Hi Guys,

I know I will be pilloried by some for even mentioning 'floats' but, there are times when they are usefull - and of course there is always the klink or dry fly 'float' (ok, I know they do have hooks in them.)

Just out of interest I conducted a few float tests to see what the various 'home made' ones would support. These are the results:

1. 10mm O ring / 25 mm long (overall) - polyprop yarn + water shed for 24 hrs / will only support 1 x 4mm (5/32") copper bead. Two beads sink it !

2, Lake #10 hook (same as a wet hook but slightly larger gape) / 6mm foam tube tied to hook / marabou wing & tail. Single 4mm (5/32") copper bead sinks it !

3. 10mm O ring / 2mm thick foam - 12mm wide by 15mm long (4 thicknesses - 2 green & 2 yellow) supports 5 x 4mm (5/32") copper beads.

4. As in 3 above but cut down width wise to 8mm (still 15mm long). Supports 5 x 4mm (5/32") copper beads initially but if pushed under, sinks.

5. As in 4. above - i.e. 2mm foam (4 thicknesses - 2 green & 2 yellow) 15mm long x 8 mm wide will support 4 x 4mm (5/32") copper beads and if pushed under, re-surfaces.

Conclusion: If you are going to use bead head flies and need to use an indicator (turbulent water, rough bottom for example) use the foam strike indicators. Easy to put onto line or move up and down; quick to make; small (easier casting); can be cut down even further for less buoyancy; visible to the user and shouldn't scare the fish too much ! (please note that for these experiments the water was calm

Nigel

We'll let you off on the first two but that third one is for sea fishing!

__________________

Help fund the WTT study of the Softmouth

Why make things difficult??? use something that is made for the purpose





Sorry... just joking... :-)

Add one float to the mix ... the "Thingamabobbers.' They come in three sizes, the largest would float a Mini-Morris auto (well, not quite).

Not sure I could make a "thingamybobber" but I might experiment further with a G&H Sedge, foam bodied daddy or a CDC hackled klik !?

Nigel

The original idea was taken from a small balloon that was partially inflated and tied on to the fly line.

try the first made with "strikeout yarn" and soaked in reditch dry fly silicone mucilin, will hold up a load more than 1 4mm bead. watershed has been a HUGE dissapointment for me, doesn't seem to support a small dry let alone a 4mm bead

I've been using the "strikeout" yarn, or its equivalent, as a long range indicator for more than 20 years, and it will certainly hold up a team of three leaded flies OK. It also has the advantage over most of the other indicators that it will pass through the rod rings - essential if you want to use leaders of 20 to 30 ft!