Floats are sliding. Long throw with sliding float

For fishing on the float fishing rod in deep-water and remote areas, anglers most often use match tackle, which is characterized by lightness, sensitivity and accuracy. To properly mount it, you need to know what elements it consists of, and what requirements should be met.

In this article, we will look at what constitutes a rigging of a fishing pole with a sliding float, how to assemble it independently, and how far casting is performed.

What is the essence of tackle with a sliding float

The effectiveness of fishing at great depths or in places where the range and accuracy is required when casting, the usual "deaf" float gear is significantly reduced due to its low sensitivity and high probability of entanglement. It can be increased only by using a special float fixed to the line so that it can move freely up and down in a certain area. Such floats, sliding on the thread, allow the rig to fall as quickly as possible to the bottom, significantly reduce the risk of entanglement, increase the casting distance, but, most importantly, increase the sensitivity of the whole tackle.

Fisherman determines the depth and, moving a special stopper, previously placed on the main line, sets the limits for the movement of the biting pointer. When casting rigging falls into the water, sinks to the bottom and pulls the line. The body of the biting pointer is completely submerged, leaving only an "antenna" on the surface. Naturally, floats are slightly different in construction than ordinary "deaf", but this is a bit later.

Choose a fishing rod for match fishing

Choose a form for match fishing is easy. The fishing rod with a sliding float must be reliable, light and have the required length. As for the last requirement, it is usually 4-5-meter forms, consisting of 3-4 knees, equipped with 9-12 transmission rings.

Such rods with proper installation and loading of the tackle allow for long-distance casting with a sliding float up to a distance of 50 meters. This will be quite enough, especially for the beginner.

Long-throw coil

There are no special requirements for the coil either. The main thing is that it should be sufficiently reliable to be able to withstand a large number of casts, and also be able to cope with its task when fishing the catch.

In sport match fishing, athletes use specialized Long Cast coils with long spools, a high gear ratio and an elongated handle for winding the line, but for an amateur these requirements are not necessary.

Design features of the sliding float

There are three main types of mobile bite pointers:

• With a vertical axial hole for the line;
• With a two-point attachment to the line (one - on the working body, the other - on the foot);
• With one-point fastening (on the foot).

Floating slides with a vertical line of the line are distinguished by a voluminous working body and high load capacity. They are also easy to install and have good aerodynamic properties.

The two-point fixation of the biting pointer to the line, contrary to the claims of some anglers, does not in the least reduce the sensitivity of the tackle. And in certain conditions, catching, especially in the current, they become the best of existing solutions. Their only drawback is that the fastening loops often do not withstand the loads when casting and break.

Floating slides with single-point fastening have become most widespread due to their reliability and versatility. They are ideal for fishing in standing water, and in intense flow. In addition, for these biting pointers there are special adapters, using which they can be easily detached, or attached to the main line, without dismantling the tackle.

Construction of rigging

The equipment of a fishing tackle with a sliding float consists of the following elements:

• Main line;
• The leash;
• Lead cargo;
• hook;
• Stopper for sliding float.

For match fishing, only monofilament with the smallest cross-section, suitable for fishing conditions, is used. But here we also need to take into account the weight of the float and the casting distance. Of course, the thinner the line, the farther away our equipment, carried away by the bite marker, will fly away, however its service life will decrease significantly with increasing load. If you do not have the experience of match fishing, start with a monofilament with a thickness of 0.15-0.16 mm.

A monofilament of 0.1-0.12 mm (depending on the size and weight of the intended catch) is suitable for the leash. Its length can vary between 15-40 cm (depending on the strength of the current and the relief of the bottom).

In order for the tackle to work flawlessly in the right conditions, it is necessary to properly load the sliding float. The equipment involves placing several (2-3) lead loads on the main line. Their weight is selected based on the carrying capacity of the float.

As for the hook, its size should directly depend not only on the size of the intended catch, but also on the size of the bait used.

The stopper for the sliding float can be both purchased and self-made. Today on sale you can find different models made of rubber or silicone. Their installation usually does not cause difficulties even for novice anglers. It is enough to pass a fishing line through it and move it to the desired position.

Most anglers continue to use a locking knot as a stopper, which is knitted from a conventional fishing line or colored thread. It does its job well, does not require any expenses, and it can be mounted anytime, anywhere.

Loading the float

It is from the correctness of the loading of the biting pointer that the sensitivity of the whole tackle, and the accuracy of the casting, and its range will depend. How correctly to load a sliding float? The rigging assembly should weigh exactly as much as the biting pointer can hold in the water column without immersing the "antenna". Each branded float on the body has a marking informing the angler about how many grammes the float itself weighs and how much it needs to load the rigging. For example, marking "6 + 3" indicates that the biting pointer has a mass of 6 g, and to properly load it, the rigging should be weighed by 3 g. However, this is only an approximate weight, since the rigging, depending on the thickness and length Fishing lines, hook and bait weights, can have different weights. Therefore, ready gear before fishing should be tested.

How to make a sliding float: collect a tackle

By selecting a suitable rod, spool and rigging elements, you can start assembling our fishing structure. First, we wind the fishing line on the reel. We need it at least 50 m. When this is done, we will pass its end through the transmission rings, making sure beforehand that their internal surfaces are not damaged and have no roughness. Then we put the stopper on the main line and stretch it out.

Now we mount the bite marker itself, passing the thread through its axial hole or fastening eyelets. The fastening elements must also be carefully checked, since the sliding float can be really sliding only perfectly smooth surfaces. When identifying the slightest defects, they must be eliminated.

After that, we fix the loads on the line. We arrange them at a distance of 3-5 cm to the place where the leash will be tied. In addition, another rubber stopper can be installed in front of the load as a shock absorber between the float attachment and the upper weight. Now it remains to tie the leash with the hook to the main line. Mounting the sliding float is completed, and our tackle is ready. But not to fishing, but to testing.

Checking the correctness of the load

Check the load by moving the stopper to its extreme position, by moving the float down as far as possible, and lowering the rig into a deep vessel with water. If the float has plunged, leaving the "antenna" on the entire length, the tackle is loaded correctly. If the biting pointer is not drowned, add an additional weight to the main line below, then check the tackle again.

Measurement of depth and technique of casting

Fishing for long-distance casting with a sliding float always begins with a depth measurement. To do this, the angler determines the place of fishing, then moving the stopper, sets the approximate depth. The bait on the hook is not pushed yet. After making a test cast, look at the position of the float. If it is held in a horizontal position, it means that the rig lies on the bottom surface. In this case, the fisherman reels the fishing line, moves the stopper a few centimeters below, then again casts it and repeats the procedure until the float rises vertically. After this, taking into account the habits of the fish that are planned to be caught, a depth is set according to which the hook with the bait will either lie on the bottom or "hang" near its surface.

Only after this, you can plant the bait and cast. Usually the tackle is thrown from behind with one or two hands. If, of course, conditions permit. Also, after training, you can learn to make lateral casting, which allows you to throw a tackle in a limited space.