Float Fishing For Steelhead - Everything You Need To Know To Get Set Up

[@cooldew806]

Hands down the best basic float video I’ve watched. The man of 1000 names is insanely knowledgeable!!!!!!

[@FishUSA]

Thank you! Josh loves fishing for Steelhead and has gained lots of knowledge over his years.

[@badgerstatefishing6998]

I’ve learned a lot from Eric Haataja but this guy definitely helped understand more about float fishing than anyone else. Thank you sir for all the good info and knowledge 🙌🏼

[@FishUSA]

Thank you!

[@johnperry9008]

Stopped in to FishUSA yesterday to purchase a new steelhead rod. Josh was very helpful on what size rod size to select and also informative on steelhead setups. I'll definitely be back again. Keep up the great work and appreciate all the help.

[@mikelipscomb6561]

I stopped in there last weekend and he was very helpful in picking out my terminal tackle. I bought a centerpin setup from them last year, and I'm really enjoying the learning experience.

[@FishUSA]

Thanks for the kind words, Mike!

[@michaelgrekoRhodos]

THE BEST MOST PERFECT FLOAT FISHING RIG EVER !! THANK YOU SO MUCH, MY FRIEND !!

[@FishUSA]

Thanks for the kind words! Josh sure knows his stuff!

[@michaelgrekoRhodos]

@@FishUSA YOU ARE VERY WELCOME !! YES, HE MOST DEFINITELY DOES KNOW HIS STUFF !! JOSH IS A FOUNTAIN OF INFORMATION!! GOOD DAY TO YOU MY FRIEND!!

[@NickWetzel]

Josh just helped me pick out a new fly reel! First one he ever bought and now also the first one I ever bought. Great service and very knowledgeable.

[@brodiejake2149]

Instablaster...

[@shotparadox2713]

I’ve never done math while steelhead fishing and I promise you’re not catching 10 more fish than me lmao

[@rattz6374]

Super awesome tutorial. Thank you. I particularly loved that he isnt a pro in front of the camera, but most definitely one in STLHD fishing. The comment... ' while you catch 2 , ill ctch 12' ; D love it. Thanks

[@Snowbellys]

Can you post a link to where you can get that tackle bag an the split shot container?

[@rodgersrap9104]

Really great video, nice clear explanations, thanks!

[@FishUSA]

Thank you very much! We are glad you like it.

[@jeremylamovsky3669]

I'd love to rig up when I get there, but on weekends man, if there's a hole you want you gotta be the first one there. If you gotta change your rig once you get there oh well. Some stretches you'll get a day where not as many guys will come out despite good conditions, but the ones that do will likely want that same hole lol. Ahh, Elk Creek. Good memories. Pa licenses are an arm and a leg so I stick with the chagrin and the grand whenever it's fishable twice a year

[@MattyDubz330]

Such a great video!! Very informative. Great teacher! Thank you. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@nicktaylor8459]

Thank you Matthew!

[@captainspud6400]

All that just for me to send it into the only tree branch sticking over the river lol

[@johnrosciolo8640]

Was just up there and you guys were talking about the centerpins now I have to buy one🤣

[@ducks517]

might be a bit long but real informative. Thanks for the video.

[@garysampson5258]

a bit? LOL

[@mikekuczynski1552]

I have always fly fished for Salmon and Steelhead but can see how this setup could be very valuable as another option for catching these fish . My guess is it’s probably more productive . Although there is nothing like throwing a big articulated fly on a two handed rod . The problem is now I will need more stuff , center pin rod ,reel , line , floats , swivels , weights etc . That’s OK I still have a corner in my man cave available and I guess it will now be for float fishing . I am sure my wife will appreciate this because now she will want the same setup also :-) well done , Happy Trails

[@shanewells9067]

Brother if you are able too do it on your fly stick with it , this method will tangle and you will get more bites but also spend a lot of time rigging

[@stevejaeger8148]

Omg.thats a lot if work especially in 30 degree weather. I premade a bunch ahead if time and take with. This technique absolutely works.

[@stevejaeger8148]

I also forgot centerpin reel kicks butt..

