I just bought a few of these rigs that have a float right at the hook with a swivel about 18" down the leader where the weight is attached. seems like it might float the bait off the bottom. although the bright orange bobber is giving me secound guesses. Has anyone tried one of these rigs...do they work...or did i waste my hard earned weekly fishing allowance.

thanks for any feedback

What kind of bait are you planning on throwing? I prefer to tie my own rigs and like a simple fish finder rig (no float) when chunking bunker or shad. I could see the float being beneficial if you are using softer baits like clams or worms that crabs and other bottom dwellers would eat off your hooks in minutes but I don’t usually fish those types of baits.

We used to use them on Nauset beach to float sea worms off the bottom. Haven't used a rig like that in 20 years, but they worked quite well for thier intended purpose and put a lot of big stripers on the beach for many people. The float was used in conjunction with a fish finder rig.

Some of the regulars I knew would replace the orange float with a 5" lipless hookless rebel.

yeah I know some guys that fish PI who use a float to get the worm up off the bottom and they do really well with them.

Like Back Beach Iused a cork bait rig and saw a lot of fish come ashore. The sharpies were like seagulls and would be looking up the beach or down the beach depending which way the current was flowing and if there were a lot of rods out they would have a plugging rod at the ready as the bait rods bent coming down the beach.

thats all i need to here guys. ill be sure to report!

Hi guys brand new to the site, this is my first post (far from a googan though) so go easy on me. I wouldn't waste my money on those store bought floats, they work but are grossly overpriced if ya ask me. I usually buy a bag of styrafoam floats, a bag of small beads and some gorilla glue and make a bunch of my own to use throughout the season. 18" leader, tie your hook on the end and then tie a simple overhand knot a few inches (3 or 4" should do) above that, slide a bead down your leader, then a float (take the plastic piece right off and pull it out making the float hollow in the middle) followed by another bead and then a another knot. I usually secure the bead to either open end of the float with a dab of gorilla glue, let it dry and voila. You can vary how far up the leader you set th float, but I wouldn't go much closer than a few inches from the hook. The only setback I've had using this method is when the surf is especially high you will pick up every piece of seaweed and whatever else is floating aound out there and drive yourself nuts. I primarily float sand worms two at a time with a 6/O circle hook using this method and it has proven VERY effective for me off the beaches here in Maine. Well anyway just my .02 cents but try it out. Good luck and tight lines gents.

StriperHyper ~ Will


P.S. You can use any color/type of float including bright orange and flourescent yellow.....I've never had a problem!!!!!