Partly because of my recent ban from fishing boat ramps at the large reservoir.
I’m thinking of getting back into doing more float n jig fishing and thought I’d see if I could pick up any pointers from those of you who float fish all of the time.
First I’ll explain how I used to do it .
I usually used a 6-7’ UL or light action rod with a 1000-2500 reel . 3-4# lb line .
I used a small 3/4 weighted styrofoam float and usually set my jig at 18-24” .
Most of my jigs back then were hand tied 1/80 or 1/100th jigs tied in a woolybooger pattern . I used this method mostly for bank fishing in ponds .
The times I’ve tried this method in the larger (and sometimes deeper) reservoirs I haven’t had much luck .
I’m thinking my issue is depth . I have experimented down to about 4-5’ , but still not much luck .
Times I’ve fished my method out of my boat in the local water reservoirs of 300-800 acres in size , I usually go back to the 18-24” depth setting, but I’m casting toward the bank and slow (snail pace) retrieving back to the boat with occasional pauses , that sometimes draw a strike .That usually worked pretty good.
About 18” has been my most productive depth setting .
I’m going to be trying plastics this go around . Some creature baits , some ice fishing baits , and mini trout magnets, and will be using heavier jigs . 1/64 up to just under 1/32 .
I’ve had luck at the town pond with the mini TM .

That’s how I do it .
What am I doing wrong at the big reservoirs ?
Or maybe it’s my location at the big reservoir.
Should I be checking out the backs of coves , fan casting to locate the fish ?
Of course , bank fishing , I don’t have the luxury of using electronics to pinpoint the fish for me or to even tell me how deep the water is I’m fishing .
Any suggestions or explanations on how you’ve found success will be appreciated.