Rig · bait off the bottom
How to set up a float rig
Fishing. The float suspends the bait at a set depth, well off the bottom. On Irish east-coast piers that often means a light, shallow garfish setup; drop deeper or step up the hook for mackerel and pollack.
Targets
- Garfish
- Mackerel
- Pollack
- Mullet
Baits. Mackerel strip, ragworm, bread for mullet
What it is made of
- 1Stop knotSets the depth. Slides up or down the line
- 2BeadStops the float running over the knot
- 3Sliding floatRuns on the line, cocks when the weight settles
- 4WeightJust enough to cock the float, no more
- 5SwivelStops the weight and joins the trace
- 6Trace and hookFor garfish: size 8 to 10 on 3 to 6 ft of 6 to 12 lb fluoro, fished shallow. Step up hook and trace for mackerel or pollack
Tie it
- Stop knot on the mainline at your chosen depth. Keep it shallow for garfish.
- Bead, then float, then weight.
- Swivel below the weight.
- For garfish: 3 to 6 ft of 6 to 12 lb fluoro and a size 8 to 10 hook. For mackerel or pollack, a shorter, stronger trace and a larger hook.
- Move the stop knot to change depth, not the whole rig.
Use the least weight that still cocks the float. Overweight it and a taking fish feels the resistance and drops the bait.
When to fish the float rig
A float holds the bait off the bottom at a depth you set, drifting it naturally in the current where mid-water and surface feeders hunt. It is the classic method from piers, harbour walls and rock edges for garfish, mackerel, pollack and mullet, and the take is visible, which makes it one of the most enjoyable ways to fish.
When to leave it in the box
It is useless for bottom feeders like flatfish, and it struggles in big seas and strong wind, which drag the float and the bait out of place. It needs water depth close in, which most open beaches do not have.
How it goes wrong
- Setting the depth once and never changing it. Moving the stop knot finds the fish.
- A float too large for the weight, so it never cocks and bites never show.
- Striking at every bob instead of waiting for the float to go under and away.
Other rigs for the same fish
- Paternoster
Best for deep water at your feet. Also takes pollack, mackerel.
- Running ledger
Best for estuaries, bass marks. Also takes mullet.
- Flying collar
Best for deep rock marks, pier ends. Also takes pollack.
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Buy the parts
What you need for the float rig
Tagged Amazon.ie links for the published east-coast parts list. Prefer a pre-tied pack when you want to fish now; otherwise buy the hooks, leads, and terminal below.
Buy on Amazon.ie, PATIKIL saltwater slip bobbers setFloat · primary
Sliding floats for harbour walls, piers, and rock edges.
Kamasan B980 size 8
Small hooks for scratch work, mullet, and light float traces.
View on AmazonPower Cast 6lb mono
Light mono for float traces and mullet-style presentations.
View on AmazonSeaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon leader
Clear fluoro for traces and leaders in east-coast water.
View on Amazon