All novice fishermen, as a rule, begin their careers precisely from a float rod. I, too, am no exception and, like everyone else, I started with it - a hazel rod, a fishing line, a goose feather float, a shot and the hook itself. Then there was a two-legged bamboo, and finally all kinds of telescopic fishing rods, fortunately you can buy them inexpensively and for every taste
A float rod serves as a universal fishing tool. It is a convenient, elegant piece of equipment. This tackle is mainly amateur and sports. With its help, with appropriate re-equipment, you can catch almost any fish in central Russia. A fishing rod with a float can be used to fish from the shore and from a boat, in still and running water, in shallows and at depth. It can be used immediately after the opening of the river and before freeze-up. The design of a float rod is not very complicated. It can be built at home. A float rod consists of a hook, line, leash, sinker, float and rod.
Components of a float rod
Hook for float rod
The hook is an important part of fishing equipment. The success of fishing depends on its quality. It should be inconspicuous, durable, sharp enough and tenacious. A good hook springs when you try to straighten it with your hands. There are many varieties of this gear.
But which hook is best for rigging a float rod? Practice shows that single, single-flex hooks are in greatest demand. The length of their fore-end exceeds the width of the hook no more than twice. The ring head is bent inward. Of course, the choice of hook in size and shape depends on the method, fishing conditions, what kind of fish the angler wants to catch, and what kind of bait he intends to use.
For example:
- if the bait is grains of wheat or pearl barley, then it is better to use a hook No. 3-4;
- If you use an earthworm or pieces of boiled potatoes when fishing, then a No. 10 hook with a long shank is suitable.
Selection of hook depending on the type of fish:
- the smallest fish, fry - No. 1-3;
- crucian carp, bleak, roach, small bream - No. 4-6;
- carp, carp, asp, bream - No. 7-10;
- pike perch, catfish, barbel - No. 10-15.
When selecting hooks, it must be taken into account that inconspicuous tackle always has an advantage.
Leash for float rod
A leash is used to make the tackle near the hook and bait less noticeable, in order to protect the line from breaking when it touches or strongly resists the fish.
Experienced anglers strive for the smallest leader thickness. But it must be commensurate with all the gear. The length of the leash depends on the fishing method. It is better to paint the leash in a color that is suitable for the fishing conditions. On a float fishing rod, the most practical are leashes with a length of 20-25 cm and a thickness of 0.10-0.12 mm less than the thickness of the main fishing line.
Sinker for float rod
The simplest sinker is a lead shot. Beginner fishermen should be warned against using various random objects (nuts, nails) as sinkers. They disrupt the harmony of the gear and lead to a poor catch. The best forms of sinkers for float fishing rods are shot, spindle-shaped and “stalk”. Lead is used to make them.
Fishing with a sliding float
When fishing conditions require long-distance casting of bait, tackle with a sliding float is used. This type of tackle can be used when fishing for predatory fish using live bait or frogfish.
Before you start fishing, it is necessary to measure the depth at the intended fishing location as accurately as possible. On the main line, a stop is made for the float, corresponding to the depth. Then the float is released to the stop weight, the hook is baited and, grabbing the fishing line with your free hand above the float, they make a smooth cast forward and slightly upward so that when the sinker and float fall on the water, they avoid a jerk from the stretched fishing line. When using gear with a sufficient supply of fishing line, there is no jerk and the bait can be preserved. If, on the contrary, you have to use a fishing line that is too long, then to avoid problems when fishing, use a spinning reel. It is only necessary to ensure that the float release depth limiter passes freely through the passage rings and does not interfere with casting the tackle.
Features of fishing when using a sliding leash.
After a wide and sharp hook, you need to bring the fish towards you, quickly reeling the line onto the reel. When the remaining line does not exceed the length of the rod, stop reeling and act as a regular float rod.
Rating of the top best models
We have compiled a rating of the top 6 best feeder rods based on price/quality ratio, as well as customer reviews. The rating was compiled as of January 10 %%currentyear%%.
The rating is conditional and does not claim to be the ultimate truth; your opinion may differ.
1 place. Zemex Razer Progressive 3.96m 110g
A new line from Zemex (Zemex), which has already received rave reviews from both amateur and professional anglers. First place in our ranking.
Three-piece rod + 3 quivertips included.
The progressive action of the rod is incredibly comfortable, and the quality of materials is one of the best at the moment. An extra-heavy class rod with a weight of 110 grams (real weights are about 140 grams) allows you to catch large bream, roach, pike perch, carp, grass carp and other large fish using bottom tackle both in the current and in still water. Blank material – carbon / carbon fiber.
Retail price from 12,500 rubles.
More detailed characteristics:
Video review with feedback:
2nd place. Shimano Super Ultegra AX Feeder Long Cast 150
An excellent stick from the well-known Shimano. 4+3 steps. Extra heavy class feeder rod. Length 426 cm, test 150 grams. Released at the beginning of 2015. The reel seat is reliable and comfortable, with a carbon insert. High quality guide rings from Fuji. Second place in our ranking.
Characteristics.
Price. 23,200 rubles.
3rd place. Flagman Sherman Pro Feeder 3.6
The flagship Sherman Pro Feeder. One of the best top-class feeder gear for the money. Everything about it is beautiful and harmonious. From the handle and reel seat to the quiver tip.
