Float Rig
A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.
Gear List
- main Line8-15 lb monofilament running through the float
- leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
- leader Length18-24in from the float to the hook, shorten in clear water, lengthen in off-color water
- hook Range3/0 - 4/0 for salmon tied with an egg loop, #4 - #1 for panfish, #8 - #6 for jacksmelt on a multi-hook leader
- weight TypeSmall split shot on the leader, just enough to cock the float upright
- sinker Drop LengthShot placed 8-12in above the hook, or spaced 2in apart in a cluster halfway down the leader for salmon
- swivelBobber stop and bead above a small barrel swivel