ᐉ Floats for fly fishing - ✅ ribalka-snasti.ru

Equipment for standing water

Floats for still water have an elongated body with a thin upper part, which perfectly shows bites on the sink and on the rise. A typical representative of this type is the Briscola series 241. Such floats register even the most cautious bites, for example of crucian carp, they work well at the stage of immersion of the equipment, and the minimum weight of the feed, which is enough to clearly record a bite, does not alarm the fish at all. Strongly elongated floats are not used for active play with equipment, but the upper fastening of the fishing line still allows for slight animation. These are, as a rule, pulls of minimal amplitude and speed - only to make the nozzle move slightly, in extreme cases, slowly move a few centimeters at the bottom. In still water this is often enough to provoke fish. In addition, thanks to the thin upper part, the float behaves well on small waves or ripples, leaving the nozzle motionless, which is often extremely important when fishing for crucian carp or crucian carp from the bottom. The usual carrying capacity of such equipment is from 0.5 to 2 g. At greater depths and for cases of more active play, floats of slightly more compact designs are used. Their feature is a more pronounced thickening of the body, which significantly increases stability. A good example of a float for this rig would be the Briscola 242 series. This type of float is excellent for catching a wide variety of fish (be it roach or bream, carp or crucian carp) in still water. This float perfectly captures all bite options and allows for fairly active play with the bait - not only small movements along the bottom, but also vertical animation in the water column and near the bottom. Such work with tackle turns out to be tempting for any fish, especially those actively searching for food and feeding. A more stable design of the equipment allows it to successfully withstand weak (primarily wind) currents. The typical carrying capacity of such rigs, depending on the depth and the expected fish, is from 1 to 3, less often 4, g. The third type of rigs is for great depths, it can be successfully used in large bodies of water (lakes, reservoirs), where even wind currents can be significant, when fishing for bream, roach, silver bream. For such equipment, floats are used, in which the body has a significant thickening, due to which stability and load-carrying capacity are increased. Prominent representatives of floats for such equipment will be the Briscola models of the 243 and 244 series. The latter is generally a “universal soldier”, can be used in a wide range of fishing conditions, even in light currents. The center of gravity of the float in the lower part and, accordingly, increased stability allow you to fish in a decent wave without losing control of the tackle. With such equipment, you can actively work with the tackle, even doing intense pulls, which lift the bait high in the water column. This game is very attractive for roach and silver bream. And the thin part of the float in front of the antenna captures bites well both on the sink and on the rise. The carrying capacity of these rigs directly depends on the depth and strength of the current (wind) and ranges from 2 to 4-6 g. I’ll digress a little from the topic of rigs and give an explanation about the bites. My considerable experience in fishing with a fly rod and plug shows that the type of bite is largely determined by the gear used. So, when fishing with a plug in a current (even a weak one) and actively playing with the rig, there are very few bites for the rise of bream, which usually feeds from the bottom and lifts the bait. In some cases, you can completely neglect them and make hooks only on sure bites on drownings. In the same conditions, but when fishing with a fly rod, rising bites will prevail, which means it is necessary to choose floats that perfectly fix them and allow for effective hooking.

Secrets of the float.

Throughout my entire fishing career, which is more than 25 years, I have not attached serious importance to this element of equipment. But in vain, because the result of fishing depends on such a simple thing as a float.

Photo: Floats for fishing with a fly rod.

The windows of modern fishing stores are replete with an abundance of floats. But which one to choose? And is it right to buy everything we see? Of course not. The choice of float primarily depends on the fishing conditions. Before buying a float, think about what kind of fish and in what bodies of water you plan to catch. Based on these conditions, the float must be selected. I have been using Expert floats for many years.

These are fairly inexpensive and high-quality floats. So how to choose the right float for the fishing conditions? I will give a few examples from my own experience. Let's say you are supposed to catch roach in a standing reservoir, there is no wind and the roach caught in the reservoir is not large. For such conditions, I would choose floats with a carrying capacity of 0.5 to 1 gram with a barrel-shaped body as in the photo.

Photo: Float with a barrel-shaped body and two attachment points.

If the wind picks up during fishing, you will have to replace the equipment with one equipped with a float with a spindle-shaped body and increase the carrying capacity of the float to 1.5 g.

Photo: Float with a spindle-shaped body and two attachment points.