The weight of the rod is 228 g, that is, it is very light despite its dimensions of 3.6 meters. Material – carbon. Test from 30 to 110 grams. Length when folded is 125 cm. Top diameter is 2.8 mm.
The handle is made of cork + EVA technology. Components – 3+3. The fishing rod is suitable for strong fishing, especially against large fish. The rings are not Fuji, but they are also good Sea-Guide.
The downside is that this bottom fishing rod is sold mainly in Ukraine. However, with some effort you can find it in Moscow. Delivery is ongoing to other regions.
Price: 6700 rubles.
Video with feedback and the fishing process:
4th place. Maximus Red Devil FRRD 420 XH
Manufacturers from Korea under the Maximus brand usually develop spinning rods, but this model is successful from all sides. 4.2 meters, weight 441 grams, semi-parabolic action (medium-fast). Handle: classic cork + EVA.
Read Fishing knot “Carrot” and “Albright”
The blank itself is made of high-quality carbon fiber (carbon fiber). Test 120-180 is designed for catching large fish, including in strong currents.
The rings are treated with SiC technology (really working protection against chafing). 3 sections. Screw reel seat. 3 quivertypes with different stiffnesses (fiberglass and carbon).
Price from 5800 rubles.
5th place. Mikado UltraViolet Twin Feeder 3.30-3.90
Click to enlarge
Massive (up to 3.9 meters), but light and comfortable feeder rod from Mikado. The maximum test is up to 120 grams, which is quite enough when fishing in the current. No super innovations, simple, reliable, high quality, convenient. The device is not so sharp (the action is fast), but it is compensated by the carbon quivertip.
This rod is more suitable for experienced feeder anglers. Variability in length changes from 3.3 meters to 3.9 m. When folded, 1.17 meters. The rings will last a long time because a special SiC protective coating is applied. Comfortable, slow-wearing handle. The material of the rod itself is carbon fiber/carbon.
Price: 6120 rubles.
Characteristics.
6th place. Daiwa Windcast Feeder 3.9
Length 3.9 m. 120 grams, Extra Heavy class. Quality Japan for your money. Screw reel seat. A ringing, biting rod. A quick form, good to use in combination with feedergam. Very sensitive gear.
Of the minuses:
- During active fishing, rubbing appears on the hand from the reel seat;
- Narrow grip, short handle;
- It is difficult to find suitable tips if they break.
Daiwa priced this feeder at 5,600 rubles.
Characteristics.
Video review of Daiva windcast feeder 3.9:
Fishing with a slowly sinking bait
In the summer months, when the fish bite weakens, fishing with a slowly sinking bait gives good results. This is how they mainly catch crucian carp, roach, rudd, ide, dace, and silver bream. The best fishing spots are areas of a reservoir with steep banks, branches of bushes and trees hanging over the water, windows among aquatic vegetation, the mouths of streams and small tributaries, capes and spits washed by a stream, the boundaries of weak and fast currents. Recently, more and more anglers agree that fish take a moving bait much more readily than a stationary one.
For fishing with slowly sinking bait, light, flexible rods with a length of 4 to 6.5 m are used, which can be used to smoothly cast a light bait. The fishing line is installed thin (from 0.15 to 0.22 mm). Its length should exceed the length of the rod by 0.75-2 m. It is better if it is painted to match the color characteristic of the fishing location. It is advisable to use a long (up to 25-30 cm) leash. The sinker is usually not installed. The size of the hook with this fishing method depends on the size of the bait, and the float used is small.
A bite is sometimes marked by a slight displacement of the float.
If there is no bite when the bait is immersed, you need to let it sink to the bottom and hang on the fishing line, and after a while give the bait a slight vibration. If there is no bite, the cast must be repeated, sending the nozzle slightly to the side from the place of the previous cast. The hook must follow immediately.
Fly rod length
The most important parameter of a fly rod is its length. The optimal swing length should be considered 7 meters. With the help of such a fishing rod you will be able to fully fish the coastal zone at distances from 5 to 11 meters. If you master the fishing technique with this swing well, you can subsequently purchase a model 9 meters long.
For beginners, we can recommend fly rods 6-7 meters long. With their help, you can quickly learn how to accurately cast to various points. These models are used for fishing for bleak, roach and rudd, which live at a distance of 4-7 meters from the shore. These rods are convenient for fishing at a fast pace, when the time between casts is a few seconds. These fishing rods are also convenient for fishing from a boat.
Longer fishing rods from 6 to 9 meters are considered universal. With their help you can catch fish weighing up to 3 kg. The blank absorbs jerks well, and the angler will be able to control the fish, not giving it a chance to go into the reeds. It is better to have two rods - 7 and 9 meters. When you come to a new body of water, you will be sure that you will be able to fish with at least one of the fishing rods in a promising place.
For a fishing rod 6 meters long, the fishing radius is 9 meters. For a 7-meter long swing, the fishing radius is 11 meters. For a rod 9 meters long, the fishing distance is 13-14 meters.
There are also longer fly rods from 10 to 13 meters. With such tools you can fish at distances from 15 to 21 meters. They are used on wide rivers and large reservoirs. An alternative to these models are Bolognese and plug rods.
More powerful models are used for fishing trophies near the shore. The main objects of fishing are carp, carp, ide, and large bream. These rods are not used to fish by hand throughout the entire fishing trip, but are placed on stands. Their length varies from 7 to 11 meters. Such mahi are equipped with rather rough equipment designed for large fish.
