Method
Float fishing: how to get started
In float fishing, your bait hangs under a float at the right depth. When the float goes under, a fish has bitten.
Good for
Plan a day of Float fishingWhat you need
- Float or match rod: 3.45 to 4.20 m, 5 to 30 g casting weight
- Alternatively a pole without a reel for fishing close to the bank
- Small fixed-spool reel with thin monofilament line
- Floats with a suitable shotting capacity and split shot in several sizes
- Fine hooks, for bream on the pole about size 14 to 18
- Float stop for the sliding float and a plummet for finding the depth
- Bait: maggots, sweetcorn, redworms and a little groundbait
- Landing net, disgorger, tape measure, priest and knife
Step by step
- Shot the float: pinch on split shot until only the tip shows above the water. The capacity marked on the float is only a guide.
- Space the shot so it gets smaller from top to bottom, with the lowest one about three centimetres above the hook.
- Plumb the depth: put the plummet on the hook and cast out. If the float goes under, set it deeper until just the tip is visible.
- If the water is deeper than your rod is long, use a sliding float with a float stop. The distance from the stop to the hook is your fishing depth.
- Feed sparingly: a few small balls of groundbait exactly where the float will sit.
- Present your bait and watch the float. If it goes under, moves away or lies flat, strike.
- Play the fish calmly and land bigger ones with the landing net. Any fish for the table, stun and kill straight away in a humane way.
Common mistakes
- Float not shotted down enough: it sits too high, the fish feel resistance and let go.
- Depth not plumbed: the bait drifts in mid-water instead of where the fish are feeding.
- Fixed float in deep water: with a fixed float, the fishing depth must not be more than the length of your rod.
- Too much feed at once: the fish are full before they find your bait.
Tips
- If the float rises and lies flat, that is a lift bite. Strike then too.
- On preloaded floats, the first number is the built-in weight, the second is the weight you still add.
- Start on a pond or small lake with lots of silver fish, where the first bites usually come quickly.
Quick questions
How deep should I set the float?
First find the depth with a plummet on the hook. For coarse fish such as bream, then set the float so the bait lies on the bottom or hovers just above it. If you get no bites, try a little shallower or deeper.
What is the difference between a fixed float and a sliding float?
A fixed float sits in one place on the line, so the fishing depth is at most the length of your rod. A sliding float slides along the line up to a float stop, so you can fish in deep water too.
Which float is best for beginners?
For calm water, a slim float with a low shotting capacity, fixed on the line. It is easy to set up and shows bites well. The key is to shot it so that only the tip shows.
Closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each German state (and by each country abroad) and can be stricter on individual waters. We are building an overview with sources and check dates. Until then, check the local fishing regulations and the rules of the club or permit for your water.
Sources (3)
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