Floats with this body shape are more stable on the wave. If the waves are very strong, then you can use a float with one attachment point, since it is not susceptible to the influence of waves and wind and registers bites well on the rise.

Photo: Float with one attachment point.

This way you will have better control over the entire tackle as a whole and will not miss the long-awaited bites.

When fishing for bream, I use floats with a larger carrying capacity - somewhere from 1.5 to 3 grams. As for the shape of the float body, depending on the fishing conditions, I use them, just as when fishing for roach.

But when fishing for crucian carp or crucian carp with a fly float rod, I give preference to floats with one attachment point.

Because, in my opinion, such floats better record the bites of these fish.

Current rigs

Just as there is no clear boundary between standing water and current, there is no clear line in the equipment used: “heavy” options for standing water can be used in light currents, and light and even medium-weight structures, originally intended for flow, can be used in standing water.

For weak currents and shallow depths, you can successfully install equipment that is used for greater depths in still water. But still, floats (and equipment based on them) with a lower center of mass and a thicker upper part will work better. These are very popular models of the “drop” or “double cone” type - Briscola series 232, 233, 234 and 244. The slightly thickened upper part of the float (under the antenna) and the high-mounted upper line mount (ring) allow you to actively play with the rig in the current; The long keel gives additional stability. Since bites are usually more active during the current, the thickened upper part of the float has little effect on their perception and allows for a timely effective hook. The same floats can be successfully used for still water, when the fish mainly bites on the sink, but intensive play with the tackle is necessary (for example, when fishing for roach), and also when there is an active bite. As in the previous case, the typical load capacity of these structures ranges from 2 to 4-6 g.

Floats for a sufficiently strong current are characterized by a thickened upper part (under the antenna), a ring raised as far as possible towards the antenna (the upper fastening of the fishing line) and a long keel. All this is designed to maintain maximum stability of the float during almost any manipulation of the tackle. The shape of the float is thickened, often close to spherical, or “reverse cone”. For Briscola floats, the series 213, 214, 215, 224 and 402 are responsible for working in the current. On a decent current, bites on the rise are rare, and if you fish with the equipment slowed down (this is the main method of fishing in the current), then it is extremely rare. Under the influence of the forces acting on the equipment, even when a bream bites on the rise, the float will sink. This means that, despite the thick upper part of its body, the float is very sensitive and at the same time works perfectly when playing with the tackle. At the same time, bites in the current are always more daring than in still water, and the fish boldly lifts the relatively massive pod, which clearly records the bite even on the rise (for example, in the case of fishing with a retrieve without braking).

Fishing with a fly rod: floats and rigs

The float is a fundamental part of the equipment; it determines its performance characteristics and scope of application, so it is logical to consider the main options for equipment together with floats in relation to fishing conditions. The following types of equipment are distinguished: for fishing in still water, for fishing in currents and for hunting fish in the water column. One way or another they overlap, but each type has its own characteristic features.

Floats for still water have an elongated body with a thin upper part, which perfectly shows bites on the sink and on the rise. A typical representative of this type is Briscola series 241. Such floats register even the most cautious bites, for example of crucian carp, they work well at the stage of immersion of the equipment, and the minimum weight of the bait, which is enough to clearly record a bite, does not alarm the fish at all. Strongly elongated floats are not used for active play with equipment, but the upper fastening of the fishing line still allows for slight animation. These are, as a rule, pulls of minimal amplitude and speed - only to make the nozzle move slightly, in extreme cases, slowly move a few centimeters at the bottom. In still water this is often enough to provoke fish. In addition, thanks to the thin upper part, the float behaves well on small waves or ripples, leaving the nozzle motionless, which is often extremely important when fishing for crucian carp or crucian carp from the bottom. The usual carrying capacity of such equipment is from 0.5 to 2 g. At greater depths and for cases of more active play, floats of slightly more compact designs are used. Their feature is a more pronounced thickening of the body, which significantly increases stability. A good example of a float for this rig would be the Briscola 242 series. This type of float is excellent for catching a wide variety of fish (be it roach or bream, carp or crucian carp) in still water. This float perfectly captures all bite options and allows for fairly active play with the bait - not only small movements along the bottom, but also vertical animation in the water column and near the bottom. Such work with tackle turns out to be tempting for any fish, especially those actively searching for food and feeding. A more stable design of the equipment allows it to successfully withstand weak (primarily wind) currents. The typical carrying capacity of such rigs, depending on the depth and expected fish, is from 1 to 3, less often 4, g. The third type of rigs is for great depths, it can be successfully used in large bodies of water (lakes, reservoirs), where even wind currents can be significant, when fishing for bream, roach, silver bream. For such equipment, floats are used, in which the body has a significant thickening, due to which stability and load-carrying capacity are increased. Prominent representatives of floats for such equipment will be the Briscola models of the 243 and 244 series. The latter is generally a “universal soldier”, can be used in a wide range of fishing conditions, even in light currents. The center of gravity of the float in the lower part and, accordingly, increased stability allow you to fish in a decent wave without losing control of the tackle. With such equipment, you can actively work with the tackle, even doing intense pulls, which lift the bait high in the water column. This game is very attractive for roach and silver bream. And the thin part of the float in front of the antenna captures bites well both on the sink and on the rise. The carrying capacity of these rigs directly depends on the depth and strength of the current (wind) and ranges from 2 to 4-6 g. I’ll digress a little from the topic of rigs and give an explanation about the bites. My considerable experience in fishing with a fly rod and plug shows that the type of bite is largely determined by the gear used. So, when fishing with a plug in a current (even a weak one) and actively playing with the rig, there are very few bites for the rise of bream, which usually feeds from the bottom and lifts the bait. In some cases, you can completely neglect them and make hooks only on sure bites on drownings. In the same conditions, but when fishing with a fly rod, rising bites will prevail, which means it is necessary to choose floats that perfectly fix them and allow for effective hooking.