[@dv95678]

Liked the class. Thank you so much. It covered everything I was seeking to learn about steelhead set up. It would be fantastic if you showed a close up of the set up from main line to hook so viewers can see the completed set up. I live 1-block north of the American River and the Sunrise Blvd bridge in Fair Oaks CA - a great steelhead fishing spot and river.

[@FishUSA]

Thank you, we are glad you liked the video. That sounds like a great place to live to catch Steelhead!

[@biggybrocosta]

Just came across your video and it was very helpful on spit shots and floats but my question is how many shots do you use on the line is there a rule like no more 5 or 6 etc... or is there a ratio like in 3 ft of water add 5 shots spaced out x amount in distance? Or is there a max amount to use or exceed?

[@michiganoutdoorrecreationa3445]

Love them steelhead!

[@dextersj9277]

saved this one, i like this rig im gonna try it out for sure! Thank You!

[@keiranrooker7981]

Ok so note that raven floats each end of the float is a different diameter tubing so the would be 3/4 inch and the bottom 5/8 inch (not exact size) read the back of the package when you buy those floats

[@FishUSA]

Great point, Keiran - for floats and more!

[@josediosdado1828]

Man you Great Lakes guys need to come fishing to the Pacific Northwest so we can teach you how to simplify fishing

[@cwhiatt73]

When you state 6-15lb mainline you might want to clarify that you're referring to mono or flouro mainline and not a braided mainline. With braided mainline, you can run a higher lb because the diameter is comparable to a lower lb rated mono or flouro. I fish Lake Superior tributaries in MN and WI and will typically run anywhere between 15-30lb braided mainline.

[@justincarranza2142]

absolutely awesome video and information!!💯💯

[@FishUSA]

Thank you!

[@pmhauer]

Now I know why I’ve caught my last two coho and haven’t caught since. If I didn’t have a strong float and added on a tapered shot line... pretty sure wouldn’t have caught. I saw both bites and it came at my pink maribu jig that was arc’g down my light flouro leader. I think it’s that arc. Those trout and salmon are sure spooky.

[@jefffitzpatrick388]

Omg. 3/8” lead coil would blow there mind. Chilliwack river BC.

[@geraldvillarreal1630]

Excellent presentation!

[@Nicholasyeahbruh]

Awesome

[@iceage7786]

Great video...do you use the same length of leader regardless of water depth then adjust the bobber up for deeper water?

[@FishUSA]

Yes!

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hi Josh, I see how your crimped the split shot then slide the split shot apart . What happens to the split shot when you cast. Will the casting cause the split shot to bunch up?

[@FishUSA]

The Raven shot used in this video is very soft and grips the line very well. Once you crimp it, it can move but you have to put pressure on it like when you adjust your pattern. When you cast it should not affect the shot unless it is worn out and grooved very badly from adjusting it.

[@Treeline88]

Tip: wet your line in river or with spit before moving splitshot up or down.

[@shanefray5247]

“Crazy Canadian” lol great vid.

[@owen.newportwainwright4552]

Lol 1/2 oz. split shot.

[@Smorgellep]

😂 I laughed at that one too And they say everything’s bigger in Texas Maybe the the size of the bulls shit 😂👌 great Video tho Great tips

[@johnbergles7904]

How shallow water levels can you float before you break out the fly rod? How do you change how you rig for low clear water that we often see in the alley?

[@thomasoconnell4629]

Thanks guys. very good for me, funny too

[@jeremylamovsky3669]

As an adult, I'd like to admit I'm a better fisherman than my old man... EXCEPT for steelhead. This past trip I'm using my spinning rod, he's using his fly rod (I used to strictly fly fish but haven't done it in years) and he hooked 5 to my 2. However somehow he lost every one with two breaking him off, I managed to get my second bite with the first one being so small you'd only care to catch it to say you didn't zero. Now they were big fish he hooked, couple hogs even, but I'd never seen even one break him off without getting under side ice or some other kind of snag. Man we looked at his tippet and everything else we could think of. Sharp hooks. Now granted if you catch half of what you hook you're doing pretty damn good, but idk how he didn't get any of them. I know a few really got hooked so I'm perplexed. We befriended a guy who really knew what he was doing years and years ago who taught us a lot and the old man's pretty damn good. But when you're able to reel in a rock but not a fish something's up

[@SuperStation10]

i was breaking down measurements and i was curious on the bobber sizes did you mean .62 and a .42 in ounces when i went to the bloodrun website they had bobbers listed in grams when i converted .62 seemed closer to actual weight or did i miss something thanks for the help mike

[@liljeep-re6zw]

Can I use braid as my mainline. Then a Uni knot to a section of Mono for my float, split shot. Then use a tippet ring and snap swivel to change out my leaders on the fly as Im fishing?

