Do you drifters ever need to use a float, and why?

[SDK]

So as much as I enjoy bobber fishing for Chinook, I seem to be really getting into the zen of drift fishing when it comes to Steelhead. I've only been doing it for a few months, and have hooked, but not landed 2 steelies. From what I've been reading I'm not doing too badly

It makes sense to me to concentrate my dollars and time into just one of the two methods if I don't need both. From what I've read, good drift fisherman can catch steel in just about any conditions a bobber fisher can.

So, do any of you drifters ever need to break out a bobber rig for steelhead?

 

[ArcticAmoeba]

Properly rigged drift gear can, and does fish in any water conditions, and temperatures. It is a much more natural presentation, and with it being, so low, and clear lately, drift fishing is my primary method, and it is still very productive for me anyways. Float rigs are nice only when you want to fish a chute, narrow run, with only one deep channel, or lane, or someplace that is a snag field. I will say though, that a jig can be presented very well under a float, but you don't need to run anything bigger than a 1/8 oz. float setup for Steel.. It works, and is pretty effective, especially for semi-green Salmon/Steel fishers. Right now, with the current water conditions across the state, small is going to be key. Small baits, small jigs, small this, small that.

 

[SDK]

Thanks AA. I've been working on getting some more leaders tied, and should have tackle ready for just about any water conditions.

Anyone have a handle on where to get the 1/2" foam rods for making some Steelhead rags?

 

[meluvtrout]

Thanks AA. I've been working on getting some more leaders tied, and should have tackle ready for just about any water conditions.

Anyone have a handle on where to get the 1/2" foam rods for making some Steelhead rags?

Home Depot? 6ft for $1.

 

[SDK]

Home Depot? 6ft for $1.

You rock!

 

[ninja2010]

1/2" foam rods for making some Steelhead rags?

what's that - a steelhead rag?

 

[SDK]

what's that - a steelhead rag?

Look here, and note the many other Steelhead articles as well....

Steelhead University

 

[ninja2010]

Look here, and note the many other Steelhead articles as well....

Steelhead University

thank you. just learned one more thing.

very informative site...