Top float choice

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3way
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2008/08/04 08:18:47 (permalink)

Top float choice

What brand/style do you prefer?
#1

21 Replies Related Threads

    venomous grin
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/04 12:16:53 (permalink)
    Myself, I like Drennan loafers, their durable and dont seem to spook that many fish

    Life isn't like a box of chocolates . it's more like a jar of
    jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your****tomorrow.
    #2
    Roy D. Mercer
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/04 16:06:21 (permalink)
    It really comes down to the water you're fishing. We run large slip floats in deep heavy current, and downsize to fixed (Drennan Loafers, Top Notch, etc.) in the 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 swan sizes for streams in Nothern Ohio/Pa. Best advise would be to experiment, and find out what best suits your style of floating really. Seems we're always trying to achieve that perfect drift speed while holding a current seam. You'll find that some floats are helpful in doing one and not the other, depending on your gear (size rig, reel performance, etc). A good starting point would be the drennan loafer, as it offers some of the more "all around" attributes that many look for when choosing a float, however it is not the "best" float to use in every situation.
    #3
    Fisherboy86
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/04 16:49:11 (permalink)
    I love to make my own balsa floats, but the Sheffield Floats work very well too.
     
    I usually carry around 30 floats on me at a time. Different shapes and sizes to match almost any water condition that shows.
     
    For salmon fishing I only buy and use the Sheffield two packs as they are fairly cheap, and I may go through 6 or 7 of them in a day of great fishing. In general, though, I use the Sheffield floats any time I may be losing a few floats a day.
     
    Because of the work and time put into the home made Balsa floats, it's as if I lose a good friend on the stream. 
     
     
    Best,
    Fisher 
    #4
    flyman1
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/04 17:34:20 (permalink)
    Ravens all the way, my all around favorites
    #5
    avidangler
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/04 21:22:01 (permalink)
    Drennans and blackbirds are my personal favorites.  For balsa floats thills r my only choice.

    Born to fish, Forced to work...

    "Balls deep, or why even bother"
    #6
    Ditchrat
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/04 22:44:11 (permalink)
    loafers for me

    Ditch
    Ignorance is not a crime, let someone stay ignorant should be
    #7
    fishingMOZ
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/05 13:27:46 (permalink)
    Drennan Loafers, I haven't found a better float for dead drifting.
    #8
    pin_drifter
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/06 00:41:22 (permalink)
    I personally like the Sheffeild floats myself. Great float for the money, plus you get two of them.
     
                                                        Pin_drifter

    Quit ****ing and take a kid fishing !!
    #9
    tommybanzai
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/06 08:45:21 (permalink)
    the only thing i don't like about sheffield floats is the garbage caps that come with them. I end out swapping the caps out for ones of rubber material instead of the plastic ones that come in the pac.
    #10
    pin_drifter
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/06 13:03:02 (permalink)
    Never had a problem with the caps, but i also use  surgical tubing  get about 4 ft for like $ 4 bucks works great you just have to cut it yourself. Makes alot of caps.

    Quit ****ing and take a kid fishing !!
    #11
    Fisherboy86
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/06 14:06:40 (permalink)
    I have had a few problems with the tubing they provide, but it's mainly just figuring out which end it fits on better. I end up using "gas line tubing" you can find at a Hobby Shop for RC airplanes.
     
    Like Pin_Drifter said, you can't beat them for the money. And the steelhead don't care.
     
     
     
    Best,
    Fisher
    #12
    tommybanzai
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/06 14:47:24 (permalink)
    you are right....the fish dont eat our floats...its what is under them that counts 

    I am a drennan and black bird guy (sheffs are pretty similar)
    #13
    Kokanee Killer
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/06 20:51:43 (permalink)
    hey tommy b good ole round red white plastic 99cents for 4 bobbers sorry for the answer i couldnt resist lol koke

    I have become comfortably numb
    #14
    tommybanzai
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/07 14:18:20 (permalink)
    those are pretty sweet. they are easy to adjust too. I remember that kyler boy had a hard time with his smacking off the rocks and tubes breaking all the time though

    I am waiting to see one of these floats. I know a few people that should have one. 


    #15
    tommybanzai
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/07 14:21:54 (permalink)
    on a serious note though, does anyone use the raven floats?
    I seen flyman uses them. Which ones you use?

    #16
    3way
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/08 08:32:38 (permalink)
    Drennans have a hole at the base for the line. Makes changing floats tough. Do the shefields,ravens (blackbird)and others have holes as well? Too hard to tell form online pics....
    #17
    rureadytofish
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/08 09:59:36 (permalink)
    Don't stick your line through the hole. I never do. I just add a couple extra float caps on the bottom and on the top. It makes changing floats a whole lot easier. What also works well for float caps is that shrink tubing for putting on wire connections. Different colors and different sizes. I prefer balsa to plastic in most situations. However, I agree that all the above mentioned floats work very well.
    #18
    Fisherboy86
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/08/08 14:08:56 (permalink)
    3way,
     
    The holes are for rigging as a slip float. If you do not intend to fish that way, do not thread your line through the hole.
     
    I do not use the styles with the holes, but my father bought a few once and he was able to unscrew and remove the bottom piece with the hole in it.  I think it was a Raven, but am not sure. Orange top, clear bottom.
     
     
    Best,
    Fisher
     
    #19
    flyman1
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/09/06 05:11:40 (permalink)
    ORIGINAL: tommybanzai

    on a serious note though, does anyone use the raven floats?
    I seen flyman uses them. Which ones you use?



     
    I use anywhere from the 4.2 gram to the 11 gram depending on water
    #20
    Chromeslayer
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/09/08 21:16:46 (permalink)
    Riverwoods or Top Notch floats!
    #21
    anadromous fly
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    RE: Top float choice 2008/09/23 22:43:16 (permalink)
    I have fished the Steelhead stalkers, Drennan loafer 4.2g and all of the ravens. Depending on what I am doing is how I select the float. The raven floats are easy to use, easy to modify and sturdy. Like if a client cast to far and it hits a rock they don't spring a leak. The drennan's I like for low clear water. The steelhead stalkers just stay away from. I also like to use Dink floats for holding back in some big water. Usually in the winter flows.

    Anadromous FLY
    Please practice catch and release.
    Tony MO
    916-897-0321


    #22
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