Slipping Float Problem

[Maceo]

I keep finding that with a waggler set up and a fairly heavy float, the shot placed just under the float is slipping down the line.

Sometimes just a few cm, but sometimes a long way. I'm not sure whether this particularly happens after putting particular oomph into a cast trying to get it a long way out!


I've tried squeezing the shot on as hard as I can, but this problem seems to reoccur maybe every tenth cast or so. Not sure what effect this has on the presentation or the sensitivity to bites - of course you don't even notice until you've reeled in.

Is there a way I can stop this problem or at least reduce it? I've seen shot pliers on sale in the tackle shop, but can't believe these could be any better than the current thumb/forefinger, teeth biting combination.

Thanks in advance, as always, for any advice.

[peakoverload]

Try a different brand of shot. I find this happens on one brand I have but rarely does on another. The difference seems to be in the depth of the split, the deeper the split the more chance there is of it slipping, at least in my experience. Also it's worth not pushing the line right to the back of the split but in the middle (depth wise) of the split as this ensure a greater flat area is pressing onto the line.

[BoldBear]

Originally Posted by Maceo

I keep finding that with a waggler set up and a fairly heavy float, the shot placed just under the float is slipping down the line.

Sometimes just a few cm, but sometimes a long way. I'm not sure whether this particularly happens after putting particular oomph into a cast trying to get it a long way out!


I've tried squeezing the shot on as hard as I can, but this problem seems to reoccur maybe every tenth cast or so. Not sure what effect this has on the presentation or the sensitivity to bites - of course you don't even notice until you've reeled in.

Is there a way I can stop this problem or at least reduce it? I've seen shot pliers on sale in the tackle shop, but can't believe these could be any better than the current thumb/forefinger, teeth biting combination.

Thanks in advance, as always, for any advice.

Hi Maceo,

Are you shotting your float correctly for casting a long way?

Ie. by placing 80% of your shot at the base of the float as in the diagram below you not only have more area of shot on the line where the strain is, thus stopping it from slipping on the cast but you also have the weight where it should be at the base of the float for casting.
Note: You should have only one shot above the float ring and the remaining shot below the float ring (See diagram below).

Dont try to get away with using extra large shot, a single SSG has much less grip on the line than 4 BB's.

If you also use a ‘loaded’ waggler such as an ‘Onion’ or a ‘Dart’ or a ‘Missile’ your float will fly through the air straighter without the characteristic ‘Waggle’ which gave the waggler its name; which will also improve its distance.



I hope this helps

Keith (BoldBear)

[Maceo]

Really useful advice - thanks.

I've subsequently tried keeping the line out of the very middle of the shot and that seems to help.

Keith - thanks also. I was using two small No.6 shot either side of the float ring and placing the other shot down towards the hook, not as in the diagram you showed. Changing to follow that example has also meant the problem has disappeared.

Thanks again.

[mac1]

This happens to me quite a lot when using the bubble float and surface fishing , i just squeeze with the mini pliers [ b and q not tackle shop] every 5 to 7 casts . i fished on top today and was casting every 5 mins or so , but after a while it just comes second nature to squeeze the shot , and you do it without thinking...........mac

[andystone]

old shot will often cause this (if it's been used many times) as it generally doesn't close tight enough at the crease.