Read: Fishing with a winter float rod

For weak currents and shallow depths, you can successfully install equipment that is used for greater depths in still water. But still, floats (and equipment based on them) with a lower center of mass and a thicker upper part will work better. These are very popular models of the “drop” or “double cone” type - Briscola series 232, 233, 234 and 244. The slightly thickened upper part of the float (under the antenna) and the high-mounted upper line mount (ring) allow you to actively play with the equipment in the current; The long keel gives additional stability. Since bites are usually more active during the current, the thickened upper part of the float has little effect on their perception and allows for a timely effective hook. The same floats can be successfully used for still water, when the fish mainly bites on the sink, but intensive play with the tackle is necessary (for example, when fishing for roach), and also when there is an active bite. As in the previous case, the typical load capacity of these structures ranges from 2 to 4-6 g.

Read: Methods for attaching a float

For fishing in currents, including strong ones, using wire from the bottom, as well as for large grain baits or worms, floats with an increased antenna diameter are used, which prevents the float from sinking when the hook touches the bottom. These are Briscola floats of the 402, 404 and 406 series. They can either independently carry out the retrieve due to the force of the current, or be forcibly slowed down by the rod, which allows you to make the bait play varied and attractive to the fish. Floats for medium and fairly strong currents have the greatest carrying capacity. Depending on the depth, strength of the current and the expected fish, the carrying capacity can be from 3-4 to 8-10 g, and in some cases up to 15 g or more.

Read: 5 tricks for fishing with a float rod

It is not customary to distinguish between floats for fly fishing and plug fishing, but in fact there is a difference. On floats for plug fishing, the ring is as close as possible to the antenna (and sometimes even located on it) and the keel is longer. In addition, the plug presupposes active work with the tackle, while when fishing with a fly rod, any play with the equipment entails its exit from the fishing point.

The most typical is the so-called “bleak” equipment, designed for fishing with falling bait or for fishing in any water horizon. Falling rigs require highly elongated floats. They perfectly convey all stages of bait immersion and perfectly record a bite at any of them. And for fishing in a specific water horizon, almost any type of float is suitable (from elongated to the classic “drop” or “double cone”), the main condition is a suitable load capacity. Sticky floats are characterized by a very thin and short antenna, capable of creating minimal resistance to the fish when biting, and a shortened keel. Despite the fact that the antenna is thin, it is visible very well, because fishing is carried out at a relatively short distance. It should be noted that floats of this type, but with a slightly thicker antenna, are excellent for catching small carp, and near the shore - roach. Bleeding equipment most often have a load capacity from 0.3 to 1.5-2 g.

For an angler who visits the same bodies of water throughout the season, three to five equipment will be quite enough, which is more convenient to make in advance at home. If you often travel to unfamiliar bodies of water, then it is better to take with you a supply of different floats (both in type and in terms of carrying capacity), two or three spools with fishing line of different diameters and a set of weights. The equipment is then tied right on the spot, taking into account the specific fishing conditions. Thus, a certain supply of equipment is gradually created. Fishing is interesting because there are no strict dogmas and rules, but there is always diversity.

