Jig fishing for steelhead question????

Hogback · 12-08-2003, 06:34 PM

Are slip floats better than fixed? Why?
Thanks Randy

ampersat · 12-08-2003, 06:41 PM

Yes and no. Why? It depends.

ampersat · 12-08-2003, 06:47 PM

Sorry, couldn't resist. It really depends on the water you're fishing. Some water and some jigs work better with a fixed float. I personally use a fixed float for the reason that mending a jig on a sliding float has a tendency to affect the jig more than on a fixed float. If you like fishing the other side of the river (long casting) or heavier current, a slider with a weight between the float and the jig might work better for you.

Dave Vedder · 12-08-2003, 06:51 PM

If you are fishing water less than 10 feet deep use a fixed float.Lots of reasons.

trunwfisherman · 12-08-2003, 07:12 PM

A sliding bobber with a bobber stopper will be just as effective as a fixed bobber.

DanS · 12-08-2003, 08:10 PM

Water 10-12 feet deep or less favors a fixed float, deeper than that a slider is the better option.

dawhunt · 12-08-2003, 08:16 PM

I like a fixed float.
Bob

KillerDave · 12-08-2003, 08:50 PM

For steelhead...

Slip floats are easier to cast and just seem to make so dang much sense.

However, if you're not fishing 18' deep at Drano Lake then fixed floats catch more fish than slip floats.

There isn't one big reason, just lots of little reasons that at the end of the day add up to more fish hooked in the fixed float column.

First Bite · 12-08-2003, 09:20 PM

Hogback

I use both a fixed and sliding set-up for jigs but lean towards a fixed float when I'm fishing shallower water.

It depends on a lot of factors.

Try both and then see what works best for you.

Mark

Hogback · 12-09-2003, 04:29 AM

Thanks for the responses. When I first started using jigs everone used cast-a-bubble floats and fixed the depth with a toothpick. Times change and so do techniques. I just never fished deeper than the length of my rod which is 10'6. I always felt that less is better when it came to things on my line. When you use a slip float do you think the extra weight detracts from the action of the jig? How long of a leader do you use?

First Bite · 12-09-2003, 06:35 AM

Hog

If you were to take a look at the Canadian style of float fishing you'll see illustrations of leaders with multiple bb size or smaller split shot on their line. They "load up" shot to get the desired float balance.

I like using the 1/4 oz in-line weights for the same reason and don't think it affects the action of the jig.

I normally use about a two foot leader but will go longer in low, clear water.

Mark

SHOUGALNITE · 12-09-2003, 07:01 AM

I like slip floats. Not as much tying.

DanS · 12-09-2003, 07:15 AM

Quote:

I like slip floats. Not as much tying

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">I don't know how you figure that. Most sliding setups I've seen/used require three knots. When I fish a fixed float setup I use one knot. One knot is about as little tying as you can do to fish steelhead.

fishin · 12-09-2003, 07:31 AM

When the water is low and clear I like fixed float with jig tied to the main line. It just seems better to me to put less things in front of the fish that may spook it. Such as shot and swivels. I like to use sliding set ups when the water has more color and is up because I can vary depth more and it would seem that the extra hardware won't matter as much.

steelheadfreak · 12-09-2003, 08:58 AM

I like fixed bobbers for steelhead. I use adjustabubbles, no tying and you can change your leader length in seconds with a twist.

slabhunter · 12-09-2003, 01:05 PM

Fixed floats for steelhead and coho 'cause the tend to favor shallow water. Slip floats for chinook that you will find in the deeper holes.

Willow Drifter · 12-10-2003, 06:22 PM

One thing we use up here in Alaska is a larger Corkie slid up the line and pegged with a toothpick. This set-up works Great and and can be easily adjusted. You can also vary the color based on water conditions and light.