Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Fish Assassin on November 09, 2010, 11:47:30 AM
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Let's hear about your favourites
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Until recently I would always fish with foamies because they were so much cheaper. As I have gained more confidence and seldom lose my floats now I really like the balsa drennan style - they just track in the water so much better. (..don't much like the price tag so I make sure I use them on a strong mainline with a relatively light leader nowadays).
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I like the foam DNE's and Cleardrifts, depends on whats in my vest at the time if i lose a float and whichever i grab out of my pockets LOL
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I like the DNEs for general use, was also using those 20g Drennan rip offs from Outdoor Sports but they aren't the sturdiest, the weld always breaks off the bottom. Was using an 11 gram Drennan for small stream Steelhead fishing earlier in the year and really liked the tracking and sensitivity but not the price. Not entirely convinced about the need for the stealth floats as changed to those white 10 -15 gram DNE trout floats for fishing early Cap Coho with a couple of split shot and had just as much success in the low shallow water as with the Drennans. Think that picking the right weight of float for the water flow and balancing the float properly is more important that the type.
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Do wine bottle corks count :P ? Thats what i've used this fall. Holds up 1/4 oz jig perfectly :D
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After fishing Drennans, Stealth, and Cleardrift floats for the past few years, I've just switched back to Foam floats. The ones I like are very thin diameter (5/8" or so) and are 4" long. They are a different style foam than is used on most floats. They work perfect for me because they balance out with 4 splitshots. However the only place I can find the ones I want is Freds.
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i like foam the best, 1 inch short (4") cheap and easy.
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I've used the dne foam floats most of the time, I don't like those dink floats they drift horribly...I have 20 sitting in my basement that I've picked up on my many outtings.
I've started to use cleardrifts during clear conditions...is it necessary? I dont know but I use them anyways lol.
I have a couple 11 gram drennans for those very slow flows...which I rarely use...as I can never find the appropriate water
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Where is the option for the cheapest (which is foam).
or better yet for the environmentally friendly cheapo whatever I find in the log jam.
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A 4 inch HD dink, or 25 gram DNE. I cry everytime, I lose a 10, 15, 20 steelhead head float. :'( ;D
But then I just pretend it was a maple leaf float and my heads back in the game.
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I use the Gibbs foam floats, the firm foam that they're making them out of now is great...they hold up a lot better than the previous ones.
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i have used the stealth floats most of the time and have not had a problem, but for the smaller streams i have used smaller foam floats from gibbs with great success.
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i buy 50 packs of foam floats made by a local out here..cant beat them
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i buy 50 packs of foam floats made by a local out here..cant beat them
Do you have a link Kingpin to these floats or any info to possibly purchase?
Thanks.
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20-30g DNE or thin foam dink float. I'm not sold on expensive floats. I've fished beside guys using pricey floats and done just as well. I don't always wait until the float sinks to set the hook, and I don't feel a hyper sensitive float is crucial to success.
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When using the cleardrift floats its all about the drift its meant for fishermen who enjoy river fishing ...Its a very durable well priced float for the money.
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dne foam floats are probably the best value for the buck...great drift and sensitivity on the bite...i use 25 or 30 gr depending on the flow.
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I'm not sure how much of a difference the clear float makes - but I use them anyway and been very successful. Coho are notorious for being finicky, so I use every advantage possible. Mind you, I've used foam floats in the past and did fine. When it comes to foam floats, I do prefer a more subtle colour - e.g., green as opposed to black floats.
I've been using drennan pikers and cleardrifts lately. I prefer the track of the piker - but the cleardrift is fine also. At half the price, it's hard not to have a few cleardrifts in my vest.
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When it comes to foam floats, I do prefer a more subtle colour - e.g., green as opposed to black floats.
I too like the green foam floats - the long skinny one looks like a de-barked stick floating down the river.
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dne foam floats are probably the best value for the buck...great drift and sensitivity on the bite...i use 25 or 30 gr depending on the flow.
My thoughts exactly, I use the same.
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I've got them all in my vest but I do prefer the torpedo shape as apposed to the flat topped dink float as it creates less of a disturbance in the water on the retrieve which can make a difference when the fish are easily spooked especially on the slower clearer water
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I'm really liking the dne 25 gram floats ;D
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I really like the DNE balsa's and DNE foamies. Been using the same float for the past 6 months.
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foam is easy to come by and is tried and tested. also can make some from foam from big rolls.
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the red and white things
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I like the 20 / 25 gram DNE, seem to give me a nice yet sensitive drift. Cleardrifts are great but they won't give me a deal if i buy a bulk amount so i am literally in tears about it.
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the red and white things
i used them for years and have some great memories watching them inna trance float down small streams in penticton.
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Cork.
I use a centerpin, and cork adds a little more weight to the cast, making for fewer split shot. I bought a boxful at the A and N a long time ago for 5 cents each. I painted the tops- not too much paint- and lacquered 'em. Good rainy day project. And as someone said before, it sorta looks like bark.
Is it a better alternative? Probably not- I use all types of float, and each has its charms, but it's fishing with homemade gear, and if you like that sort of thing, well, great. It's about enjoyment, right?
