How to Use a Polaris Fishing Float

A floating indicator like the Polaris helps anglers determine when a fish has struck their line. The float, as the name suggests, sits on (or near) the surface of the water, and reacts to the motion of the line, so when a fish takes the bait, the float tips off the fisherman. In addition, by using a float, a fisherman can run his hook the entire depth of the body of water he is fishing.

  1. About the Polaris

    • The Polaris float is, in fishing parlance, a type of sliding waggler. That means it is attached to the fishing line at the bottom of the float, so it sticks up and moves, or "waggles," when the line is struck. In addition, it is able to slide freely up and down the line, depending on the depth of cast. The Polaris is distinctive because it is designed to set itself at the correct depth after it is cast, so no stopper is needed on the line to keep it in the proper place.

    Techniques

    • Experienced fishermen, such as Jeff Vaughan of Ontario Carp Fishing, suggest using a heavy weight with the Polaris float, so the hook and bait sink easily. While Vaughan encourages casting in the area you wish to fish, rather than casting beyond it and reeling in, the Let's Go Fishing site says you can use the reel-in technique, as long as you keep your rod low to the water and reel in slowly.

    Using the Float

    • When using the Polaris float to fish, keep your line tight after the cast until the weight hits the bottom of the body of water. Pay out line until the float pops to the surface and lies flat. You want to rest your rod so the tip is just under the surface of the water.

    Other Equipment

    • Float fishing requires special float rods that measure 11 to 15 feet long and have a medium test curve. The rod should be equipped with either an open-faced spinning reel with front drag, or a closed-face spinning reel.