by Chris Tattersall

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: March 26, 2012

There is a huge variety of fish to be caught in salt water. This is especially true if you are able to vary the depth at which you fish. Float fishing is ideal for this, and seeing your float dive into the depths can give a thrill any bungee jumper would be proud of. In order to maximise your fishing potential by varying the depth at which you fish, it is necessary to be able to tie a knot called a float stop.

The basic float fishing system will consist of the following (listed in order from reel to hook):

a) The main line.

b) A float stop tied around the line (tied at a distance from the end of the main line equal to the depth you wish to fish at).

c) A small bead (which is free running on the line).

d) A sea fishing float (which is free running on the line).

e) A weight (which is free running on the line and of the correct weight to hang the float vertically but not sink it usually purchased with the float).

f) Swivel (basically a metal ring).

g) Leader (also known as a trace) attached to the swivel, which is the final line of around 12 inches with the hook attached.

A float stop can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as using a small elastic band. Elastic bands however often get snagged on the rod when casting. The best float stop to use is a small knot, tied to the main line, the simplest and most effective of which is described below:

Stage 1:

Take a length of fishing line which ideally is the same thickness as the main line (using a cut piece of the main line is ideal, however, using a piece of line which is a different colour to the main line is sometimes also beneficial).

Stage 2:

Loosely twist the piece of line around the main line for 1 whole rotation. The two ends of the line should finish in a vertical position pointing upwards.

Stage 3:

Take the two ends of the line used to make the knot, one in each hand and simply tie by crossing the ends and passing one end under the other, ensuring that there is tension on the main line at all times.

Stage 4:

With the ends of the line used to make the knot now horizontal, pull until a knot is formed around the main line.

Stage 5:

Trim the ends of the line, leaving around a quarter of an inch.

This knot should not catch on the eyes of the rod, but it will be able to be moved up or down the main line, altering the depth you are fishing at. Wetting the knot before moving it along the line may also be of some help.

Cast and enjoy.

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