Fishing with a fly rod

Equipment for deep water fishing

How to choose a float for catching crucian carp

When selecting a bite alarm, you need to take into account a number of factors on which the effectiveness of the equipment depends. These include weather conditions, fishing location, type of rod and distance from which to cast. Changes in fish activity at different times of the year also require careful selection of equipment.

Read how to catch crucian carp in June using a float rod.

Depending on the season and fishing conditions

The success of fishing directly depends on how correctly the selection of equipment for fishing is carried out in the conditions characteristic of a particular reservoir.

The choice of equipment may depend on the following factors:

Flow. On stagnant bodies of water, it is recommended to choose an indicator that has a narrow, spindle-shaped base and a short antenna. When fishing on fast-flowing rivers with short casting distances, a float alarm with a medium-length keel is more suitable; this will increase the casting accuracy and also ensure almost silent immersion of the equipment.
Wind. In calm weather, ratite indicators are most often used. When wind and ripples appear on the water surface, this type of equipment becomes unstable, so it is recommended to replace it with a signaling device with a short keel.

When fishing on ponds and lakes, the choice of float equipment depends on the fishing distance:

for short distances you need to take a signaling device with a long body that merges with the antenna;
at long distances, a signaling device with a long keel and a clearly visible antenna is more suitable (as an option, you can also use indicators equipped with a short keel, having a massive body and a long antenna).

Find out also about the necessary gear for catching crucian carp.

The choice of equipment directly depends on seasonal changes in the behavior of crucian carp.

The selection of a float should be made in accordance with the following recommendations:

Spring. With warming, before the start of spawning, the fish behaves very actively and focuses on fairly warm shallow water near the shore. At this time, it is best to use alarms weighing up to 2 g.

Read Float for long casting

Summer. At the end of spawning, the crucian carp becomes more timid and careful. To catch it, you should choose indicators with a small carrying capacity and a high degree of sensitivity.

Autumn. The period of active behavior of fish. The load capacity should be raised again within 5 g.

Winter. When fishing in winter, the same indicators are suitable as for summer fishing.

When loading the indicator, you should pay attention to the fact that when immersed, the float must completely go under water

For different float gear

Depending on the type of fishing rod:

Fishing rod without reel. If the maximum length of the gear is about 4-5 m, and you plan to fish in the reeds from a boat or from a platform, you should not take a heavy dimensional alarm. Successful fishing can be carried out using equipment weighing up to 2 g. Casts are made not far from oneself with a minimum number of splashes and circles from the equipment. A fixed indicator with an elongated body is considered the most suitable for such fishing. For fishing in the evening and at night, it is recommended to use alarms with possible firefly fixation. On sale you can find ready-made options made from phosphorus-containing material.
Long casting tackle. For such fishing, a reel is mounted on the rod. It should also be borne in mind that medium action spinning rods must be equipped with guide rings. The signaling device for such fishing should have a weight of 3 to 8 g. The float must be bright, have a long tip and a ball at the tip. This will make the rig more visible and help you catch a bite in time. Such floats allow you to cast more accurately over long distances without particularly scaring the crucian carp.

Floats for fly fishing

A float is a fishing device on the line of a float rod. The float performs two functions: the first - holds the hook with a fishing attachment at the desired depth, the second - signals a bite.

A fly rod is designed for fishing close to the shore or boat. This type of gear is used in bodies of water with standing water. Therefore, the floats are characterized by low weight and low load. The high sensitivity and quiet splashdown of the fly rod float after casting allows you to notice the weakest bite.

Float body shape

The choice of float based on body shape directly depends on the strength of the current. There is a rule that the stronger the current, the more rounded the body shape of the floats should be. In reservoirs with standing water, floats with an elongated shape are used, and in areas with strong currents, spherical models are used.

In areas with strong currents, spherical floats are the most stable and easy to control. If, in such conditions, we use models with a narrow body shape of this type:

then we will not get the necessary control over the equipment, and the float will often be submerged by waves. It will be extremely difficult to identify bites.

Of course, spherical floats are less sensitive. But, as practice shows, when fishing in a current, this parameter fades into the background.

