Float Rod

[brichards44]

I was told that if I want to start float fishing I should get a really long rod. "No shorter that 10'6". Which size rods do you fish with or recommend? I'm trying not to break the bank until I get it figured out. Spinning vs Casting? 

[Tony 270]

I use a 10'6" spinning XMG. If you fish the Cowlitz much you'll see lots of 12-15' Loomis rods, all with spinning reels.

[Lightning_Rider]

i have a 10'6" lamiglas dave vedder signature series and love it

[D-Rock425]

10'6 is a great rod for float fishing
 

[Lightning_Rider]

i fish in brushy areas and have never had any problems with the rod being too long to cast efficiently

[jab89]

i have a 10ft float rod at the moment. it works just fine, but a longer one would be nice for mending the line on longer casts.

[singleshot12]

Longer is better but not that necessary, 8.5 footer will do in a spinning, 8-15 lb test.. What you plan on fishing for?

[Lightning_Rider]

longer usually is better for float fishing since you have to mend ur line...unless ur fishing a little kids pond or somethin

[Lightning_Rider]

I have used 8'5" as well though quite abit and it works just fine...but i buy poles like i do guns so i have one for every scenario

[SeaRun1]

You know it kind of depends on the size water you are fishing.  If I was only buying one it would be 10' or 10' 6" with a Curado or other baitcaster and 30# PowerPro.

If you are new then you should skip the spinning reel phase and learn to use a baitcaster.  It is much easier to control and manipulate a float with a baitcaster and floating line and hit the fish in a hurry.

Just my experience with float fishing.  

I use a lami 96 JC/Rainshadow 1143 for just about everything and it does most techniques pretty well for an all around non nate rod.

SeaRun1

[brichards44]

I've been fishing the Sky for steelies.

[Oldguy]

I have fished a float rod for several years and I'd suggest the 10'6". The only reason for a longer rod would be for fishing a really deep flow of water. As far as mending line, it isn't done in float fishting. The line should go from the tip of the rod to the float without touching the water. As the float procedes down river, line in fed to allow it to keep the tip of the float pointed upstream without dragging it so much that it lays on its side and lifts the lure up from where you have set the float. The whole idea is to "read the float" to tell if you are getting a take.

[TheHunt]

I love watching the 13 and 15 foot rods at the barrior dam.  

Tomorrow I am picking up two Burkley 9' 9" spining rods at ML for steelhead rods.  One for my son and one for me.    60 dollars rods can not be beat. 

[FC]

I use a 10' spinning rod for float fishing, a casting rod can be used but it's pretty clumsy by comparison. You want something rated for pretty light line and lure weights, mine is 6-10lb line rating with about a 1/8-1/4oz lure weight. A forgiving rod like this makes it easy to gently lob your float + jig or whatever you are using into or out of tight areas with smooth motions that are easy to control. It also needs to have enough balls to be able to mend your line and set the hook.

[BigGoonTuna]

i've got a 9'6 and a 10'6 for tossing bobbers.  the 10'6 is a real pain in the butt on some of the smaller rivers and creeks i like to fish, that's where the 9'6 comes in handy.

i like shorter rods when they're practical, easier to handle and a lot less tricky to land fish with.  use a good line dressing and mending your line becomes a breeze.

[woodywsu]

I run a 9'6" and I think it is plenty long enough. Although it varies what type of water you are fishing also. Big water would be nicer to have a longer rod to help with line mending.

[MtnMuley]

I'm going to have to be the odd ball here, but I use a 6'6'' medium light action spinning rod.  It's my favorite because of the brushy areas I fish.  It also fits inside my smaller truck without having to break it down between fishing stops.  That's kinda nice.  I've been debating buying a 10'6" as they are proven to be the ticket.

[Antlershed]

I use either a 9'8" or 10'6" for all my float fishing.

Most guys at the BD using the 13' rods aren't using floats...

[Button Nubbs]

I used to use a 10'6" until I switched to a 12'... Now ill never look back. 10'6" still gets used out of the boat the 12' is too big for that.

[TheHunt]

Most at the DB go from main line to barrel swivel to leader to hook.  Nothing between...  That 13 to 15 foot rod allows them to get their eggs out there.

[270Shooter]

I have a 9'6'' lami for drano type fishing with bobbers. Its a 6-10 lb with 10 izorline.

[TheHunt]

I have two of my rods with 20 lb PowerPro.  I have only used it over the last month.  It is starting to grow on me.

[Antlershed]

Most at the DB go from main line to barrel swivel to leader to hook.  Nothing between...  That 13 to 15 foot rod allows them to get their eggs out there.

There is the occasional split shot on the leader too...not that I've ever been one of those guys with the 13' rod 

[TheHunt]

Most at the DB go from main line to barrel swivel to leader to hook.  Nothing between...  That 13 to 15 foot rod allows them to get their eggs out there.

There is the occasional split shot on the leader too...not that I've ever been one of those guys with the 13' rod 

LOL,  You might have been one of the people I have watched over the last four months. 

[Tony 270]

I've seen a lot with those long rods. Seen a handful with 15 footers. One guy catches more steelhead than anyone else (from what I've personally witnessed) uses a 15' Loomis.

Wouldn't mind that 12'3" Loomis float rod for kings though

[Huntbear]

I use a 10'6" Okuma spinning rod for float fishing.. works great.  I use it for Drano, White Salmon, and the Klickitat.

[TheHunt]

I've seen a lot with those long rods. Seen a handful with 15 footers. One guy catches more steelhead than anyone else (from what I've personally witnessed) uses a 15' Loomis.

Wouldn't mind that 12'3" Loomis float rod for kings though

I know the person with the 15.  He can toss spoons with that long rod as well as eggs. He is a stud...