Float rig for mackerel or pollock

[WicklowAngler]

Hey guys,
how do you make a float rig for catching macks and pollock? Do people use a slip float that lets the bait sink to a predetermined depth or do you just put a 2-3 foot trace below the float and cast it out? Also, I plan on using rag for bait, any other baits worth trying?

[bassboy]

I'm no expert on using float rigs but I have found that Tronix do a brilliant float set up with everything in it , weight, hook , float, beads, line and a hook for about four euro and come in different sizes, you should get wrasse and pollock on rag but the best bait I have found for mackerel is the white belly of a mackerel, good luck

[WicklowAngler]

Are the tronix setups in most tackle shops? The closest shop for me would be Arklow, or is that something I might have to go to Courtown for?

[eoghanb]

Use a sliding float ,ill put it in order from rod tip down ,stop knot ,bead,float,weight,bead (to protect knot),swivel then a short length of slightly lighter line then hook ,the weaker line is for if your snagged it will break and u will not loose all your gear to the rocks or seals if ye fish around Dublin ,for pollack set the sliding stop knot so that your bait is about a foot above the kelp ,u can test the depth by if the float lies flat your too deep so keep moving the knot up until the float stands up and then go a bit more,as for macks just start about 15 feet and keep moving up until ye find the depth they are at ,also keep the hook size fairly small to pick up bonus garfish ,hope this helps,as regards to bait for macks ,any oily fish works including mack,but I find small sprats and Sandeel the best ,also squid works great too

[The Austrian]

float setup:

slidingfloat2.png

good read here: http://britishseafishing.co.uk/fishing- ... t-fishing/

[bassboy]

I got mine in c+j ,but I don't know about arklow or courtown , they probably should have them if not just by a cigar float and use the brilliant pic above that the Austrian put up, you can also use an elastic band for a float stop

[smurfy]

I make my own cigar floats from balsa , bottom end only by gluing a swivel in and pinning it with wire . quick spray with Fluor paint . If you fish a float bottom end only it allows the line to sink between float and rod so it does drift as much with wind as I straight through float setup .
My setup for dun loaighaire .
Rubber Stop knot set 12 to 16 ft up the line depending on tide , bead , float , bead , 1 oz drilled bullet , bead , swivel , 2 ft length if Fluor to a size 2 . Strip of Mac , squid or half a Sandeel. I bag up most summers on this setup . sometimes they'll only have Sandeel I have found crazy as it may seem .