Northwest Fishing Reports

This is one of the main things I have issues with is figuring out what inline weight to run with a certain float size. If anyone has advice, a chart or something they could PM me or share with me it would be much appreciated.

run the same size inline as was the float says, on the beau macs it seems like they compensate for the bait or jig already or something because I can get like 3/4 oz of gear under a 1/2oz float of theres. other brands add up the wt and that's the size float u want, I believe your phone should have a calculator app, just open that and start computing the numbers and boom

I use 3/4 oz clear Beau Mac floats and use a 0.4 to 0.5 oz inline weight. I typically float 1/8oz jigs, but it works well with a 1/4oz jig/4" pink worm too, so a little light or a little heavy both work well.

BentRod wrote:I use 3/4 oz clear Beau Mac floats and use a 0.4 to 0.5 oz inline weight. I typically float 1/8oz jigs, but it works well with a 1/4oz jig/4" pink work well too, so a little light or a little heavy both work well.

I do the exact same thing with no reason to change.

The way to figure what size of float to use first decide what gear you will be running. For example if im fishing slow moving water i usually use a 1/4 oz inline weight with eithe 1/8th or 1/16 jig to a 1/2 oz float. Same goes if i use a 3/8th inline weight. Now if i decide to use more weight or bigger jigs then i go a head and use 3/4 oz float. The basics is you are trying to match the total weight of you gear to the proper weight size float.

I go by the old "that looks about right" method. The float should be around half way submerged if it's the long torpedo profile, 3/4 if it's the fatty style. At least, that seems to work best for me. I'll add split shot if the float is riding too high, or reduce my center weight if too low.

When I switched float brands I busted out a kitchen scale and starting measuring out the split shot, leader, jig, and inline weight to match the float ratings. I wanted to rig up at home and not wait til I was on the water trying different things until I found out what worked. You shouldn't have to change your float size based on the speed of the water. Spacing or alternatively clumping the split shot on your leader will account for changing water speeds and you won't have to switch out a float. Here's a website that explains shotting patterns: http://www.raventackle.com/shotting_patterns.php

TyeeMatt wrote:When I switched float brands I busted out a kitchen scale and starting measuring out the split shot, leader, jig, and inline weight to match the float ratings. I wanted to rig up at home and not wait til I was on the water trying different things until I found out what worked. You shouldn't have to change your float size based on the speed of the water. Spacing or alternatively clumping the split shot on your leader will account for changing water speeds and you won't have to switch out a float. Here's a website that explains shotting patterns: http://www.raventackle.com/shotting_patterns.php

Great link. I have actually used those methods for small trout fishing but never occurred to me to try it out for steelhead.