I’ve had the best luck with the Bluegill color, but at times the Blue Shad, Baby Bass or Grey Ghost outperform—in other words, experiment to see what’s best for that day. There are crappie/panfish rods that work well for under $40. The rig for tossing a float-’n’-fly is a light-action spinning rod, spinning reel with a smooth drag, 10- to 15-pound braided line, 4- to 6-pound fluorocarbon, a balsa slip float bobber, and a fly. FFTH92. The most important characteristic of float-n-fly rods is long and limber, much like a light steelhead rod or fly rod. A float-n-fly rod doesn't0 have to be expensive. Several companies make a quality float 'n' fly rod. It sounds too easy to be true but this method has been catching giant bass for decades! September 18, 2007. Float ‘N Fly originated in the clear lakes of eastern Tennessee and was discovered by accident, by fishermen who were trying to catch crappie. I tossed out a Float-’N’-Fly, landing a nice 2 1/2-pound spotted bass before catching a few more out in open water. I have fished the Float'N Fly for years. Tennesse Handle Float and Fly Rod. $65.99. In addition, Mark is the editor-in-chief of Bass Angler Magazine. For those of you who are more visual learners. The rod, reel, and braided main-line are all direct cross-overs from freshwater bass fishing. You need to let the rod do most of the work and be patient when trying to land a fish. The fly is tied onto the end of the line. The rig starts with a 10 foot or thereabouts Daiwa Rod, a trigger bail spinning reel. If you do it right....and I did not always do it right.....you need to use a weighted float for the size jig you are using. All Pro makes rods designed for float n’ fly rigs available in 8 to 11 foot lengths. The term Float 'N Fly is a bit misleading because it's really a jig and bobber rig with a 1/32-, 1/16- or 1/8-ounce lead-head jig fished on a long leader below a 1-inch plastic, float. Youll need an 8-10 rod, 3-way swivel, braided line, fluorocarbon leader, weighted bobs bobber, 1/32oz-1/16oz jigs, and fish dope. The Float-n-Tote rod holder straps on easily to the pontoon of your float tube. The rod type I prefer for freshwater bass float and fly set ups has a trout-like action, it is very limber in the tip. The Bass Pro Shops® Micro Lite™ Graphite Float 'n' Fly Spinning Rod is a quality rod for light line and lure applications. Who in their right mind would toss a small fly over 55 feet of water 500 yards from shore? Its ultra-lightweight graphite blank can help you throw your lure or bait far while maintaining the control and sensitivity to feel every bite or strike. This is more difficult to re-rig but fishing it is much easier. They make two sizes in 1/16-ounce and 1/8-ounce. I like the float n fly techinque and it definately works. ). That's pushing it, though. Like this year when everything has been blown out due to epic rain and snow fall. Float n Fly Bass Fishing Video. The term Float ‘N Fly is a bit misleading because it’s really a jig and bobber rig with a 1/32-, 1/16- or 1/8-ounce lead-head jig fished on a long leader below a 1-inch plastic, float. It's kind of like fishing for bluegill with a bobber and bait, but the current can be a lot swifter, the fish a lot bigger and the anglers a little older (at least chronologically). Our product line has evolved to include top-quality gear for anglers who fish for more than panfish, including our Silver Cat collection of catfish products. For those of you who are more visual learners. I bought two Float n Fly setups, one for me and one for my son. they have them in 8 to 10 ft. good customer service. Designed for the popular winter time technique for small mouth bass. Split cane fly fishing rods from other quality makers apart from those brands already named such as Hardy and Farlows. Normal spinning rods proving inadequate, anglers who caught onto this technique adapted fly rods to fling the tiny floats and hair jigs. Instead, I tie a Uni-to-Uni knot so that the knot is larger than the hole in the bobber, which stops the line at the end of the leader. The float-’n’-fly is a fun technique that might just land you in the winner’s circle. By Don Wirth. Okay, but don’t be surprised when you get your butt kicked by your buddy who’s using this unassuming bait. Of course, I hadn't rigged the tippet and fly … Float n Fly Bass Fishing Video. Length really Really helps. Proudly powered by WordPress Personally, I’ve caught a ton of fish over 3 pounds on waters where a 2-pounder is considered good. Then, setting the hook with light line and fighting a 3- to 4-pound bass, for what seems like an eternity, is downright exciting. Would make a great set up for crappie fishing as well. More Fishing. The technique—though it’s been around for a long time now—made headlines several years ago on the West Coast. Here’s a video of how to rig up a float n fly as described in this post. Be sure to keep an eye on the float once it goes under set fast as they won’t hang on long. It works because bait fish struggle […] Float-N-Fly anglers fish this combo with extra-long spinning rods, and reels spooled with 4-pound-test monofilament. "So in that situation, the float 'n fly is often the best thing you can be throwing. The purpose of such a long and limber rod is foremost being able to cast a float and fly with long leaders (8 to 23ft in length). Appearing in the Summer edition of American Bass Anglers Magazine. The other day I was fishing a 3/4-ounce jig in 55 feet of water on a long, flat point. I’ll generally start with a 15-foot leader so that if I do snag the fly, I have a little room to re-tie. