Pike floats, like slider or pencil floats, are best used in specific conditions. These floats are ideal for fishing in open water areas, especially when targeting pike with deadbaits, and when you want to present the bait a foot or two off the bottom. They are also effective when there’s a gentle breeze to allow for controlled drifting of the bait.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
When to use a slider float:
Slider floats are versatile and suitable for various conditions, especially when fishing in open water and when a controlled drift is desired.
When to use a pencil float:
Pencil floats are excellent for close to medium-range fishing and when you want to minimize the effects of line drift, especially in windy conditions.
Ideal conditions:
Overcast days with a gentle breeze are excellent for pike float fishing, as they offer better visibility for spotting bites and allow for controlled drifting of the bait.
Water conditions:
Pike floats are suitable for both still waters and rivers, particularly in areas with slack water, deep pools, or near features like reed beds.
Bait presentation:
Pike floats are often used to keep the bait suspended a foot or two off the bottom, which can be effective when targeting pike that are actively feeding or patrolling in the water column.
Bite indication:
Floats offer excellent bite indication, allowing anglers to quickly detect a take even before the pike moves off with the bait.
Reducing deep hooking:
Fishing “half-cocked” with a float, meaning setting the float slightly over depth, can help reduce the chances of deep hooking pike.