[@FishUSA]

Yes, you can. Braid does freeze up much worse than mono in frigid temperatures, but when above freezing is a good option

[@jamesklinkhammer7539]

No mention of using rubber stops and float bobbers

[@FishUSA]

Good call-outs. Thank you, James.

[@neekmen603]

I don't like using split shots, I think I clamp them to hard and then when I go to set the hook it snaps, happend before, and if I clamp to lightly, they fly off when I cast

[@ML-ks2lj]

Use braid it floats better. Uni knot flouro into the mainline.

[@FishUSA]

Thanks for the suggestion! We'll have to try it.

[@ML-ks2lj]

@@FishUSA all preference! Main thing is getting that thing floating right and natural presentation, balsa floats. Preference though again. I fish michigan from grand river to st. clair river

[@use1kcf]

start at 20:35 to see why the shot pattern matters. Cool video.

[@buddyswope9658]

Who makes those little containers you use for your shot, hooks and swivels?

[@FishUSA]

They're the Sheffield Pocket Tackle Box www.fishusa.com/Sheffield-Pocket-Tackle-Boxes?quantity=1&L-Style1=302

[@macreefs]

What is the benefit of using the tubing and split shot over using a bobber stop - float - egg sinker - bead -swivel setup?

[@FishUSA]

The benefit of using a standard tapered shot pattern is that it will give the line an arc to presents the bait first in front of the shot and float. An egg sinker and a slip float gives more of a straight up and down presentation directly below the float.

[@mehlbeck]

For new "pinners" try a ZERO SHOT float. They are weighted to the float rating and require no split. Use with a glass bead, which has weight (eg. CreekCandy) and in light/medium flow waters... set up in 30 seconds. 🎓

[@twistedjigco.548]

Good stuff thanks guys I will use this info, Washington state

[@dante334]

I was new to chrome last season, this didn't work for me at all. Three different trips then I had local guy on elk show me something completely different and I started catching them.

[@DanielRut]

What did you do?

[@dante334]

@@DanielRut two 3/0 split shot 2 feet or so above the hook. Adjust height based on current speed. Slower water=go higher. So if its low and clear without a lot of flow go to 4 feet

[@waderowcliffe4807]

Did he go over how he knows if his set up is running correctly? Does he adjust the depth until he starts hitting the bottom & then adjust it back alittle? How can u tell if u have to much weight on the lower part of your set up or not enough?

[@FishUSA]

Adjusting depth until you start hitting bottom is a great way to determine if your bait is running at the proper depth. Not enough weight and your float won't stand up correctly, too much weight and it may sit in the water too low, sink or you may get snagged too often

[@ChrisG9978]

I prefer a high-vis braid for mainline when float fishing. It's easier to see and mend because it floats on the water. I tie fluoro, roughly 3-4' in total between the shot line (I generally use 10-12 lb fluoro for the shot line to benefit from the abrasion resistance of thicker fluoro), then taper down to 6 or 8 lb fluoro for the bait/lure. Just another way to fine-tune the spinning reel setup for float and drift fishing. Wondering what the general suggestion is for float fishing the deeper/faster current rivers, such as the lower Niagara. Depth is insane, 50-100' or deeper once you're 10 or 15 ft from the bank. A longer noodle rod might get you down 11-14 feet, but I'm curious to know if there are set up suggestions for fishing deeper water using floats. Casting with an 11-14' deep float setup is a nightmare, IMO.

