louis Posted May 6, 2009 Report Posted May 6, 2009 Now I know alot of you USA guys and gals have all manner of sonic gizmos for depth and feature finding, and the best of luck to you say I However we here in the Olde Worlde lack such sophistication for the most part. Now this Marker Float set-up might strike some as being something quaint out of the dark ages, however it works and its a darn site cheaper The principle is easy, like all good things. Basicaly you have a free running lead set-up, however instead of a leader you attach a very bouyant float to your mainline. It works like this - ( cue advanced computer graphics....) 1. You cast out the set-up, and reel in untill you feel the float hit the weight swivel. 2. You pay out line from the reel a foot at a time ( it helps if you have a mark on the rod to get the length right ) counting as you go. 3. Once the float hits the surface you have found the depth. Here's what I use to construct the set-up 1. Marker Float. There are specificaly made floats like these, but any large and bouyant float will do as long as you can fix it to the line so it doessn't slide about. 2. Lead weight - the heavier the better ( at least 3oz/85g ) 3. Cork ball - don't worry if you can't get these. Just trim down a piece of wine cork. 4. Large rubber bead 5. Run ring. A wide bore swivel will do the job also. 6. Stiff monofilament ( the stiffer the better ) Step 1 Tie about 6" of stiff mono to your weight. Thread on the cork ball and tie on the run ring. Then slip the corkball over the end of the run ring. The corkball helps keep the run ring up in the water, making it easier to pay line through. The joy of this set up is that once you've tied it, you can store it made up like this for future use. Step 2 Thread your mainline through the run ring and the rubber bead. Tie the mainline to the float, and push the bead over the knot on the float. Job done Many UK carpers keep a separate rod made up just for marker work. Because its best that you use the heaviest weight possible, rods with 3.5lb plus test curves are popular. There are even rods made specificaly for this task. Furthermore its best to use a braid mainline due to its lack of stretch. This set up will also help you find out the composition of the lake/river bed. To do this you wind the float back tight to the lead with the rod directly in front of you. You then horizontaly pull the rod back through 90 -120 degrees to your side, watching how the rod tip behaves. If its a smooth pull, you're pulling the lead over silt. If it taps noticeably you're pull over gravel. If the rod is hard to pull round you're in weed. Furthermore you can use it as a marker for casting to and aiming groundbait once you've found the depth and spot you want. Useful little set-up eh?
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