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#63 ·
Yet again proof I use a bait that's far too small. That would do me about 6 bait changes!
 
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#65 ·
RobWooly said:
I wouldn't worry too much about size of bait, small baits will still catch big fish.
Click to expand...
Float fishing near structure I agree but when I cast and hope I do think more scent will be better. Too many years scaling everything back for coarse fish takes some unlearning
 
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Discussion starter · #66 ·
OCTOSPUD said:
I have a picture of a fresh mackerel bait, the hook is tied directly to 30lb braid as I left my suffix co-polymer on the kitchen table:rolleyes:
View attachment 819249
Click to expand...
This looks an unusual way to bait up?
I would have tended to continue to slide the bait further up the hook and then loop the pointed end into the bait.
Otherwise, a greater possibility of the fish, just grabbing the bait and pulling it off the hook?
Suggestions please
 
Discussion starter · #67 ·
Mr Fish said:
Similar pic above, but this explains what I was on about with the extra in line 'weight trace'.
I'd have an extra bead on it personally and it must be of thicker line - if you've got best part of an ounce of rough lead flying up and down on 10 or 15lb line, it will get damaged and part pretty quickly. 30-40lb is ideal.
You can still use light mainline and snoods, this is purely to protect the weight trace.
It makes it SO much better for casting.

View attachment 818673
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Is it customary to fish with a SINGLE HOOK?
Or can you get away with using 2 hooks?
Interesting?
 
#68 ·
I too think Float fishing deserves its own place in the WSF family of topics.
In addition to the methods and rigs already suggested can I suggest the "Top-Baiter" www.top-baiter.com/ . This enables the angler to cast their hook bait suspended beneath a basket containing attractant which leaks out to attract fish to the hook. Although intended for surface fishing for carp, it has many other uses as I'm sure you'll realize.
The animation on the website explains its action and how to load it.
At this point I should declare that I am the inventor of the Top-Baiter and therefore do have a vested interest in bringing it to peoples attention.
Anyway have a look and let me know what you think.
 
#69 ·
piker20 said:
Float fishing near structure I agree but when I cast and hope I do think more scent will be better. Too many years scaling everything back for coarse fish takes some unlearning
Click to expand...
This is true mate they have to find your bait after all although I don't want to unlearn any of my coarse skills as they are really helping me (so far) in estuaries and harbours. I know i'm probably fishing far too light although I am fishing open spots. Currently catching quite a few schoolie Bass up to 2lb and they are so much fun on light float gear and they don't mind small baits at all.

On that subject i reckon if there's any novices out there who are looking to get their float gear out for sea fish perhaps docks and jetties are the idea learning ground. starting with the smaller fish then progressing upwards. Or perhaps a light float thread for those targeting the fun smaller species would be good too?
 
#70 ·
William Shapner said:
This looks an unusual way to bait up?
I would have tended to continue to slide the bait further up the hook and then loop the pointed end into the bait.
Otherwise, a greater possibility of the fish, just grabbing the bait and pulling it off the hook?
Suggestions please
Click to expand...
You want it to flutter enticingly, otherwise it will end up as a soggy lump on the bend of the hook.
Don't forget you are also targeting sight feeders so are trying to mimic their natural prey.
I believe Octo's bait above is aimed at big pollack or bass.
If I were fishing for garfish or mackerel I'd use a sliver of white or silver flesh about five mil wide and 4/5 cm long, hooked once so it's left to flutter in the tide.
Edit: white or silver skin left on, that is, about a mil thick...
 
#74 ·
Love float fishing from the boat. We fish close in to the cliffs in fairly deep water for pollock. Rag and Mackie strip catch plenty and to get the bigger fish we use live sandeel and Joey mackerel.
Going to give float fishing a go for Tope this year in water upto 60ft deep from the boat.
 
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#75 ·
William Shapner said:
This looks an unusual way to bait up?
I would have tended to continue to slide the bait further up the hook and then loop the pointed end into the bait.
Otherwise, a greater possibility of the fish, just grabbing the bait and pulling it off the hook?
Suggestions please
Click to expand...
They won't pull it off, that's not how fish feed. They will "inhale"[not the right word] the whole bait and be hooked in the mouth not in the throat or stomach.
 
#76 ·
Moray Shore Fisher said:
Was thinking of putting a small closed feeder between the float and hook length filled with a mix of something fishy which would drift out in small particles around the hook
Has anyone tried this with any success?
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Other than the swell spreading it all about it should be a good way to introduce some smell to the water.
 
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#77 ·
With a float as a guide to which way the flow is going wouldn't it be an idea to introduce feed 'upstream' from the area your fishing like you would in a river. Works in the estuaries and harbours but am yet to try this in the sea i'm guessing it would work in shallow water better. I've always thought feeders attached to the float anywhere just make the whole set up feel clunky
 
#78 ·
Try using a carp method float. Really good for getting scent in the water and helps get good distance with the extra weight if needed. . A little secret tip. There is a product call Korda goo. It comes in a few fish flavours . But also spicy squid. Add this to the ground bait. It will give a blow glow to the water and scent trail. It's works
 
#79 ·
Mr Fish said:
You want it to flutter enticingly, otherwise it will end up as a soggy lump on the bend of the hook.
Don't forget you are also targeting sight feeders so are trying to mimic their natural prey.
I believe Octo's bait above is aimed at big pollack or bass.
If I were fishing for garfish or mackerel I'd use a sliver of white or silver flesh about five mil wide and 4/5 cm long, hooked once so it's left to flutter in the tide.
Edit: white or silver skin left on, that is, about a mil thick...
Click to expand...

Hi using likes of bluey or mackerel apart from the cut/shape of bait is important i put hook further down in bait then whip top half to hook shank keeps presentation good with hook working well
 
#80 ·
davenic said:
Love float fishing from the boat. We fish close in to the cliffs in fairly deep water for pollock. Rag and Mackie strip catch plenty and to get the bigger fish we use live sandeel and Joey mackerel.
Going to give float fishing a go for Tope this year in water upto 60ft deep from the boat.
Click to expand...
That's how been shark fishing for years norm use a balloon on a paper clip or bottle but bottle needs to be recovered as rubbish/litter!
 
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STUART WHITING
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