[@FishUSA]

The general consensus when fishing the Niagara river is to run a slip float. The float of choice is a 3/4-1 oz Hawken Areo Float or a blood run slip float also. Run your mainline down to a 1 OZ or 3/4 oz trolling sinker, then your leader off of the bottom of your weight. 12 pound Seaguar invizx is the leader of choice for the "Big River". The closer you can get to the bottom, the more fish you will catch. If your getting snagged frequently, that means your in "The Zone"

[@ChrisG9978]

I was definitely in the zone this weekend...lost 6 hooks and beads to snags lol! Unfortunately no fish landed, the one I had on threw the hook in under a minute. I will have to use a heavier float...most of my floats are more appropriate for creeks in the 7-11g range, I've been using a 15g on the Niagara. Makes sense to use a heavier weight to get down to the bottom faster. Thanks for the follow-up! Just ordered a bunch of scents from your online store, was due for a re-stock...

[@JB-tz9pi]

Is there a certain shot kit available? I'm feeling overwhelmed already.

[@FishUSA]

All the shot you'll need is included in this dispenser: www.fishusa.com/Raven-Super-Soft-Split-Shot-Dispensers

[@twistedjigco.548]

What brand are those little pocket tackle boxes?

[@vincentr.3641]

Sheffield

[@bradburnside213]

What’s the best leader set up for Niagara River specifically?

[@FishUSA]

Condition dependent and for steelhead, lakers and browns, 3-5ft of 8-14lb fluorocarbon. Amount of weight is going to depend on the current strength where you're fishing and the size of your float, but typically with a slip sinker like a hawken or bloodrun, 3/4 or 1oz Eagle Claw barrel sinker.

[@bridgettebumknee]

Alot of conflicting info..guys I'm setting spinning rod for float fishing small river and streams PA..I have 6-7' light spinning rod..light reels .I put some 6lb braid on with a small barrel..float on mainline...I tried about 20" 2lb flouro on for leader..#10 hook for creatures or egg??..is this going to work??

[@bridgettebumknee]

Josh scared me..can I put a small shot on leader??..I don't think I will catch trout over 16"

[@tomjoad8939]

Is the fluoro leader heavier than the mono line???

[@FishUSA]

The fluoro leader is always lighter than the mono main line

[@jz6602]

How heavy should float be I notice the each raven float comes in so many weights

[@arniereyes4426]

if you have a 4.2g or 5 g of floater how much split shot you need to use ?

[@FishUSA]

It can depend on a number of factors, but a float that light usually doesn't require much shot to stand upright. Start with two BB-1 sized shot and add as needed if your float isn't standing perfectly vertically.

[@mattfletcher8651]

I usually just place a big barrel swivel under the float. Is there any reason not to do that?

[@FishUSA]

Hi Matt, although you can do this, a micro swivel is plenty strong enough to handle a lot of pressure, helps your presentation stay as finesse as possible, and is much lighter than a larger one helping your drift look as natural as can be. All of these factors just help you get a few more bites from finicky fish that may not have bit before. Hope this helps!

[@alltroutdout7746]

These guy is dissin Canada yet he doesnt know CANADIANS started float fishing for steelhead before AMERICANS did hahaha

[@shanewells9067]

Bullshit

[@StelmachsWorld]

🇨🇦🤘🏻💪🏼

[@Nicholasyeahbruh]

​@@StelmachsWorldhello from Cali

[@jeremywilson9220]

Where can I get that Stlhd hat??

[@inder605]

You said this was for Great Lakes area, will this work for PNW

[@FishUSA]

This setup will work in the Pacific Northwest but you may need heavier tackle to match the water conditions and the larger fish.

[@xstreamfishingandhunting1563]

Can I use fleuro carbon for main line? Or should I use braid?

[@FishUSA]

I wouldn't recommend floro for main line, it sinks and can make it difficult to get a good drift. Braid or mono for a spinning reel is the way to go, just mono for a centerpin

[@xstreamfishingandhunting1563]

@@FishUSA Thank you!

[@dadofthree1999]

I have a 8gram float how many split shots and size do i use???

[@FishUSA]

For an 8gram float, you'll want to use as close as you can to 8 grams of shot as possible. We'd recommend using the Raven Super Soft Shot in sizes SSG, AAA, and BB for the best success. Each SSG shot weighs 1.85g, each AAA weighs 0.75 grams, and each BB weighs 0.40 grams. 3 SSGs, 2 AAAs, and 2 BBs will have you close to 8 grams without going over. Taper this shot down your line and you're ready to go!

