So you want to go float fishing, but you don’t have a rod that’s suitable for float fishing– generally a much shorter rod. However, you have a spinner rod, which is relatively long and usually harder to handle. Now all that’s in your mind is using your longer spinner rod for float fishing.
Float fishing generally requires shorter rods compared to cast fishing as they can give you better control. However, making use of longer spinner rods is not only possible, but it is quite doable– even to amateurs.
In this article, we will discuss the best reels and the best rods for float fishing. If you think you could use a bit more stock knowledge the next time you go float fishing, then I suggest you read on.
Can Spinner Rods Be Used For Float Fishing?
There is a consensus against anglers that float fishing is generally better when combined with much shorter, manageable rods. It is generally because shorter rods can enable you to have better control, especially when it comes to your bait.
It may seem like a longer rod is a disadvantage, but the reality is that longer rods have something to offer for float fishing too!
Longer rods, like spinner rods, allow you to navigate fishing rods at longer distances, especially when out on the open sea and in certain situations wherein you will want to remain as far as possible from the strike zone.
However, many anglers persist in using shorter rods for their precision and control. That is why in this section of the article, we will talk about the important things you need to remember the next time you are in the market to go out and buy float fishing equipment.
Length Of The Rod
We have already discussed earlier that the shorter rods are favored mainly by float anglers as they prefer its precision. However, we will talk more in detail about the specifications on the length of the rod you should use.
It is best to keep your rod within the lengths of 12 to 13 feet (3.75 meters) long for float fishing. It means that yes if you have spinner rods this long, they can be very optimal too. This length gives you a sweet blend of control and distance, giving you the best of both worlds.
Reel And Length Of Line
It is best to use a small reel for a more portable experience with better control for float fishing. The length of the line in your reel should be within the range of 3 to 6 lbs (1.5 to 2.5 kg) for it not to be too much that it hampers portability, but not too little that it hampers availability. Moreover, a monofilament line should be enough for you to float fish.
What Reel Is Best For Float Fishing?
Now that we have started to talk about reels that are suitable for float fishing, let us not hesitate and reel in the information immediately! First off, we will divide this part into two sections: one for the best overall reel for float fishing and the other for the best one for the money (cent to added value ratio).
The best overall: Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
Rigid, tough, and durable, the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel is undoubtedly one of the best spinning reels you can buy at the market right now. Especially for those who do not have financial constraints, the Abu Garcia Revo SX gives you an edge compared to other anglers, and it will surely fit with any rigid and extreme use. You certainly won’t feel uncomfortable bending and inducing stress on this spinning reel.
To put it into jargon speak, the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel contains a unibody, carbon body design molded explicitly for the reel. Flexing certainly won’t be a problem for you any day now using the technology incorporated in the design.
Are you the type of angler who certainly hates backlashes? Well, get this, the Abu Garcia Revo X is an anti-backlashing reel due to its stellar line management system. Its line management system is so good that you will be able to abuse the world out of this reel using any fishing technique or weight, and it still won’t bat an eye.
Even when fishing in highly windy areas won’t leave this spinning reel struggling. Indeed a marvel for sure. For those who prefer the technical details, below we have displayed its features:
- Carbon Matrix™ hybrid drag system
- Lightweight graphite rotor
- 8 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing
- Rocket spool lip design™
- Flat EVA knob
- Everlast™ bail system
- Stainless steel main shaft and components
- Machined aluminum braid ready spool
- Slow Oscillation provides
- K- Clutch™ anti reverse
The best bang for the buck: SHIMANO Sienna FE Spinning Reel
Okay, so you can’t afford the best overall. That does not mean that we are going to settle for something terrible. In the world of online shopping, you can still get decent to excellent products for a fraction of the price of a premium one. This same logic can apply to smartphones, televisions, and spinning reels as well!
The Shimano Sienna FE Spinning Reel is undoubtedly the spinning reel for most anglers out there. Its sales numbers can quickly reflect this. Even Amazon needs to restock this spinning reel ever so often!
Cased in a rigid body, the Shimano Sienna FE Spinning Reel will give you fewer bends as squeaks, a key variable when choosing what spinning reel to buy. Especially for anglers who are just starting out, the Shimano Sienna FE Spinning Reel is more than enough. It is more than easy to use, has excellent drag, incorporates a single-hand casting design, and is versatile!
One thing you will need to note when testing out this reel is to keep your expectations as rational as possible. If you are expecting top-tier flagship performance at an entry-level price, then you might need to adjust your expectations. Below is the list of its most significant features:
- AR-C SPOOL
- Ball Bearings: 1+1 (FE) / 3+1 (RE)
- Drag Range: 3-8.5 (KG)
Reeling In Three Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Reels, Spinner Rods, and Float Fishing
How do I stop float fishing from drifting?
While float fishing, it is perfectly reasonable for your float to drift away due to tides, currents, or wind if your float isn’t heavy enough. If you think it’s moving too much, then it may be a sign to use a heavier float!
What is a bubble float?
Water floats also known as water bubbles, are tools to help your line get heavier. They achieve this by having a small compartment that can be filled with water at one’s agency.
Bubble floats usually take the form of a transparent plastic sphere that can be manipulated by pushing on the skinny end to weigh down the float and provide better control and leverage when under very windy or under strong currents.
Does it matter if I use a spinner rod or not?
Float fishing can use a plethora of rods, from spinner rods, those with spin-cast reels, a rod with a bait reel, to even just a stick of wood! So if you think that you shouldn’t go float fishing because you don’t have the right rod– think again!
Cory Haasnoot
Cory is a content writer-editor and founder of Tackle Box Talk. Favorite Quote: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."