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Cleardritfts, love the drift... does the clear float help? who knows. They are more durable than balsa and drift better then foamies in my opinion
if i use a clear drift for an extended period of time they almost always break at the bottom or begin to fill with water...i custom make my own balsa straight thru and dowel floats and they stand up better than anything else.
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kingpin those are the old style floats that the bottom ends used to break off.The new style ones are alot stronger and the ends do not break.
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kingpin those are the old style floats that the bottom ends used to break off.The new style ones are alot stronger and the ends do not break.
any plans to make a 10 or 15 gr float?
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I use cleardrifts and i love them
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Yes in the new year I will have the 11g float ;D
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Yes in the new year I will have the 11g float ;D
Good to hear, in time for some steelheading.
if i use a clear drift for an extended period of time they almost always break at the bottom or begin to fill with water...i custom make my own balsa straight thru and dowel floats and they stand up better than anything else.
I haven't had many problems with them, had one fill with water a few weeks ago but I've had a drennen do that as well.
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I use DNE torpedo style foamies because I'm cheap.
I don't like the wraparound style foamies because they have a ton of give on the hookset as the foam compresses. They also tend to slice in half on a hot fish.
I have also used Drennan's and they also have condensation/leaks. and of course they break.
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I have at least a thousand of different floats to choose from after rescuing them from the river over many years. Check that most likely closer to 1500. ;D ;D ;D
I should make a display of how many different ones I have.
Use mostly Maple Leaf Drennans and DNE but have a Cleardrift on now.
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gee for an advertiser on this sit I sure don't get much support >:( many of you may not even know that.
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gee for an advertiser on this sit I sure don't get much support >:( many of you may not even know that.
If you review all the feedbacks from this thread and others, also look at the poll result, you should see that there are in fact a lot of support from members. One cannot expect all members to "support" a product that is advertised on the site. Some will like it, others will not, that's why there is a market for different brands to compete. I would look at it this way, feedbacks that you receive, regardless positive or negative, are valuable to you. If all feedbacks are positive, then you wouldn't know what improvements to make if your sale remains the same. Negative feedbacks should also be broken down into two categories. Some are constructive criticisms, others are just from individuals who choose to be negative. Selectively absorb them and you will do well.
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gee for an advertiser on this sit I sure don't get much support >:( many of you may not even know that.
i gave them a shot when they first came out and to be honest i also experienced the leaking and condensation... even after approaching the tackle shop where i purchased them, i received no sympathy nor compensation...i noticed you acknowledged the flaws to Kingpin, so that makes me even more upset thinking about it (even though it's been about 4 years).
this isn't to say i wouldn't try them again...i'm all for supporting local businesses....i would use Cleardrift over Drennen any day.
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While Cleardrifts may not be as durable, I still like them as a good alternative to Drennans. The Drennans are just too expensive (ask FFM, he lost 3 in one morning). Even if a bit of water does get into them, they still float ok in the water. cleardrift floats + 8lb Seaguar + killer roe = Lots of Coho!
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--I usually use foam as I fish many different areas and river sizes it is difficult to buy off the shelf for every situation. I have to make or modify floats for the areas I'm fishing in. Often don't have the luxury of information on water flow and conditions before I get there so take a range of items I think I need but often need to fine tune.
--I have some so called old style cleardrifts and haven't broken any bottoms off so I take it that the new and improved will be bullet proof. To be fair I didn't really notice there was an unusual amount of breakage or leaking with the old style and just see the striving for continuous improvement as a plus much like when this local company was asked to produce some different colours.. they did.
--Will definitely buy and use the new 11gm when it is available and if the old ones eventually break I will replace and use the improved version.
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I use foam, plastic and balsa but plastic is what I use most. I too had a problem with the bottom leaking on an older cleardrift but i have not had any problems with the new ones I bought recently. And they have one upped Drennan with their new Chartreuse tops for low light fishing!
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I wish i could find a drennan in a 16g does cleardrift make anything in between 11g and 20g
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I've used cleardrift since "cleardrift" gave me a couple a few seasons back up around borden creek area we met,had been working for me very well,of course the odd one had leaked water into but that was mostly after extensive use, made like 20 trips sometimes, and endless times missed hooksets that ended up in the canyon rocks,of course the float is gonna leak eventually,i honestly think people are overexaturating on this Cleardrift sub topic that has been created in this thread,it could be just poor storage and care of the float prior use ;D
Cheers
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While Cleardrifts may not be as durable, I still like them as a good alternative to Drennans. The Drennans are just too expensive (ask FFM, he lost 3 in one morning). Even if a bit of water does get into them, they still float ok in the water. cleardrift floats + 8lb Seaguar + killer roe = Lots of Coho!
You just had to bring that up didn't you? ;D I agree - the cleardrifts are a good alternative to drennans. I did have one leak on me, but that was after multiple trips. One thing...I do prefer the red tops as the chartreuse tops can be very hard to see - esp. if there's glare on the water.
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I personally really like the cleardrift for the price and the fact that its a local company. My only gripe is that rob does not make a 13 gram float with a blue top ::)
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Freddy floats all the way ?