[@guitarhiker4449]

Seems like the amount of weights is a bit excessive. Too much jewelry for my taste. But if it works for ya thats what matters. I understand what your trying to do though. Fish on!

[@nobodyimportant69]

I tend to agree with you. I stack more large shot under the bobber and a couple of smaller ones spaced out at the swivel, but I NEVER EVER use 18"-24" of leader. More like 3.5-4 feet, it's more natural and ends up far away from your splitshot and bobber. With my set up I catch more fish than guys that do it the way Josh just showed, and that's using the same bait exactly. Me and my buddies had a competition one day and it got settled because they're always telling me that I was setting up my rig wrong, LOL 😂😂😂. I caught and landed more than twice as many fish as the two of them combined, AND got the largest one of that day, 17lbs-13oz and another stud at 14.5lbs. Seems like my set-up was working pretty good. It's not just that day though, it happens all the time and they get pissed off at me. Oh well, not my problem, tried to change their minds but, they've seen the results and are still doing it their way. It's not wrong, but it's just not that effective in my opinion.(Edited parts was just me correcting a few typos, LOL)

[@ML-ks2lj]

Depends on depth of the runs.

[@jeremydulac5920]

@@nobodyimportant69 I call bullshit...sorry

[@CHILLINWITH_LUKE_KEV]

Thank you... very helpful

[@slickwilly4613]

The older gent was trying to get him to explain the type of water. Josh did not understand where he was coming from. What Josh should have said was if you fishing slow not so choppy water under 6 ft use the 6 gram. If you have faster water like you would see in a bigger river with surface chop and swirls from boulders or what not use a bigger float. I would like to tell you what float for that faster water but I came here to learn that myself and dont want to give bad advice.

[@5150roc]

What size diameter tubbing did you use, because they come in many sizes?

[@shanewells9067]

The one that fits your float

[@keiranrooker7981]

Josh don’t tell them all the secrets lol 😉

[@randyeggleston7138]

Where can you get that tool that takes the split shot off? And what is it called?

[@heroryan7859]

Randy Eggleston forceps

[@randyeggleston7138]

Hero ive got lots of those

[@randyeggleston7138]

I heard there was a special tool to remove it.

[@shanewells9067]

It’s called a rock ✌🏻

[@1USACitizen192]

Should add how to drift for a quarter mile and cross every other angler.

[@Bushlivin]

Isn't that the point 😂

[@ML-ks2lj]

And all those dissing must never have fished the great lakes rivers in michigan, they vary and some times drastically. You can go from clear bluish green water to shit brown tomorrow in some areas.

[@largerooster2059]

This guy knows how give people a head ache just by talking.... Amazing trick !

[@mounirdarwiche6075]

Got these thinking they were the slightly larger Panfish floats kzbin.infoUgkx_rJB7cli5f1ofPVGgn80S7Yj4vqwq0gU they work just fine. The smaller size lets me carry more in my tackle box, and the 3 color choices are nice for different lighting conditions, backgrounds, etc. They aren't the most durable things in the world. But, as cheap as they are, it's not heartbreaking to lose one or have to replace a worn one. The price on these fluctuates wildly, from about $9 to almost $16. So, time your buy accordingly.

[@TheWarieh]

The leader has zero stretch to it kzbin.infoUgkxOnWw4BwVtrW450xWozo3OpVX4931NDw5 which is expected from a wire leader. Can’t test the quality of all the snaps yet but packaging was nice and neat and I couldn’t get anything to happen when I pulled on it.

[@tms2568]

I just started steelhead fishing. Math! Come on! Great video though.

[@stevejaeger8148]

Oh..I forgot..I find the line drag up from bobber will turn this into a bobber dogging rig. You need a 10ft rod and need to mend line..I use braided visible main line. Dont let bobber and line pull your rig down stream.bait first.

[@nobodyimportant69]

I tried that method out, I miss way to many strikes that way. A fish could swim up and grab your bait and you won't know it's got it until your bobber passes the fish and pulls the line tight, by then it's already being spit out. I can't count how many crushed or destroyed roe bags I've reeled in after a drift and never saw my float twitch fishing that way.