The fish take more confidently in such places, and it is important for us to keep the equipment at one point. Therefore, the best option would be to use floats with a ball shape, or even better, flat-bodied Cralusso:

These models have excellent wave stability and are very sensitive.

If fishing is carried out in calm waters, then priority is clearly given to needle-shaped floats with a blind type of fastening with a carrying capacity of up to 1.5 grams. They will show the most gentle bite of bleak or minnow.

Read Recipes for feeder bait for different fishing conditions

If we talk about universal floats, they have the shape of a drop. These models are suitable for both current and non-current areas. Models with a carrying capacity of 3-6 grams are most in demand. Depending on the strength of the current, a float with a specific droplet shape is selected. The stronger the current, the wider the drop, and vice versa.

It is very important to have a sufficient number of different types of floats. Many floaters sort them into groups: “inverted drops”, “balls”, “narrow drops”, needles

Each group includes models with different load capacities. Keep in mind that there is no one size fits all float. Even on one fishing trip, several floats of the same group may be required. The wind blew, or vice versa - the weather became calm, and in this case the float will have to be replaced with a more suitable model.

Design of floats for fly fishing

Basically the float consists of three parts:

The float body is responsible for its buoyancy and carrying capacity.

A keel is used to give the hull stability in the water. The keel of the float helps to increase the parameters of the entire device, thereby increasing its resistance. The main indicator of the keel is its length, and weight does not in any way affect the sensitivity of the alarm, it only reduces the carrying capacity. That is why the keel is made primarily of rigid material.

The antenna of the fishing float helps to increase its visibility on the water. This makes it possible to instantly react to a bite. The proximity from the angler allows the use of floats with thin short antennas.

The position of the waterline is also important for the float. The waterline is the line that separates the fishing alarm from the water surface, dividing it into underwater and surface components. The shape of the float, its carrying capacity, and the weight of the sinker affect the position of the waterline. These indicators sometimes help to increase productivity. By varying the weight of the sinker, you can change the location of the waterline. The sensitivity of the alarm is related to this band. Therefore, it is necessary to choose its location taking into account the best sensitivity of the float. This will help you notice the bite in time.

Also, each float contains one or two guide rings for fishing line. There are models of floats that do not have a keel or antenna.

Previously, floats were made from natural materials, trying to use the lightest ones. Popular floats were made from wood (linden, pine), from cork and tree bark, from dry plants (kuga, reeds, cattails), from the feathers of large birds (geese), and from porcupine thorns. With the advent of plastics, floats began to be made from the lightest material - polystyrene foam or hollow from heavy plastics, which significantly reduced their weight. Balsa floats have also become very popular recently.

The keels of floats come in different lengths and are made of a variety of materials, which determines the behavior of the float and the conditions under which it is used. For example, a fiberglass keel is used for floats that operate under heavy loads when catching large fish. The wire keel holds the float stably on the water in a vertical position even in strong winds. Lightweight carbon fiber keels work great in deep bodies of water without current or when fishing on a river or canal with a relatively slow current.

Shape of floats for fly fishing

Currently, the choice of floats on the fishing market is huge. The most common forms:

Olive - this float can be called universal, suitable for both still water and reservoirs with a current. Behaves steadily in waves, wind and ripples on the water surface.
Ball-shaped - also refers to the universal type of floats. Suitable for current and still water. Stable in waves and wind.
Drop – suitable for fishing in lakes and ponds. It has a downward center of gravity and a long keel, stable during waves and ripples on the surface of the water. Used for fishing at depths exceeding one and a half meters.
Spindle – used in standing water (ponds, reservoirs). Due to its design, the float is very sensitive and is used for catching cautious fish at a depth of up to three meters.
Straight - used for fishing in calm weather on small ponds and lakes and at a depth of up to two meters.

Types of floats

All float products perform the same function - they report a bite. Essentially, the principle of operation is the same. When the fish starts to bite, then the bite indicator reacts and begins to move or sink.

Floats differ in shape, weight, size, color and type of material from which they are made.

Conventionally, they can be divided into several types:

Teardrop-shaped. Very good for deep fishing. It has a low center of gravity, is very stable and shows a bite even in choppy water.

Spindle. This species is very sensitive and is needed for catching cautious fish. It is advisable to use only for fishing in still water (stakes, lakes, ponds) with a depth of no more than three meters.

