Float rig
IntermediateAlso called Sliding float, Bubble float
A bait suspended under a float for wrasse, mullet, garfish and the odd bass. You watch the float, not a rod tip.
Present a bait off the bottom in clear water.
A sliding float, a stop knot or bead, shot to cock it, and depth you have to set above the kelp. You watch a float, which is a different skill from a beach tip. Not a 5 oz grip-lead problem.
Diagram
When to use
Clear water off rocks, harbours and pier ends when the bait should hang above crabs and kelp — wrasse, mullet, garfish, a chance bass.
Rocks, harbours, pier ends in summer.
Ground and marks
Rock mark, Harbour, Pier. Ground: kelp, rough.
Clear water off rocks, harbours and pier ends when the bait should hang above crabs and kelp — wrasse, mullet, garfish, a chance bass.
A 100-yard beach punch, a chocolate sea, or a 5 oz grip lead ‘because that is sea fishing’. Wind that lays the float over is a poorer day.
A bit of movement. Low water can put wrasse in reach. Slack high against a wall can still work if the bait is at the right depth.
Marks: Rock mark, Harbour, Pier. Ground: kelp, rough.
Set the depth so the bait hangs above the kelp, not in it. Cast, watch the float, strike when it goes. Feed a little if you are after mullet — this is not a live feeding report, just a method.
Hooks 10–1. Lead: Shot under a float, not a beach lead.
Mainline 8–15 lb, or braid with a fluoro leader. Sliding float stopped with a bead and a float-stop. Shot to cock. Hook length 3–6 ft of 8–15 lb. No beach shock leader.
How to tie it
- 01Set the depth so the bait hangs above the kelp, not in it.
- 02Watch the float. Strike when it goes.