[@AndrewLakey]

How to over complicate a float setup.

[@JB-tz9pi]

Simplify it for me please. I'm going steelhead fishing for the first time this weekend.

[@jordangourley3955]

@@JB-tz9piI use the trout magnet floats with maybe 1 or 2 splits shots. 10 lb hi viz yellow monofilament with a 6lb flouro leader. I have no problem drifting this rig.

[@JB-tz9pi]

@@jordangourley3955 What are you floating with the float?

[@Smorgellep]

Ty Josh lol

[@billhammett174]

What's a gram?

[@FishUSA]

The unit of measurement most companies use to rate the weight of their floats. A paper clip weighs roughly 1 gram for a point of reference.

[@barbeychris2636]

Wow just seeing this out of the box kzbin.infoUgkxQr1yd4Zc6qJF-scTB6Zb9dQbVpviuRxB recommend I have yet to fish with this set up, but based on the first hands on appeal, I can tell this is going to change the way i pack and carry to a whole new level. If you fish like i do, you know the smaller and less stuff the better. I’ve added a photo of just some of my gear so you can see how serious i am about fishing.

[@markcomisky7106]

Canadian split shot really

[@nervousstranger]

I would pre weigh and bag them, so you don't have dig through.

[@brianbendix2683]

Yep that's what he did alright

[@Reelmichigan734]

.07 is seventy thousands diameter .007 is what you meant to say 7 thousands

[@anthonyb8994]

You lost me at centerpining lol

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

The thing that doesn't make sense is your jig will be running backwards.

[@FishUSA]

The jig is forward weighted, so it's actually not possible for it to be running backwards.

[@reysabs288]

Make sence.

[@TheSpeyfisher]

I understand what you are doing but if I may criticize, why don't you folks use a chalk board to draw out what parts you are doing prior to setting up the actual. You can't see nothing of what you are doing! Very frustrating.

[@allancrow134]

Did you just call Canadians crazy? Remember we are the ones that invented river float fishing and the use of pink rubber worms in the Pacific Northwest. Crazy like a fox. Oh yeah, don't put lead in your mouth it might brain your damage. :)

[@marcyholmes7009]

over kill

[@osheaoutdoorspnw]

Ha the fuck ha!!!!

[@garysampson5258]

Sorry, couldn't watch it all. After almost 13 minutes of pinching on split shots was too big of a test for my patience.

[@pimtool9351]

i fuckin hate splitshot

[@bragg77]

I do better

[@georgepretnick4460]

Good video, but you got carried away. Please remember this video was to instruct people with no experience and maybe no tackle like you describe. Nobody wants to buy 18 different weights, colors, and lengths of floats like you have. Suggest one big one and one small one. We can sweat a couple, but you switched over to talking to guys that already have tackle and some experience. Remember, newbies, beginners, neophites. If we HAVE TO weigh our shot and measure them with vernier calipers, then calculate the total, yada, yada, yada, you're gonna lose our attention. Capice'?

[@FishUSA]

Thanks, George. This video does get rather in-depth the further you get into it.

[@JB-tz9pi]

It didn't lose my attention. I was just blown away.

[@stlhd4lyfe1]

Don’t forget your egg sac/jig whatever also has weight of its own. You need to account for that. Personally I start out a little lighter then necessary and add whatever I think after a couple drifts.

[@brianbendix2683]

You didn't listen very well to his presentation now did you

[@stlhd4lyfe1]

@@brianbendix2683 fortunately I don’t need too. I’m pretty sure he’d be the student 😉

[@wgist87]

@@brianbendix2683 nobody got time to watch a GROWN MAN put on 20 split shots. Imagine this midwater at a honey hole im 20 weather. Yeah right!

[@Mrlongshot]

Sorry I lost interest after he put the 6th or 7 shot on the line.

[@jefffitzpatrick388]

Omg. 3/8” lead coil would blow there mind. Chilliwack river BC.

[@patrickdwyer433]

I was hoping to see this comment lol

[@shanewells9067]

Please tell me