
But by far the biggest advantage is.... I can hold back - anywhere I like.... even slightly up stream where the lead sits!
I can even reel in a little and have another run through without recasting! :w
Now my question is; what do you think of the concept of Far bank free lining?
Are your ideas as daft as this?
Coat, taxi!
