I'm using a medium Thill sliding float with a 1/2 oz. banana weight. I tie the leader to the bead swivel on the weight and it gives me the ideal bobber action. The float is nearly perfectly vertical in the deep water and the slightest pull is easily detected. I would be interested in hearing about what works for others.

[ 09-30-2001: Message edited by: Steelhead Stew ]

Hey Stew, I just called the GODDESS about your float rigup post and she flipped out man. Told me she and her guide bros use the clear plastic bubble and fill it with water so they can cast it far enough without using lead. Then mubbled something about the big fish where she 'fishes' come up several feet off the bottom to grab the bait, sounded like she said grub worms for kings (couldn't tell - she had something in her mouth), so they don't have to waste lead getting snagged. Why haven't we thought of that stuff?

BTW, many good ways to floatfish. I like and use yours in stable water conditions. For variable conditions I perfer using clip on variable weight so as to use just enough to get the bait down where it should be. The lighter the weight the less it can be detectable to the fish as they lightly grab and swim with the bait, so may hold onto it a little longer giving us a better chance to detech a light bite and set the hook in time. - Steve

Might sound crazy, but I hate the look of new lead in the water. I've taken to using large hollow core between float and swivel, with a layer of grey undercoating sprayed over it, or black tubing pulled over it to disguise the lead. Visually, it is much more camouflaged in the water. This works best as long as you don't need more than two ounces, then I use the clip on cannonballs so I can adjust for current.
HT

Is there a model # for these Thill floats? I've been using the tubular foam floats for a while but lookin to try something more stealthy. I've had good luck on tidewater salmon using eggs, sand shrimp, and small whole herring.

Gooose

I know just what you mean, Harold! when I buy split shot, I always look through the packages to find the batch that's the most "ripe"...

Try using a mild acid wash to remove the shine from lead. Vinegar will oxidize it quickly. Silvers were so reactive to any bright colors and flash from the snaggers on the Quil I dulled up my leads, and went to dull black swivels and rubber and dull finished hooks.

Gooose

I use West Coast Floats. They are made of foam. I like the ones that are rated for 1 oz. If the tide isnt running too hardI use 1 1/2 oz banana wieghts to really load the float down. Only about 3/4 of an inch is above the water. If a chinnok even snifffs the bait, I can see it. And if the tide is running hard I use a 1oz banana weight and add a couple split shot.
If you havent seen a West Coast Float, You should check them out. In my opionion they are the best slip float on the market.

as far as your lead i use coke or pepsi to dull shiny shot. just leave it in for a few hours and your happening. just dont drink the rest.
as far as floats i use B.C. Supreme balsawood steelhead and salmon floats as there desigined specifically for that type of fishing.....mind i have a very biased opinion since i make and sell them.....hehhehehe

anyways tight lines...........wayne.........