Float fishing from the beach

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Float fishing from the beach
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Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 11 9:54 am Post subject: Float fishing from the beach

The beach I tend to fish from has a rocky shore so spinning and feathering can be a bit tricky (although I've managed to forage a few dexter wedges at low tide.

)

As there seems to be plenty fish about I'd like to have a go at float fishing but not sure where to start. As ever, there seems to be an almost endless supply of tackle with floats of all shapes an sizes so I would like a few pointers if possible.

Starting with the float, what sort of size should I look at? I'll be aiming for things like mackerel and gars to start with. I assume too big a float and I'll not notice a bite, too small and it'll not show in the swell?

What sort of rig should I use, would more than one hook be too much for a beginner? I'm often tangling my tackle.

What sort of bait? If I caught anything then fish strips seem to work best for me but could I get away with something like a feather to star with?

Anything else to be aware of? I'm assuming the longer the rod the better?

Brownbear

Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 14929
Location: South West

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 11 10:01 am Post subject:
this is quite a good guide: https://www.torbayfishing.com/rigs/float-fishing.htm

Dabinett

Joined: 23 Dec 2010
Posts: 90
Location: Hampshire

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 11 1:50 pm Post subject:

Bait wise, you're right, fish strip will get you macks, gars, pollack and bass. Gar is excellent for bait as it is tougher than mackerel so stays on the hook better.
However, until you get your first fish the best bait (in my experience) is small frozen sandeel (or even better, live ones if you can get them).
Artificial bait might work, but they tend to only be very effective when kept moving, so casting out then slowly retrieving might work. However saying that, mackerel seem to hit anything so if they're about in any numbers you probably would get them on a feather.

As for tackle, I haven't looked at Treacodactyl's* link but I suspect it will tell you all you need to know. I use about a 1oz lead and a sliding polystyrene float to match. Use a stop knot set to the depth you want to fish. Generally Gars feed at a very shallow depth, just below the surface, mackerel vary, whilst pollack and bass tend to be deeper down.

*oops, edit - Brown Bear's link is what I meant.

Last edited by Dabinett on Tue Feb 08, 11 7:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

jamanda
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 22 Oct 2006
Posts: 35057
Location: Devon

Posted: Sat Feb 05, 11 3:29 pm Post subject:
Squid seems to be in favour round here atm.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 11 7:50 pm Post subject:
I've read a few bits but can't find much info on what size of floats to use, I suppose I'll order a few different size ones and see how I get on. As for bait I have seen loads of small fish wash ashore, which I bet would make good bait. Failing that I suppose I'll freeze some fish strips or get hold of some frozen squid.

Tavascarow

Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 11 8:30 pm Post subject:
Squid is tougher so stays on the hook better. You want to match your float & weight to the rod you're using. If you only have light tackle you need lighter terminal gear but wont be able to cast as far.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46211
Location: yes

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 3:12 am Post subject:

slide float from a rocky place or pier
my rig is on 30kg line and a carbon fibre rod for a sliding float at the sea side ,a knot with a rubber band will allow casting and stop the float returning up the line and set depth

a very strong hook about the size of ones smallest fingernail is good ,tie the hook with invisible 10 kg line and let the bait wobble in the water

live rag or lob
fish ,whole or in slices should be very fresh
spin for bait if needs be

float spinning can get a lure near preditor fish

Bodger

Joined: 23 May 2006
Posts: 13524

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 5:46 pm Post subject:
I'm off to my cider shed. It doubles up as a fishing tackle shed too and pictures of the required floats will be forthcoming. Fishing with a float, your bait will be mid water and you need something nice and visible like fish strip or sand eels. Last edited by Bodger on Tue Feb 08, 11 5:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

Brownbear

Joined: 28 May 2007
Posts: 14929
Location: South West

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 5:48 pm Post subject:
Why not go to a fishing tackle shop and talk to the staff? You could probably get some tips as well as tackle.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46211
Location: yes

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 5:48 pm Post subject:
i wish i could say that

Bodger

Joined: 23 May 2006
Posts: 13524

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 5:48 pm Post subject:

Brownbear wrote:

Why not go to a fishing tackle shop and talk to the staff? You could probably get some tips as well as tackle.

But that would put us out of a job.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46211
Location: yes

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 5:59 pm Post subject:

good bait shops have tackle as well

from a rocky shore strong kit is good ,abrasion to line ,bashing kit on the rocks etc etc

i use a carbon fibre telescopic rod (easier to carry and only about �30 )and a good multiplier reel ,20 kg line can take the stresses of casting 200gm of owt and the rod can cope with bouncy big fish and twitch at a light bite

spose the delivery system cost about �100 but it does work out to 100m or so,spin or let lie ,it works

i will take a photo to show how simple the kit is

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46211
Location: yes

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 6:11 pm Post subject:

sand eels are a popular bait with fishers and bait shops but imho are not the best fish killers

live worm
small crab ,soft shell are best but a damaged crunchy will work
small fish, live is best
baby squid
fisk of very fresh fish
glow stick
shiny thing

live bait is best but not to everyones moral tastes

savage business fishing ,best done well and only enough for food

there is lots of tackle in the shop but to catch fish from a rocky shore the simple things are best

Bodger

Joined: 23 May 2006
Posts: 13524

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 6:30 pm Post subject:

dpack you can visit my cider house anytime you want to.

There are only two rules that visitors have to observe and those are that you are able to both walk in and walk out under your own steam. You're such a nice bloke that in your case, I'm prepared to wave the last one.

Here are a selection of the seafishing floats that I use for fishing off the rocks. The humble coloured bubble float often comes good in calm conditions. I've put a biro in the picture as a gauge to size.

[

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46211
Location: yes

Posted: Tue Feb 08, 11 6:34 pm Post subject:
cosy corner

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