A standard sliding float set-up
Fish will be caught at various depths and to catch them you will need to adjust the depth at which you present your bait. Trial and error will be needed so the length of line between the float and the bait needs to be adjustable.... hence the sliding float.
To set up the standard kit that you will get from the tackle shop put the parts on to your line in this order, bead, float (coloured end first ), ball weight, bead and then the swivel. Tie up a hook length, about 30 to 40 cm long and attach this to the lower eye of the swivel by putting the double overhand loop through the eye and then passing the hook back through the loop and pulling up tight.
The stop to prevent the bait and weight sinking right to the bottom is formed by the small elastic band you will find in the kit; put the band around the line above the float and put one end of the band through the other and pull up tight. If you have large eyes on your rod you can leave it like that.... if the band catches on its way through the eyes you will need to trim off the free end of the band.
You can now slide the band stop up the line to set the fishing depth.
stages in setting up the float stop.
To set up the standard kit that you will get from the tackle shop put the parts on to your line in this order, bead, float (coloured end first ), ball weight, bead and then the swivel. Tie up a hook length, about 30 to 40 cm long and attach this to the lower eye of the swivel by putting the double overhand loop through the eye and then passing the hook back through the loop and pulling up tight.
The stop to prevent the bait and weight sinking right to the bottom is formed by the small elastic band you will find in the kit; put the band around the line above the float and put one end of the band through the other and pull up tight. If you have large eyes on your rod you can leave it like that.... if the band catches on its way through the eyes you will need to trim off the free end of the band.
You can now slide the band stop up the line to set the fishing depth.
stages in setting up the float stop.
Improved version.
The picture above shows an improvement to the basic set up. A problem with the standard set up is that the sharp edges of the ball weight wear the line away and eventually you will lose your float and weight..... and worst of all, your fish. This variation involves putting the bead and ball weight onto the loop in the hook length, this gives double the line to resist wear, but check frequently and discard and tie another hook length if you see any chafing of the line. You can make life easier for yourself by using a snap swivel ( like a safety pin clip ) instead of the swivel supplied.Experience, or looking to see what other people have done when they catch a fish, will determine the depth you fish at: for mackerel and gar the books usually say about four feet and two feet, but I catch most of mine at a depth of about nine feet for both species. Pollack are found deeper while bass can show up any any depth.
For a cheaper and more versatile set up have a look at my rig here