Flat. Needed to fish in strong currents. Fishermen mainly use it for fishing in rivers. It looks like a disk to which, at an angle of forty-five degrees, an antenna with a keel is attached.

Ball. Very stable in strong winds.

Straight. One of the most common. It has a rather simple shape. Suitable for fishing in good weather, in reservoirs with a depth of up to two meters.

Read here Fishing with a bottle: 130 photos and videos describing the preparation of equipment and fishing techniques

Inverted drop. An ideal choice for fishing at great depths with underwater currents.

Olive. Used under different fishing conditions: waves, wind, calm weather. A fairly stable float, and essentially universal.

Double sided cone. Suitable for fishing on canals with weak and medium water flow. Very stable due to the long keel.

Loading capacity of floats for fly fishing

The body of the float, the dimensions of which must correspond to the weight of the sinkers and bait, determines its carrying capacity. It is calculated in the following arithmetic way: the difference between its volume and weight. With the same size, but with different material densities, the float has a different load capacity (the higher the material density, the lower the load capacity). Floats with variable load capacity are available for sale.

Thus, the choice of a float used for certain fishing conditions depends not only on the shape of its body, but also on the carrying capacity. When choosing a float, the following conditions should be taken into account:

type of fish;
the diameter of the fishing line on which the equipment will be installed;
depth at the fishing site;
level of fishing gear, as well as fishing method;
presence of current;
weight and size of the bait (for example, when fishing with live bait).

Float for Bolognese fishing rod

For a Bolognese fishing rod, you should select special floats that differ from models for other types of fishing rods. The main difference is the rather thick antenna (diameter from 3 mm). Also, most often floats for lapdogs have a teardrop-shaped body and a long keel.

A thick antenna in this case is needed for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it will be visible at long distances, which are relevant when fishing with a Bolognese fishing rod.
Secondly, a thick antenna has positive buoyancy, which will allow you to slightly overload the float and thereby increase its sensitivity.

At great distances from the shore and at significant depths, the fish bites quite sharply and boldly, so there is no need to worry about the strong visibility of the antenna. Some floats of this type allow you to change the antennas themselves, which makes it possible to select ones more suitable for fishing conditions.

The carrying capacity of floats for a Bolognese fishing rod starts at 3 g.

Attaching floats for fly fishing

The float can be attached to the fishing line at one or two points. The main attachment point is the very bottom of the float. The attachment point for the float on the fishing line consists of two parts: the actual attachment to the fishing line and the connection link between the attachment and the float. It is possible to directly attach the float to the fishing line. The attachment point on the fishing line can be blind or sliding. A blind mount is used when the fishing depth does not exceed the length of the rod. A sliding mount is used if the fishing depth is greater than the length of the rod. In fly fishing, a blind mount is more often used.

When fishing in a canal or in still water, floats of a special design should be used, the center of gravity of which is low enough. These floats have the shape of a drop.

If you are fishing in a river, olive-shaped floats are best, as they are indispensable when fishing in the current.

Blind mount

provides a permanent location for the attachment point on the fishing line - it cannot move spontaneously and can be moved with difficulty. The design of the unit consists of a cambric placed on a fishing line and a rod with which the fishing line is clamped in the cambric. The rod is connected to the float. The connection between the rod and the float can be rigid and hinged.

When hard

When connected, the float and fishing line form one whole - the float is motionless relative to the fishing line. The fastening of floats without rings is rigid. For example, a fishing line passes through the body of a float and is secured by a rod. When attaching a float with a keel that does not have a ring, the keel is used as a rod that clamps the fishing line. Usually, on a smooth keel, the line is attached with two cambrics - one cambric at the end of the keel, the second - under the body of the float. This results in a rigid mount.

When hinged

connection, the float hangs freely on the attachment point to the fishing line. This is usually how floats are attached with a ring at the bottom. The fastening unit is made of wire. The wire is threaded into the ring of the float, bent, and its ends are twisted. The cambric is selected according to the diameter of the twist. To attach heavy floats, a loop is made in the middle of the rod, which is passed into the ring on the float. Cambrics are put on the ends of the rod, through which the fishing line passes.

The rigidly fixed float is well controlled - when pulled up with a rod or released in the current, it maintains a vertical position. Casting such a float requires care. At the beginning of casting, when the line is behind the angler’s back, the position of the float is with the antenna towards the tip of the rod. After the cast is completed, the float flies with its antenna forward, the float antenna is directed away from the rod. Before splashdown, when the fishing line is pulled, the float is turned over by the antenna towards the rod. When the float is turned over, the antenna may get caught on the fishing line, and, as a result, the antenna may become loose and fall out.

