Float-N-Fly

[Dutch]

Yep 8 1/2 footers were all that were available when I got in. I also bought a bunch of craft hair, etc. to get all set up. I wound up spending a couple of C notes for stuff I never use.

[Champ188]

QB, the Cabela's in Rogers had a bunch of really good spinning rods in lengths of 8-10 feet last year. They were reasonably cheap, too.

[Quillback]

QB, the Cabela's in Rogers had a bunch of really good spinning rods in lengths of 8-10 feet last year. They were reasonably cheap, too.

Thanks for that info, I've been thinking of moving up to a 10'. And I like reasonably cheap.

[abkeenan]

QB, the Cabela's in Rogers had a bunch of really good spinning rods in lengths of 8-10 feet last year. They were reasonably cheap, too.

I know some will argue but just what I have seen (youtube) on how the F'n'F works, you don't need an expensive or sensitive rod. You are fishing with a bobber and it is 99% a visual bite...cork goes down or lays on its side.....you have a bite...set the hook. Sensitivity in that case is not at a premium. I would be more concerned with finding a nice little spinning reel that has a good drag system on it to help with that light line that you need for this system.

[Quillback]

Yep 100% agree on the sensitivity thing. I'd be looking for a rod that can load up properly on the cast, and when you're casting a light bobber not every rod will do. And I'd want one that reacts quickly to hooked fish moving around. Lightweight is also good, especially on a 10' rod.

[96 CHAMP]

i will be using these wally marshall crappie rods i have been using should work just fine

[kjackson]

I'm going to give it a shot as well in Beaver. I've got some of the original flies but I'm going to add some from Spro and if I ever get my shop organized tie some as well. I did a bit of it when I lived on the east side of Washington but haven't done much with it in 15 years.

I've got the rod, a 10-foot G.Loomis steelhead bobber rod that should be perfect for this and a spare spinning reel or two with good drags.

As I remember, the original technique included four-pound test line. Is that what everyone is using? I would think six would be fine or perhaps braid with a fluorocarbon leader and loop knot to the jig. Any thoughts on using Fireline? It might help with the casting...

[abkeenan]

I'm going to give it a shot as well in Beaver. I've got some of the original flies but I'm going to add some from Spro and if I ever get my shop organized tie some as well. I did a bit of it when I lived on the east side of Washington but haven't done much with it in 15 years.

I've got the rod, a 10-foot G.Loomis steelhead bobber rod that should be perfect for this and a spare spinning reel or two with good drags.

As I remember, the original technique included four-pound test line. Is that what everyone is using? I would think six would be fine or perhaps braid with a fluorocarbon leader and loop knot to the jig. Any thoughts on using Fireline? It might help with the casting...

Ya. I believe that is what most guys are using and if you would have asked my 2 or 3 years ago I probably would have said to use the 4lb. The whole A-Rig deal has almost destroyed anything that I ever thought about fish not biting because they see the line. In my eyes that is sort of out the window and I would bump it up to 6lb or 8lb. Find the biggest lb test you can get away with without sacrificing casting distance, line management or killing the action on the jig. That is just my 2 cents.

[Blazerman]

I was watching the YouTube videos as well and I plan on trying it on the Meramec for smallmouth as soon as I can get out. (hopefully this weekend).

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned here is in the video I was watching from Dale Hollow where they were catching smallmouth, the rig included a 3-way swivel. The bobber was attached directly to one of the swivels links and then one went to the dropper line for the fly and the other went to the reel. It looked pretty slick and it was neat the way the bobber would flop over if a fish lifted the fly up instead of pulling it down.

Anybody use a swivel?

Also I am thinking about trying my zig jigs. I used them at LOZ with a bobber this past spring and had really good success on crappie. Plus I ended up catching a few white bass and one 16” LM.

So I am thinking they might work for smallmouth too.

[abkeenan]

Blaze,

Here is a video of Mike Bucca who to me seems like the most knowledgeable guy out there when it comes to the Float n Fly. Check it out:

and here is one of him modifying one of his corks/bobbers: