For fishing on a float fishing rod in deep water and remote areas, most often anglers use match gear, which is distinguished by its lightness, sensitivity and accuracy. To properly mount it, you need to know what elements it consists of and what requirements it must meet.
In this article we will look at what constitutes snap-fishing rods with a sliding float, how to assemble it yourself, as well as how long-distance casting is carried out.
What is the essence of gear with a sliding float
Efficiency of fishing at great depths or in places where range and accuracy is required when casting, the usual "deaf" float tackle is significantly reduced due to its low sensitivity and high probability of entanglement. It can be increased only by using a special float mounted on the fishing line so that in a certain area it freely moves up and down. Such floats, sliding along the thread, allow the snap to sink to the bottom as quickly as possible, significantly reduce the risk of tangling, increase casting distance, but most importantly, increase the sensitivity of the entire gear.
The fisherman determines the depth and, moving a special stop, previously placed on the main fishing line, sets the boundaries for the movement of the bite pointer. When casting, the equipment falls into the water, sinks to the bottom and pulls the fishing line. The body of the nib pointer is completely submerged, leaving only an “antenna” on the surface. Naturally, the sliding floats have a slightly different design than the usual "deaf", but more on that later.
Choosing a fishing rod for match fishing
Selecting a match fishing form is easy. A fishing rod with a sliding float must be reliable, light and have the right length. As regards the latter requirement, it is usually 4-5-meter forms, consisting of 3-4 elbows, equipped with 9-12 access rings.
Such rods with proper installation and loading of gear allow long casting with a sliding float up to 50 meters. This will be quite enough, especially for a beginner.
Long cast reel
There are also no special requirements for the coil. The main thing is that it be reliable enough to be able to withstand a large number of castings, and also be able to cope with its task when fishing for the catch.
In sports match fishing, fishermen-athletes use specialized Long Cast reels (long casting) with a large spool, a high gear ratio and an extended handle for winding fishing line, however, these requirements are not mandatory for an amateur.
Design features of the sliding float
There are three main types of moving bite pointers:
- with a vertical axial hole for fishing line;
- with a two-point attachment to the fishing line (one on the working fluid, the other on the leg);
- with single-point fastening (on a leg).
Moving fishing floats with vertical pass fishing line are distinguished by volumetric working fluid and high carrying capacity. They are also easy to install and have good aerodynamic properties.
The two-point fastening of the bite pointer to the fishing line, contrary to the claims of some anglers, does not at all reduce the sensitivity of the gear. And in certain fishing conditions, especially during the course, they become the best of the existing solutions. Their only drawback is that the fastening loops often do not withstand the loads during casting and break.
Single-point sliding floats are most widely used due to their reliability and versatility. They are ideal for fishing in stagnant water, and in heavy currents. In addition, for these biting pointers there are special adapters, using which they can be easily disconnected or attached to the main fishing line without disassembling gear.
Snap design
The fishing rod equipment with a sliding float consists of the following elements:
- main fishing line;
- leash;
- lead loads;
- hook;
- stopper for a sliding float.
For match fishing use exclusively monofilament with the smallest cross section, suitable for fishing conditions. But here you also need to consider the weight of the float and casting distance. Of course, the thinner the fishing line, the further our equipment will fly away, carried away by the bite pointer, however, its service life will decrease significantly with an increase in load. If you do not have match fishing experience, start with a monofilament 0.15-0.16 mm thick.
A monofilament with a cross section of 0.1-0.12 mm (depending on the size and weight of the intended catch) is suitable for a leash. Its length can vary between 15-40 cm (depending on the strength of the current and the topography of the bottom).
In order for the tackle to work flawlessly in the right conditions, it is necessary to properly load the sliding float. Equipment involves placing several (2-3) lead loads on the main fishing line. Their weight is selected based on the 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 either purchased or homemade. Today on sale you can find various models made of rubber or silicone. Their installation usually does not cause difficulties even for beginner anglers. It is enough to pass a fishing line through it and move it to the desired position.
Most anglers continue to use the stop knot as a stopper, which is knitted from ordinary fishing line or colored thread. He copes with his task perfectly, does not require any costs, and you can mount it anytime, anywhere.
Float loading
The sensitivity of the entire gear, the accuracy of casting, and its range will depend on the correct loading of the bite pointer. How to properly load a sliding float? The assembly assembly should weigh exactly as much as the bite pointer can hold in the water column without immersing the “antenna”. Each branded float on the body has a marking informing the fisherman about how many grams the float weighs and how much it is necessary to load the equipment. For example, the marking "6 + 3" indicates that the bite index has a mass of 6 g, and for proper loading it is necessary to increase the weight by 3 g. However, this is only an approximate weight, because the equipment, depending on the thickness and length fishing line of the leash, the mass of the hook and bait, may have different weights. Therefore, ready tackle before fishing must be tested.
How to make a sliding float: collect tackle
Having picked up a suitable rod, reel and accessories, you can proceed with the assembly of our fishing structure. To begin, we wind the line on a reel. We will need it at least 50 m. When this is done, let the end pass through the through-rings, making sure in advance that their internal surfaces are not damaged and have no roughness. Then we put the stopper on the main fishing line and stretch it.
Now we mount the bite pointer itself, passing the thread through its axial hole or mounting loops. The fastening elements must also be carefully checked, since only their perfectly smooth surfaces can make a sliding float truly sliding. If the slightest defects are identified, they must be eliminated.
After that we fix the loads on the fishing line. We place them at a distance of 3-5 cm to the place where the leash will be tied. In addition, one more rubber stopper can be installed in front of the loads as a shock absorber between the float mount and the upper weight. Now it remains to tie the leash with a hook to the main fishing line. Installation of the sliding float is completed, and our tackle is ready. But not for fishing, but for testing.
Checking the correct loading
You can check the load by moving the stopper to the extreme position, moving the float down as much as possible, and lowering the equipment into a deep vessel with water. If the float plunges, leaving the “antenna” full length on top, the gear is loaded correctly. If the bite pointer has not drowned, add an additional weight to the main fishing line below, then check the gear again.
Depth measurement and casting technique
Long cast fishing with a sliding float always starts with a depth measurement. For this, the angler determines the fishing location, then moving the stopper, sets the approximate depth. The bait on the hook is not yet mounted. Having made a test cast, we look at the position of the float.
If it is held in a horizontal position, then the snap is on the bottom surface. In this case, the angler pulls up the fishing line, moves the stopper a few centimeters lower, then casts again and repeats the procedure until the float rises vertically. After that, taking into account the habits of the fish that you plan to catch, the depth is set, according to which the hook with the bait will either lie at the bottom, or "hang" near its surface.
Only after this can the bait be planted and cast. Usually tackle is thrown from behind with one or two hands. Unless, of course, conditions allow. Also, after training, you can learn how to do side casting, which allows you to throw gear in a limited space.