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I love using a slip float it is easier to cast with floater next to split shot. only thing I don't like I have to use a bigger split shot than I like to make the floater sit up so I know if I'm on bottom or not any ideals how to make the floater sit up right with small er split shot
You could try dropping down a size or two on your slip floats.
Yes there are three things you can do the first is to get some weights that Lindy makes for balancing the float. The second is to use smaller split short by spacing them about 3 inches apart to you can the float balanced and, the third thing to do is maybe use a smaller float and then balance it with smaller spilt shots.Quote:
Originally Posted by no luck
Always use as small of float as you can get by with. I like a single weight that is just enough to stand the float up. All you need for crappie is a 1.5 inch float, but I sometimes use up to a 2.5 inch if heavier weight is needed to hold down the bait. I use a slim 1.5 most of the time with a single 3/0 shot.
take some solder and wrap it around the stem of the float
OR ..... buy floats that already have a lead collar wrapped around the bottom stem.Quote:
Originally Posted by matzilla
OR ... find some Porcupine Quill floats and use them like a slip float.
... cp :kewl
You can also balance a slip float: http://www.crappie.com/crappie/panfi...r-gills-5.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by no luck
You could do a little test in a 5 gallon bucket before you head out. Get your combination just right and save a little time on the water. Just my .02 worth
to avoid using too large a split shot you can also use the weighted floats. Only problem I have with them is finding one small enough to suit for pan fish.
I cut a small foam cigar float until I get it to float like I want with the split shot
I purchase Thill floats with weights already on them. They have a small lead collar held on by a rubber "O" ring. Most of the time, I don't use sinkers but I'm also not throwing a slip float. I use a longer steelhead rod and have little issue casting a static float set 10 feet above the bait. Those weighted floats also help you cast further.
You can also do like one other said and wrap some coiled solder around your floats. I figure, why reinvent the wheel when someone already makes them. Wal-mart sells em pretty cheap.
I started out using the Thill weighted floats and found they did cast quite well. The down side they were weighted to only float vertical. I could not tell if my lure was on the bottom or detect a up biting fish as the float remained vertical. A float properly balanced will up set to a horizontal position indication up bites and bottom.Quote:
Originally Posted by wicklundrh
I my area twenty five percent of the crappie bites are up bites.
Good point Bob.
I forgot to mention that during the spring time, I actually don't use any weight what so ever. Not on the line and not on my float. I use a steelhead float and detect the bite by the movement of the bobber or it standing up on occasion. It works great for me in some areas but this is shallow we are talking and the fish get spooky when they feel resistance of pulling the bobber under. With this method, I see it stand up and set the hook before they get scared off.
I have made a lot of floats for float and fly fishing for smallmouth bass in the winter. They work real well for crappie fishing and they balance with a 1/16 oz jig.
They're real easy to make and you can use a weighted round or cigar float.
Here is a video of Triton Mike Bucca making some:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAuxGB5J8F8
Not a Pro or Xpert but if you have never tried "Trout magnet" floats you might want to give them a try.They "trout magnet guides use nothing else"Jeff has put a lot of time in developing the perfect float for the light biting trout. Easy on easy off with out cutting or breaking your line. That being said they are equally as good on Bream and crappie. We have made,tried all kinds of floats,strike indecators ect. Might want to give these a try or at least watch the video they have. We use nothing else. Well made and a lot of time in developing these floats. "WWW.Trout Magnet.com"