Float fishing is popular angling that makes use of items like the best Shimano reels. Beginners may find it confusing, however, there are various kinds of floats and tackles out there.
One may find it difficult to know where to start. It is not all that complicated, however. This guide is simple. It will teach you all you need to know to start.
Table of Contents
What Is Float Fishing?
You use float fishing when the fish you target prefer bait in current or mid-water. All you need is afloat to achieve this catch.
Floats are of four kinds. Wagglers sticks poles, and sliding floats.
| Float Type | Description | Ideal Use |
| Waggler | Tube shaped. Attached at the bottom end | Still waters such as lakes and canals |
| Stick | Elongated body. Attached via three rubber floats | Running water such as rivers |
| Pole | Very sensitive and held in place by tiny rubber sleeves. Come in many different shapes | Pear shaped ones for any water, dibbers (small ones) for shallow waters and ‘body up’ shapes for running water |
| Slider | Chunkier floats | Large bait and windy or sea fishing conditions |
It is natural that the deeper the water and harsher the condition, the more big the float you will require.
Best Shimano Reels For Float Fishing
Shimano Match-Stradic reel is one of the long-time favourite of feeder and float anglers. The product is an ideal fishing reel for committed hobbyists. The Stradic is available in 1000, 3000, and 4000 sizes as well as 2500.
Choosing The Right Tackle For Float Fishing .
Various kinds of float fishing rods are available for sale in the market presently. The one you choose will depend on the kind of fish you intend to catch.
Are you are intending to go general float fishing on rivers and canals? A 12 or 13 feet match rod is what you need.
You will as well require a small reel, loaded with 3 to 6 pounds of line to go with it.
Are you intending to go tench or carp fishing? A 12 feet float rod is what you need. You will as well require a reel of 6 to 8 pounds to go with it.
There are many ways the length of the rod will be of help. Firstly, you will have good control when you reach out across the current.
You will as well have control when you pick up the slack as you strike fish a bit far from you.
If you intend to go for sea or pike float fishing, you will require a heavier lure rod or carp rod. You will as well require a very substantial reel. The reel should be about 20 to 30 pounds of braid.
Float Fishing Tips.
Float fishing is nothing but being attentive to the finer details. Do not forget that fish are not ready at all times to pull lengths of float in water.
For some of them, if they experience much resistance, they let go. Let your tip go as deep as possible into the water. You will have the best result.
Do not forget to use a tell-tale shot. It is a little weight attached to a point, about 6 inches from the hook. The reason is, that anytime you get a bite, the weight dangles.
This alerts you that you have caught a fish. Do not forget to make it simple. Do not forget, it must be close to the hook.
Getting accustomed to float fishing takes some time. However, as soon as you catch a bug, should I say fish rather, you will not regret the time you have spent.
What Size Reel Is Best For Float Fishing?
You may be intending to go general float fishing on rivers or canals. A 12 or 13 feet match rod is the best for you.
You will as well require a small size reel, loaded with 3 to 6 pounds of line. Your target may be to fish trench or carp.
What you require is 12 feet power float rod. You will also require a reel of 6 to 8 pounds weight.
Can I Use Spinning Reels For Float fishing?
Yes, a spinning reel can be used for float fishing. Not like spinning rods vs float rods. The difference between the two is really very small.
Your choice may be 3000 or 4000 sized fixed spool reel. You will discover it will be the correct size to use for the two disciplines.
Not like with some rods, spinning rod and float rod difference is more than what you see printed on the blank.
The difference between spinning rods and float rods in their characteristics and behaviors are little.
Can I use spinning rod for float fishing?
Yes, you can but, you have to put the following into consideration. Generally speaking, it is possible for you to use spinning rod for float fishing.
Your setup will however be nothing close to optimal. Action of spinning rods is stiffer than that of float rods.
Spinning rods are shorter in length. It may affect your casting accuracy as well as bait presentation.
All that is said above means that it is possible for you to have a good day fishing.
What size reel is best for float fishing?
The 4000-5000 size fishing reels are generally used for float fishing with heavier tackle and when targeting bigger fish such as carp.
Can I use a spinning reel for float fishing?
You can use a Spinning Reel for float fishing.
What Is A Spinning Rods.
Spinning rods are special kinds of rods. They are used for casting lures as well as baitfish lookalikes.
They are of stiff to medium blank. Their action is through. Their size normally ranges from between 7 and 11 feet.
Locking reel seat and heavier casting weight are their other features.
What Are Float Rods?
Float rods are made for fishing baits beneath the water surface, using a floating bite indicator. Towards their tips are more flexible and floppy. T
his is known as fast action. There is a reason this rod is made this way. The float setup seems to be very light, therefore, it needs additional inertia to propel the float while you cast.
