AndyLarkins wrote:Duncan Holmes wrote:For fishing static deadbaits from the bank in Stillwater, I use an unloaded pencil float with shot on the trace, fishing over depth and then tightened to make the float stand up. Any movement of the bait will make the float lay flat or disappear if the fish moves off.
Static deadbaits from the boat, replace the pencil float with an in line slider and fish slightly over depth so it lays flat.
Out of interest Duncan
...... How do you decide what amount of shot (weight) is placed on the trace when tightening down to an unloaded pencil float (fished over depth as described)?.... Would you use a weight that the float is able to support, or an adequate weight that would submerge the float? (lift method style).... e.g. is it preferable for the movement of bait or movement of "weight" (or both) to be registered at the float?
Secondly, when boat fishing slightly over depth as above but with an in line slider float so it lays flat, how would anything but a positive "run" be detected?..... e.g. if the Pike just moved up in the water after taking the bait, there'd be no indication on the float whatsoever if using fixed shot (weight) on the trace?
I have two types of unloaded pencils, 3/8" diameter for still water and 5/8" for slightly flowing water, both around 10 inches long. The increased diameter gives me a wider window of flow ( mainly on drains) before having to change to a running lead under float rig.
For lift style either 6 or 9 SSG is used, the heavier if there is a bit of undertow, flow or a crosswind. (multiples of 3SGG shot)
6 SSG (10 grams) just about sinks the floats, 9SSG certainly does.
I generally aim for around 1.5 times the depth of water, (although its not critical which makes it ideal for gravel pits) and gently tighten down on the spool until the float just stands up, so the shot becomes critically balanced against the tow of the float. That way if the pike picks the bait up, it is very unlikely not to disturb the shot, in that case the float tends to half c*ck, spin around and then lay flat, its an incredibly sensitive way of fishing.
The down side is that on the odd occasion you do get "false" indication, which I tend to think are line bites as you get far more when fishing in bait fish locations.
As for the boat set up, when fishing like that I am exclusively fishing the broads, so generally water less than 7 feet. Any slight wind or undertow will settle the float in to a balanced position, and just as above it is unlikely that a pike can pick up a bait without disturbing the shot.
This means the float will change position, i.e, turn around, sit higher in the water, bob and its change becomes immediately obvious. I used to fish 1 1/2 inch black and red polyballs and the effect was even greater, but aging eyes means it becomes hard work, so I have increased the float size slightly.
Its hard to put in to words exactly, and if I am honest I am guessing at the actual mechanics, but just like the lift style it is incredibly sensitive. With a light fixed weight I feel it is hard for any fish, particularly a pike to pick up a bait and not move that weight, and provided the indicator (float or bobbin) is balanced, you get a lot more indication. I use the same approach in carp fishing, 1oz semi fixed leads unless I need more for distance, its amazing how much more you see on the bobbin, before it hits the butt.
One of my fish today was a gentle pick up, I just watched the float swing around so the red was facing the opposite direction, as I lifted the rod and checked the clutch, the float span back around and then dived under, fish was hooked in the scissors on the bottom hook.
"The opinions expressed in any of my posts are my own and do not reflect the view of the any organisation that I may be associated with."
) and why some may defend the "outdated" types.
)
some of my floats are 15+ years old and still do exactly as I need them too, they just need a coat of epoxy every now and then.