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You just had to bring that up didn't you? ;D I agree - the cleardrifts are a good alternative to drennans. I did have one leak on me, but that was after multiple trips. One thing...I do prefer the red tops as the chartreuse tops can be very hard to see - esp. if there's glare on the water.
-- Funny about the chartreuse... I think it was added as several locals asked for the colour... probably for low light and not when glare on the water. This is one of the great things about local manufacturers... they can adapt if feasible to the local market.
--I have found that whatever one makes someone will want to customise it... which is great, but the manufacturer cannot always provide every requested change. On the other hand Amundson rods got slammed by many for what they believed was copying local designed specialty rods.
--There are ways to give feedback.. I think "I do prefer the red tops as the chartreuse tops can be very hard to see-esp. if there's glare on the water" is excellent informed feedback... as opposed to saying chartreuse is a crap colour and I don't know why anyone would be dumb enough to use it..
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blaydRnr I have told the stores if some come back that have leaked to replace them there is a fine line.skaha you have added some very good comments thankyou. I always try to give what the fishermen want and I make it a point to strive for quality just ask my friends that I fish with!as I'am a fishermen and I take it very seriously.Now some people have asked for a 11g float I will be coming out with that soon.Thanks all for your comments.
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blaydRnr I have told the stores if some come back that have leaked to replace them there is a fine line.
i understand about the fine line...i was more upset (based on principle) when they speculated i hit some rocks during my cast, even after i let them inspect the float...i suppose i could have push the issue, but for the 3 dollars and change, it wasn't worth it.
on a fair note, i've heard many friends stand by your product.
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Floats that I have been using and purchased in UK and they are either red or chartreuse in colour at the top.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/turkis/FF1.jpg)
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Here’s a stealth posing with by catch.
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j135/canso/dollyfishing06.jpg)
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Floats that I have been using and purchased in UK and they are either red or chartreuse in colour at the top.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/turkis/FF1.jpg)
Looking foward to finding a couple of those in a log jam this year. ;D ;D ;D
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Looking foward to finding a couple of those in a log jam this year. ;D ;D ;D
if you have some time you should take a picture of your 1500 floats be a sight to see.
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I like the foam DNE, Fred's straight though dink floats are good too. I've broken way too many Drennans, the zeppler tracks better thatn the piker but is not as durable. They are both suseptable to breakage and fill with water. I recently picked up a couple of balsa DNEs and am going to give them a shot as I'm done wasting my money on the Drennens. I found a cleardrift in a jam and may give it a try as well but it looks like a round a 35gr float and I prefer 25-30gr.
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I have a selection in the vest at al times>I like to match the float to water and surroundings.Clear float for clear-water.Grey foamy for water with some colour in open areas with an overcast sky..Green foamy for tinged water where the cedars crowd the banks/canyons.When the vis is around 3' the go to is a dne balsa,Weight wise I like to stay in the 20-25 gram range.
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I just recently switched over from drennen to a cork float and absolutly love them. They are hand made by the guy that has built my new pin rod and they track way better then the drennens. I have now picked up about a dozen. I have hit many rocks with no problems unlike the drennens lol.
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I just recently switched over from drennen to a cork float and absolutly love them. They are hand made by the guy that has built my new pin rod and they track way better then the drennens. I have now picked up about a dozen. I have hit many rocks with no problems unlike the drennens lol.
Looking foward to finding some of them, ;D ;D better put your name on them as they most likely are costly.
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Here is a picture of one Chris. The builder has his initials on them. The next time I run into you I will make sure to give you one to try. The added weight of cork sure makes casting nice lol . And as far as price goes, they run about the same as a drennen but are almost bullet proof and the only way you will have to replace one will be if you break off above the float.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs797.ash1/168734_10150116572729254_700254253_7544210_6900622_n.jpg)
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Here is a picture of one Chris. The builder has his initials on them. The next time I run into you I will make sure to give you one to try. The added weight of cork sure makes casting nice lol . And as far as price goes, they run about the same as a drennen but are almost bullet proof and the only way you will have to replace one will be if you break off above the float.
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs797.ash1/168734_10150116572729254_700254253_7544210_6900622_n.jpg)
Very nice.
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My brother makes some very nice cork floats. Chris, if you pick up any on the Vedder with the initial KW on it, I would like it back.
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My brother makes some very nice cork floats. Chris, if you pick up any on the Vedder with the initial KW on it, I would like it back.
Ok, most likely have one in the few thousand I have found. ;D ;D
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When's the last time you bought some fishing gear Chris ?? Sealant for waders doesn't count either ;D
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When's the last time you bought some fishing gear Chris ?? Sealant for waders doesn't count either ;D
Just line, hooks and wooll. ;D
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Here are some fancy and hand made floats, don't want to loose them or either caught on a tree, etc.
:o :o :o
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/turkis/burgundyavons1.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f289/turkis/gcgrayling1.jpg)
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Those floats by FIN are the best floats I have ever seen. Where can these be bought. They are just beautiful.
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Those floats by FIN are the best floats I have ever seen. Where can these be bought. They are just beautiful.
They are hand made by Andrew Field in UK and here is the link to his website:
http://handmadefloats.blogspot.com/
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