Winter float rod: types, fishing technique, how to assemble equipment

Fishing includes several concepts: fishing as a means to feed a family and fishing as a means of a wonderful holiday. Neither concept can be realized without hard work. Most fishermen start with the very basics, the basis of which is a float rod. Some anglers have remained true to this gear, and some of them have mastered other, more modern means of fishing.

In this article, we will talk about the traditional float gear, which fishermen do not refuse to this day. After all, with the help of it you can catch any kind of fish, and the process of fishing itself is a great pleasure.

Tackle for winter fishing

A fishing rod for winter fishing is selected depending on the conditions of fishing, the nature of the reservoir and the type of fish. In addition, it must meet modern requirements and be well balanced.

Some fishermen buy tackle at retail outlets, and some prefer to make a fishing rod on their own or upgrade an existing one based on newly acquired experience.

Fishing rods that are sold in stores do not take into account the individual preferences of the angler. Quite often, fishing rods purchased in specialized stores are completely reworked. A fishing rod made by a lover of winter fishing necessarily takes into account the individual characteristics of the use of tackle. At the same time, each angler perceives the fishing process in his own way. In addition, the manufacturing process itself is interesting, as is the fishing process.

What types of fishing rods are found

A huge number of tackles have been invented for ice fishing, but the principle of fishing remains the same. The main requirement for a fishing rod is strength and lightness, because sometimes you have to keep the rod in your hands for almost the whole day. Well, it is quite natural that the tackle should have a flexible tip in order to hook the fish in time.

A simple, comfortable and light fishing rod called “filly” has become widespread. It is made of a material that behaves well in the cold. All fishing rods can be divided into two types:

• Sports. The design of these fishing rods consists of a reel and a handle, which are connected in one piece. Due to this, the rod has a minimum weight. Folding legs serve as a support. Unfortunately, the legs are not able to securely strengthen the rod and at the slightest wind the rod can move to the side. Therefore, it is necessary to think about more reliable mounting options.
• Amateur. The focus is on ease of use, but not on simplicity and portability. Therefore, amateur designs are more thoughtful and more practical.

The choice of fishing line

When choosing it, the main emphasis should be placed on its quality, since the conditions for winter fishing are somewhat different from the conditions for summer fishing. For fishing such fish as crucian carp, roach, perch, it is better to choose a fishing line with a thickness of 0,1 mm and no more. Given the fact that fish are more attentive and less active in winter, a thicker line can alert the fish. But a fishing line of this thickness must also be strong, therefore, well-known brands cannot be dispensed with here. The acquisition of low-quality fishing line can ruin the fishing process. In addition, you should take into account the difficult conditions that not every fishing line can withstand, especially if it is very thin.

Float selection

Any float is suitable for winter fishing, as long as it performs its functions and signals bites in time. In addition, it should be clearly visible in the water.

To choose a good float, you should consider factors such as the presence of a current, the depth and size of the fish that can bite. Careful bites should also be taken into account, which indicates the need to install a sensitive float. Depending on such conditions, the shape of the float is selected. As for coloring, it can be anything. The thinner and narrower the float, the more sensitive it is, and vice versa.

Do-it-yourself float for a winter fishing rod

The material that is ideal for making a float is foam.

To do this, you need to do some operations:

• Cut off a rectangular piece of foam, 7-10 cm in size. Its weight can correspond to several grams.
• With the help of a knife, a conical fragment is made from a square fragment.
• With the help of a file and sandpaper, it is cultivated.
• A pin or wire is inserted into the sharp part of the cone, in the form of a loop.
• Optionally, the cone-shaped float can be painted in any color.

Loading and hooks

Loading involves the presence of several cargoes – the main and the secondary. More delicate and sensitive tackle requires a certain amount of weights. Their number depends on various factors, such as the presence of a current, the type of fish, the nature of the reservoir, as well as the experience of the angler.

Not a bad option is the use of special-shaped sinkers resembling elongated balls. This form of cargo does not allow gear to go to the side during the dive. The choice of hooks depends on the size of the fish that can bite at any time. For catching bream, you should pick up strong hooks No. 13-14. For catching small fish, you can use smaller hooks.

The best baits and baits

For catching fish in the winter, the most common bait of animal origin is used – bloodworms. The most important thing is to be able to correctly put the bloodworm on the hook so that it retains an attractive appearance for a long time. As a rule, they use bunches of bloodworms, assembled together with a special tool – a buncher.

Not a bad result can be obtained if you use the following baits:

• maidservant;
• bark beetle larvae;
• bloodworms;
• insect larvae.

Assembly technology

Assembling a winter fishing rod involves the following steps:

• winding fishing line on a reel;
• installation of a whip to fasten a nod;
• threading fishing line through all holes;
• float fixing;
• fastening a mormyshka under a nozzle;
• fastening of a beznasadny mormyshka.

Technique for fishing with a winter float

The use of a float rod can simplify the fishing process, since you do not need to constantly hold the rod in your hands and shake it. The fishing rod is installed near the hole and you can safely observe the biting process.

As a rule, the angler drills several holes and sets up a rod on each hole. Winter fishing is a constant search for fish. The more holes and fishing rods, the more chances to find fish and be with the catch. Holes are punched in such a way that the floats of all fishing rods are clearly visible. This is necessary in order to be able to react in time to a bite.

There are some nuances of using such a fishing rod:

1. It is only effective when fishing from ice. Fishing in open water involves the use of other gear.
2. It is designed to catch a specific type of “white fish”, although it can be adapted to other fishing conditions.
3. With its help, it is difficult to look for a place for the parking of fish, therefore, it is better to find the fish first, and only then, to catch it on this tackle.

Ways to equip a float rod

There are several types of equipment, which are selected depending on the conditions of fishing. The most catchy are the following:

• Tackle for fishing from the bottom. The float is adjusted so that it is under water. This means that its carrying capacity should be less than the weight of the sinker. The hook should be at the bottom. The distance from it to the sinker should be at least 7 cm. When the fish is not active, this distance is increased to 30 cm. In this case, to attract the fish, tackle is carried out. The result of these movements will be a smooth game of the lure.
• For fishing in strong currents or still water. Such equipment is considered more versatile. The float is immersed so that it sinks into the water gradually, but not immediately. In such a snap, the leash is attached slightly higher than the sinker. Its length can be from 5 to 30 cm.
• Equipment designed for catching fish on the last ice. The loading of the float is similar to the loading in the summer.

The float rod is the easiest fishing tool to use. You can fish on the float both in summer and winter. Its advantage is simplicity. In addition, it does not need to be constantly held in your hands. This means that the load on the hands is minimal.

The most important thing is to find fish, although this is not so easy to do in winter. Almost all fish go to the depth, away from cold water. Therefore, you have to look for fish, and for this you need to punch many holes. This is the whole philosophy of winter fishing. Despite certain difficulties, this does not stop many avid fishermen. For them, winter fishing is a state of mind, and they are not afraid of either piercing cold, or contact with cold water, or snowdrifts, or certain efforts. After all, winter fishing is, first of all, hard work.