17 replies to this topic

[tombo]

Im using drennan pikers and thinking of switching. Anybody here use raven floats? And what do you think of them?

[NADO]

They are my preferred low cost float. They are soft so they don't last as long as others but they do the trick.

[DILLIGAF?!]

They're great but I don't think they're the cheapest out there. I use redwing floats 2 in a pack and are just as good.

[myspacedave]

on the subject of floats, im curious about shotting. I know the weights under the float should be around the same as the weight of the float. That just seems like a lot of weight to throw on under a float. 7g is a lot! I'm hesitant, but not unwilling to change

[myspacedave]

like 4 of my shots weigh 1.3g, and they're pretty big to me

[IR4J]

I use the raven floats most of the time myself, by making the switch from pikers I assume you will be going to the slips.. I fished the same 3.8g raven slip from the middle of october-last week of december and could easily continue to fish it... As long as you are setting up your slip rigs with a bead on the bottom you will be fine. The inner tubing can move on you after a while but this doesnt effect performance (dab of superglue locks it in if needed).

 

I would also consider the cleardrift floats that fishheads just got in, I have no personal experience with them but have heard nothing but good things and for 5.50 for 2 they are pretty economical.

[tombo]

I use the raven floats most of the time myself, by making the switch from pikers I assume you will be going to the slips.. I fished the same 3.8g raven slip from the middle of october-last week of december and could easily continue to fish it... As long as you are setting up your slip rigs with a bead on the bottom you will be fine. The inner tubing can move on you after a while but this doesnt effect performance (dab of superglue locks it in if needed).

I would also consider the cleardrift floats that fishheads just got in, I have no personal experience with them but have heard nothing but good things and for 5.50 for 2 they are pretty economical.

yes def slip floats. Gonna check out the cleardrift...

[Berg]

Raven's are labeled nicely and the recommended shot weight is on the float itself. Longer peg on the bottom so just make sure your silicone tubing extends past the peg so it doesn't catch on your line while airborne. They say balsa is the best material for a float.. light and sensitive. 

[tombo]

Thanx guys for all your responses. Im gonna try em out and see how it goes. Im a newbie to pinning so thier system makes things easy to understand.

[fishfreek]

I like the the 4g Sheffield's and Redwings.

[Slickrick]

they are junk.  the plastic stems slide out of place and split, catching your line.  I think most raven stuff is junk though.  pikers all the way.  still got the same one on my line since late September.

[tombo]

they are junk. the plastic stems slide out of place and split, catching your line. I think most raven stuff is junk though. pikers all the way. still got the same one on my line since late September.

I tried the Raven #10 line,hated it! Felt like cable. Held a cpl of their reels, and nothing peaked my interest. However, picked up an RV9 and bought it the next minute!

[James5354]

raven floats are soft and dont have the clear coat coating to protect them from banging off stuff...there not the greatest but I still use them, I have a 3.8gram round body bobber style that I have been using for prob about half a year already, pretty  beat up but still does the job.....I also use raven line #8 and #10 i find it to be pretty good and cheap with no issues...cant beat 900 yards or so of line for 12 bucks....

[trouttamer]

myspacedave your shots down near the leader should be in the .3 to .4 gram range, 1.3gram is ok directly under the float but as you space them out they should decrease in weight.. For a 7 gram float I would put 3 1.3 gram shot directly under your float 3.9g and then space out 7 .4 gram , 2.8g, shot down your line to a micro swivel and the a fluorocarbon leader to hook, most don't shot the leader although some instances may call for some very small dust shot on leader.. 3.9g + 2.8g = 6.7g plus weight of your bait, .1 to .3g =7grams. Leader should be 16 to 24inches, faster water shorter leader, clear slow water longer leader

[Kingchaser]

Haven't fished them, fish the drennan loafers but drennan is made by raven so you should be getting the same quality your use too. I believe they are their economical floats as stated above. I fished with a well known guide up in the Georgian Bay Area who swears by the raven floats but that could be because they don't cost as much when his clients loose them.

[IR4J]

Haven't fished them, fish the drennan loafers but drennan is made by raven so you should be getting the same quality your use too. I believe they are their economical floats as stated above. I fished with a well known guide up in the Georgian Bay Area who swears by the raven floats but that could be because they don't cost as much when his clients loose them.

I dont believe that drennan is made by raven, however they are represented by the same company "anglers international".

[Kingchaser]

hmmm what you just said makes sense. I know I had seen them in the same catalog online. Must of been theirs. I fished with gram bristow this November and he is sponsored by raven and fished drennan leaders and I guess I just made the assumption they were same company. But same distributor makes more sense. Thanks for the correction and clarification.

[Legend Boats]

I've used them a few times and didn't have a problem, personally. Some people get really fussy with their floats but I'm pretty easy going. I think they are worth a shot and see how you like them yourself. Bring out a few different brands in one day and just play around to see what works best for you.

 

 

Matt Arrigo - Legend Boats