Float structure

Floats with thin tips are very sensitive to bites

Almost all floats consist of 3 parts:

Frame.
Antenna (signaling device).
Keel.

The basis of any float is a body made of lightweight material that ensures its buoyancy. It can be balsa or any other material lighter than water. To ensure that the float stands vertically and is constantly in this position, it is equipped with a keel, which is made of heavier materials that sink in water. The antenna is a bite alarm and can be made of any materials. The main requirement for an antenna is to be visible at some distance from the fisherman. As a rule, the antenna is painted in bright colors. To attach the float to the main line, it may have guide rings. Floats can be attached at one or two points, depending on the type of float and its purpose. In this regard, there are floats that do not have an antenna or keel.

Floats can have the following body shapes:

In the form of an olive. Floats of this type are called universal, which means that they can be used under various fishing conditions. It is stable on the surface of the water, in the presence of waves and ripples.
Ball . Such floats, in their characteristics, are no different from the previous ones. They perform well in the presence of wind.
Drop shape. These floats have a slightly shifted center of gravity downwards, making it more stable in the presence of disturbances on the surface of the water. They can fish in ponds and lakes at depths of more than one and a half meters.
Inverted drop. This type of float allows you to fish at great depths, more than 3 meters with the presence of a current.
In the form of a spindle. More suitable for fishing in still water, at depths of up to 3 meters. The float is quite sensitive and has proven itself well when catching cautious fish.
The float is straight. Its very simple shape allows it to be used in calm weather on ponds and lakes where the depth does not exceed 2 meters.
The float is flat. One of the most stable floats when fishing in currents. This float is similar to a disk on which an antenna with a keel is mounted, which is at an angle of 45 degrees.

Loading floats for fly fishing

For the float to become a bite indicator, it must be firmly connected to the hook with the nozzle. The fishing line between the float and the hook in a free state cannot achieve the required rigidity of the connection. To give the fishing line the necessary rigidity, it must be tensioned.

To do this, a sinker is attached to the fishing line closer to the float, which with its weight should pull the fishing line into a line. The thicker the line or the greater the drop (the distance between the float and the hook), the heavier the sinker should be. It is believed that when fishing in still water, for every meter of depth, it is necessary to increase the weight of the sinker by 0.5 - 1 g. The weight of the sinker when fishing in a current can be greater than when fishing in still water.

To prevent the float from sinking under the weight of the sinker, it must have sufficient lifting capacity. On modern floats their carrying capacity is usually written. In order for the float rig to be cast confidently, it must have sufficient weight. Equipment smaller than 1 g is difficult to cast with a long rod even in calm, windless weather. The maximum weight of equipment cast with a float rod should not greatly exceed the rod test.

Choosing a fly rod

There are 3 types of fly rods:

“Classic” is a light rod 5-11 meters long. Used for catching small fish up to 1-2 kg.
“Ukleichnoe” is a lightweight rod 2-4 m long. It is used for catching small fish up to 500 g.
“Carp” is a strong and weighted fishing rod with a length of 7-14 m. It is used for catching large specimens (carp, carp, crucian carp).

The division of rods into categories arose due to different fishing conditions. A short rod allows you to move mobile around a pond, unlike a ten-meter rod. It is designed to catch small fish close to the shore and does not allow casting behind large thickets. Even if you change the equipment to a longer line, it will be very difficult to cast with a short rod.

The fly rod is made from modern durable materials; the following varieties can be distinguished:

Fiberglass. It is considered the cheapest material, which is low-sensitivity, less durable and heavier. It is not recommended to buy fiberglass rods longer than 5 m. Due to their heavy weight, they are unsuitable for fly fishing.
Composite A more durable material, as it combines fiberglass with carbon fiber. This affects its strength and lighter weight. A budget option for a fly rod.
Carbon fiber. The lightest, most durable and elastic material for a fly fishing rod. It is recommended to use a fishing rod up to 11 m long, as these are the optimal sizes that combine all the advantages of this material.

