Fishing Methods - Drift Float

The Drift Float rig involves the use of a float with a large plastic vane attached. The float catches the wind and moves the bait out searching for the pike. Drifter fishing differs from other forms of long range piking such as ballooning in that the bait is fishing effectively from the moment it hits the water.

If a fish is lying fifty yards out in fifteen feet of water, the drifter will present a bait to it, even though it is intended ultimately to travel much further. The rig need not be complicated, but you need wind in order to use it preferably behind you, a poly ball and a greased line works perfectly well also but it may be hard to see at range.

I tend to use a large poly ball which is slid onto the top of the stem and locked in place around 2/3 of the way up, using sections of rubber tubing which fit tightly onto the stem, which just leaves the vane to be fitted.

Using the drifter is a really effective method once you have it set up. Find a stretch of bank where the wind is off your back and where there is a reasonable depth in front of you and cast it in.

Livebaits work best, but drifted deads will be far more productive than static baits.

Note. It is illegal under Environment Agency By-Laws to move fish from one water to another with out consent, Pike & Zander supports this restriction on the relocation of fish wholeheartedly and recommends each angler observes this ruling and any that may apply on the individual fisheries you may visit.

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