Float Fishing Rods

Float Rods

Due to its construction the modern float rod is incredibly light, and while being a powerful and versatile rod, can weigh as little as 6oz. The technical details of a rod chosen for float fishing depend on what type of fishing the rod is intended for. For example, a rod intended for smaller species should have a fast but delicate action, whereas a rod intended for bigger species should have a middle or through action.

Float Rod

To determine the action of a rod there is a simple and practical method that you should employ before buying. Hold the butt of the rod in the area of the reel seat, with your forearm positioned along the handle. Lower the tip of the rod to about twelve inches (30 cm) from the floor, then, while keeping an eye on the tip of the rod, make a smart upward strike. If the rod tip flexes back and touches the floor then it is too sloppy for float fishing and should be rejected.

If you intend to use the rod for float fishing rivers, then do the test with the rod tip only six inches (15 cm) from the floor. This will ensure a rod with a stiffer, faster action as is required for hitting fast bites.

Next you need the help of a friend or the tackle dealer to assist. Get your helper to hold the top ring on the rod at about waist height, then lift the rod upward into a curve. You can now see whether the rod has a tip, middle or through action. In general a through action is better. For more information on rod action and test curve see choosing a rod.

Rod rings should be lined with a friction reducing material and as a rule of thumb there should be one rod ring for every foot of rod. This does not mean the rings should be one foot apart, there will be more rings towards the rod tip where flexion is greater. Rod rings have also been discussed on the choosing a rod page.

The rod's handle is more important than may at first be apparent, and is an area of rod design that is often overlooked by the novice angler. Many rod handles are badly designed, being either too thick or too long or both. A thickness of about one inch is ideal for a comfortable grip, and a length of 22 to 24 inches (55-50 cm) is a sufficient length. The reel seat will always be placed near the front of the handle, which means that if the handle is three feet long there will a foot stuck out behind the angler's elbow, effectively reducing a thirteen foot rod to a twelve foot rod.

Twelve or thirteen foot rods are the most common length of float fishing rod, but keep in mind that longer rods, up to twenty feet are available for fishing deep lakes and gravel pits. Fourteen or fifteen foot rods being the more common of the longer rods.

Danger - carbon is a good electrical conductor. Beware of overhead power lines. Also be aware that current can arc from power lines to rod tip. Stay well away from power lines.
Prevent rod joints from sticking by rubbing candle wax or pencil graphite on the male section of joint.
Make sure your rod's line guides are clean. Mud and dirt in the rings are abrasive and will damage line.

Float Rods

Write an article for Fishing University