Many anglers can recall a childhood introduction to the sport of fishing with an older, more experienced fisherman. At a local fishing hole with a light rod, spincasting reel and a float fishing rig, they would watch intently for the bobber to twitch, twitch, then drop below the surface indicating a fish was hooked. Float fishing is still a great way for beginning anglers, young and old alike, to become familiar with a sport that can provide hours of enjoyment.
Description
Float fishing is a very simple method of angling. A float or bobber attaches to the main fishing line. Sinkers and a baited hook are suspended in the water below the float. When a fish takes the bait and becomes hooked, it pulls the float underwater. This acts as a visual indicator to the fisherman that a fish is on the line. The fisherman can then reel in the fish.
Game Fish
Float fishing is a good method to catch many types of game fish species. These include small bream, such as bluegills or crappies, bass, catfish, trout, walleye, perch, salmon and other freshwater fish. Anglers can also catch saltwater species, such as redfish, speckled sea trout, flounder and whiting using a float fishing rig.
Gear
For most species, light to medium gear is all that is required. Spin casting, spinning or bait casting rods and reels all work well for float fishing. For smaller fish, such as bluegills, try using ultralight gear. This will make for a more enjoyable and interesting fight with these small yet feisty fish. Larger fish such as redfish require medium gear that is heavy enough to handle this hard fighting and powerful game fish.
Tackle
Tackle for float fishing is relatively simple. Light monofilament line ranging from 5 to 15 lb. test line is sufficient, depending on the species you want to catch. A float or bobber, made of painted wood, cork or colored plastic, a swivel, split shot sinkers, leader material and a properly sized hook complete the list of required tackle for a float fishing rig.
Rigging
The angler first ties a swivel onto the main fishing line, then attaches the leader to the swivel and ties a hook to the end of the leader. Split shot weights attached to the leader help keep the bait underwater. The angler then connects the float to the main line, which suspends the bait in the water column. The float is adjustable along the line to properly set the depth of the bait.
Member Comments