FLOATING SETUP? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Plum Island · 07-12-2002, 08:16 AM

I found this very good spot. I have been catching tons of schoolies, but no keepers YET. The bottom is very rocky, and has some cables *( not sure why )* on the bottom. My basic setup has worked very well, but this certain area I can't cast to. I was thinking, just take my sinker off..and cast with no weight. Can't get the distance I need this way. I want to know the basic setups for a floating type of setup. Let me explain alittle more. I want to use clams,herring chucks

But I want it to go down only like 3ft off the top. This way I can access the "no cast zone". I know certain people on this board are going to say " WOW THIS GUY NEEDS HELP! AND YOUR GOING TO GIVE ME SOME RUDE REPLY, WELL PLEASE DO NOT REPLY IF YOUR NOT TRYING TO HELP ME OUT. )*

My setups below that HAVE worked so far:

setup # 1:
20lb > fish finder > swivel > leader/hook

setup # 2:
20lb > 2oz sinker knotted on > leader/hook

The only problem is I can cast over the cable,wires,etc...because I will get stuck. I tried dropping the weight, but it still goes down to much...and I get stuck.

Fishpart · 07-12-2002, 08:46 AM

Why not drift the bait by on a bobber? Cast it out and let it drift to where it needs to be in the rip when it gets where you want it hold it there. Some people use balloons to drift bait, but I don't like them beacuse if they break off the birds can eat them thinking they are something else....

Plum Island · 07-12-2002, 08:51 AM

Ok

I'm going to try my light up bobber.

I fish at night, and it's alot easier to
see the lightup bobber. I have my bait
down about 3ft, and I can change the
depth in seconds

Mr. Kav · 07-12-2002, 08:56 AM

have you ever put those night sticks inside of a balloon?

Plum Island · 07-12-2002, 08:59 AM

No I haven't. I will for sure give it a try, and let you know my results.

BasicPatrick · 07-12-2002, 10:55 AM

A piece of reflective tape on the bobber works real well also.

FYI, if the current is taking the bobber where you want it to go but is toooo strong to let the bait fall to the depth you want it, then consider a rubbercore sinker 1/2 way between the bobber and the hook

Plum Island · 07-12-2002, 11:22 AM

Thanks

I will give it a try

BassmanN · 07-12-2002, 12:11 PM

Thought I would make a coment on this thread.
I am not a fan of balloons myself..so I tried this a couple of years ago and like it.

From your local hardware store.. Buy some foam pipe insolation. This is the stuff you use to cover copper tubing in your basement. Brown with a continous slit... 4 or something to a pack, 36" long. cheap!
anyway...

cut it as long as you need it to pending weight size and current. from 3 to 6 inches.
Open the slit and set you line in it.
Fold back over the line ... Sinker side of the line works best for quick release.
Put a rubber band over the out side of the insulation tube and over the line you have folded back.

When the fish hits, the line is pulled straight, releasing the elastic, and allowing your float to slide down the line durring the fight. You do not have to stop to undo the rubberband.

Only thing you loose is the rubberband

Hope this makes sense..
I have done this a thousand times, never had to write it.

Backwater Guide · 07-12-2002, 01:24 PM

Does this application hold up well when trying to cast a heavy bait or long distances. I guess what I am asking is, will the rubber band hold well? This sounds like a great idea and I would love to try it sometime.

BassmanN · 07-12-2002, 02:04 PM

No it will not take a cast... If you put enough rubber bands on the line to hold.It would never let go.
It does a great job of catching the current and moving into the rocks.

I use it off the boat mostly.

schoolie monster · 07-12-2002, 02:53 PM

Plum Island, if that "don't reply unless helping" comment was directed at me, you missed my point dude.

I was absolutely trying to help. If I didn't want to help, I'd just ignore your posts. I don't have to read them.

I agree my delivery was a bit harsh, but I just was trying to get you to move on and worry about important things, not get consumed with nonsense. I also was pointing out that its important to take advice given and listen when you ask a question. Not to ask the same question 5 times.

You are on the right track now... you're thinking about new ways to present your bait to an area off limits to your current methods. This kind of thinking will produce things that work and things that don't. Just part of the game.

And don't worry about the keeper, if you're hittin' schoolies, sooner or later you'll pop a keeper. Adjust your presentation a bit, try some other lures, baits, etc.

Plum Island · 07-12-2002, 10:40 PM

Thanks, and NO the comment wasn't directed towards you