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Tennesse Handle Float and Fly Rod. I feel though that there are usually other better techniques to use in those situations where the float n fly would be used, so it never really comes out of my box. Daiwa Heartland 8’6” Model #HL-S SS862LSS $70 two-piece salmon noodling rod that’s ideal for the Float –N-Fly technique. When most people hear float n’ fly they think smallmouth and it makes sense. The most important characteristic of float-n-fly rods is long and limber, much like a light steelhead rod or fly rod. A very effective cold-weather smallmouth bass technique, the Float ‘n’ Fly originated on Cherokee Lake, a clear, deep, rocky reservoir in the Appalachian foothills. The smaller the fishing line...the better. “In this part of Jersey, we’re not fishing massive man-made deep impoundments that are thousands and thousands of acres and 40, 50 or more feet of deep clear or lightly-stained water. We are a company formed on the love and passion for all fishing enthusiasts. Micro Lite rods are built on RT2 Graphite blanks, a unique fiber layering pattern designed to reduce weight and enhance sensitivity. This is an awesome rig to fly fish with on the lakes for bass during the colder moths. The Float & Fly Kit from Punisher includes everything you need to apply the Float and Fly technique that's been made famous by Tennessee smallmouth anglers. Any more than that and the rig becomes uncastable. The presentation works best with long, limber rods and light lines. Be creative as this bait shines when the fish are in the 10- to 20-foot zone. At that point the waiting game begins. from $65.72. I cast the fly close to the bank, letting it sink until the bobber stands upright. Now, the casting style with a float n’ fly rig can be tricky and, at first, will sound complicated, but it’s the best way to … So there is no reason to change the reel that I already have on this fishing rod. These rods are long for good reason. Free shipping for many products! It is, however, a GREAT way to teach someone (ie kids) about bass fishing / … I am planning on trying the float-n-fly also this winter, just going to use my 10 foot crappie rods and spinning reals i have, invest in some jigs and different bobbers and give it a shot. The Biggest Antlered Does You’ve Ever Seen—Including a 200-incher. E.g. That old adage “bigger baits catch bigger fish” is true—in most cases—but not with this one. I then noticed a few fish swimming in 20 feet of water about 25 feet ahead of the boat. Hopefully, it will give you a better idea of how this set up can work for bass fishing. And jigs so small that a crappie might not look twice at them. Before you say, “I’d never!” read on and see how this technique has accounted for some hefty tournament wins during the winter and early springtime, often outperforming other baits to catch above-average bass. Ed’s four rods above are approximately 5, 6, 7, and 8-1/2 feet long. Comments: With the float & fly technique using this lure I've caught a 5.8lb zander, a 4.8lb carp and also some bass and a pumpkinseed sunfish. That’s critical for triggering lethargic bass that often need to be coaxed into feeding. If I notice my bobber isn’t standing upright, I’ll give it a little tug to bring the fly deeper until the bobber does stand up. 12 Punisher float and fly jigs Guiding as much as Mason does on Pickwick and Wilson, he often uses the rod and is confident that the extra 2 feet makes all the difference when casting. 9 foot (2 sections) Add to Tackle Box. Each model was designed and tested by professional smallmouth guides. So high-speed, large arbor reel will make a big difference in line management, and will also help with casting distance when using light line. When to fish the Float-N-Fly — Nuckols starts fishing it in early winter, when the water temperature dips into the mid-50s. The rig for tossing a float-’n’-fly is a light-action spinning rod, spinning reel with a smooth drag, 10- to 15-pound braided line, 4- to 6-pound fluorocarbon, a balsa slip float bobber, and a fly. Price is fair and firm. Typically, the float 'n fly applies when water temps are in the low-40s. Back cast the float and watch your back cast, when your fly hits the water, lob it forward at height … "When we got to Travis, it … FFCS82 FLOAT AND FLY 8 FT 2 PC. $65.72. Then All Pro Rods produced a series of special rods with features that the float ‘n’ fly pioneers could only dream about. If you've never fished the rig, now is the time. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Dobyns Champion XP DC792 SF "Float N Fly Rod" at the best online prices at eBay! You are dealing with very small light-wire hooks that can bend easily. 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