The length of fly rods ranges from 2 to 14 m. They are divided into the following categories:

The short ones are 2-4 m long. The weight of the fish is up to 500 grams. Used for sport fishing.
Medium 5-7 m long. Fish weight up to 2 kg. The most common rod length.
Long - 8-11 m. Fish weight up to 3 kg. Used for fishing in overgrown reservoirs.
Extra long - 12-14 m. This reinforced rod is used for carp fishing.

Choosing a fishing spot

In summer, fish stay at shallow depths (1-4 m) due to the fact that in hot weather there is more oxygen, food and there are no sudden temperature changes. First you need to find a free area where you can cast your rod. It is also necessary to find a flat bottom, where there is a kind of shelf on which bottom fish wander in search of food. Basically, the first edge begins right behind the aquatic vegetation; bait and bait should be thrown into this place and the cage should be successfully filled.

To accurately determine the location of such a section of the bottom, you should use a depth gauge. It is a brass or lead weight that is attached to a hook. On a fly rod, a lead weight with a ring at the end is often used. The optimal weight of the load is about 15-20 g.

When fishing in an unfamiliar body of water, you need to assemble a fishing rod and attach a depth gauge to the hook. Then walk along the coastal area in search of a suitable place. To do this, you should carefully check the bottom topography and determine the approximate depth. Once the fishing point is found, you can feed the fish and wait for a bite.

Fishing technique and tactics

When fishing with a swoop, it is necessary to keep the line in tension throughout the entire fishing process, that is, the rod is in your hands.

When biting, you can immediately hook. Since the fish is cautious, when it feels resistance, it spits out the bait and does not even get caught with its lip. If you put the rod down and loosen the line, you may not have enough time to hook.

When fishing with a swoop, to increase the likelihood of a bite, play with bait. When the fishing rod is in your hands, fishing becomes a more interesting and productive activity, because you need to lift it, playing along with the bait. When fishing in still water, you need to raise the line a little, then the bait with the hook will rise, and the fish will be interested in it.

When fishing with bait, sometimes large fish are interested in fishing, which can break the gear. If there are strong bites, it is recommended to quickly change gear to stronger ones, but if you do not do this, you may miss a large fish or break the gear.

How to catch fish

Catching fish with a fly rod is not easy work. If the fish is large, it must be brought closer to the shore more carefully. It is not recommended to immediately remove the fish from the water; you must first tire it out. The main mistake that leads to breakage of the fishing rod or breakage of the tackle is the powerful lifting of the rod when landing fish. In order to eliminate this, you need to have a landing net with a long handle, this will allow you to not have to put the rod high in order to remove the fish from the water.

Swing cast

To properly cast a fly fishing rod, you must follow the following tactics:

release the rod a little forward;
pull him sharply by the shoulder;
Smoothly cast to the baited area.

How to fish with a float

When planning to fish, it is important to properly prepare the place: first of all, feed the fishing spot so that the fish begins to become active. Then install a chair, since the process is not quick, rods or selections for fishing rods, cages and landing nets for fishing and storing fish

Determining a promising location

Pay attention to trampled areas

Fish loves transitions to depth - edges, shallows, dumps or holes, since it is easier to find food near uneven bottom topography. In overgrown reservoirs, it usually stands at the border of vegetation and clean water.

Read Simple fishing knots for hooks and leashes

If there are traces of other fishermen on the reservoir: trampled grass or supports for fishing rods, most likely this place has been baited and is the most promising for fishing. Beginning fishermen should not choose places with abundant vegetation, otherwise they will have to constantly free the stuck equipment.

Fishing technique with a float rod

Fishing with a float is easy, the main thing is to react correctly to the bite. Hook in case of a clear bite, when the float goes completely under the water, lies on its side, or goes far to the side.

Do not make sharp cuts, it is important to find the right pace and moment, this will take time and experience. Do not drag large fish: it is worth bringing it to the shore gradually, adapting to its movements

And also, you should not pull the fish out of the water - it may break off. It is better to carefully introduce it into the landing net.

The best bite is usually at dawn. And don’t forget to set the depth correctly: bleak is caught near the surface, roach, perch and rudd are caught a little deeper. Large fish such as bream, crucian carp, carp or silver bream prefer depth.

In spring, summer and autumn, float fishing is an excellent recreation. Fresh air, silence, the mirror of the water, birdsong, a light breeze - all this puts you in a philosophical mood, and the bites do not let you get bored, and if hunting excitement arises when the float oscillates, the heart skips a beat, and the hands themselves reach for the fishing rod, then everything was done correctly .