Looking to get into river float fishing - Complete NOOB

Hey there guys,

I am very interested in Salmon/steelhead float fishing in the river. After seeing the circus show at a local trib, I opted to leave the salmon alone for now haha.








Now, the thing is, I am a complete noob at river fishing and I am wondering what things I need equipment wise for a beginner.

I read that centerpin reels are best for river fishing due to free flowing spool, Is it possible to use a bait casting reel instead? What about spinning reels?


What other equipment may I need for steelheading? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I use a spinning reel only and do just as well as those who use a centerpin. I do run into some cases when the centerpin would be a better option, such as super slow current, or when the current is taking the rig back toward you in a funny current.

A baitcaster is a little more difficult to use with our small streams and the smaller floats we require. However, on big waters, like the Niagara where bigger floats and heavier rigs are required, it is possible to use a baitcaster. In fact, many west coast float anglers use baitcasters. It's not impossible to use them here, but you need a reel with a super free spinning spool that would turn with the slightly line pressure.

I would agree that it can be done with a spinning reel. However like anything the best tool for the job, makes the job easier! Ive used spinning reels when I started out, but when I switched to a CP, I was glad I did!

all you need, i rod, reel, line, hook, bait

FrequentFlyer said:

all you need, i rod, reel, line, hook, bait

Click to expand...

Swap the bearings out for steel.

Steelheading and salmon fishing is a bit of a stamina game. I would see if you enjoy the actual ritual of waking up and getting to the spot in the freezing cold and dealing with everything else that comes with the package before you invest in gear. For now: kijiji noodle rod, 10.5-13' in length, and a kijiji spinning reel. Get yourself some floats, split shots, couple egg weights for bottom bouncing, flouro leader, and some small hooks. Won't take you long before you realize whether or not this is an addiction you want to mess with, then you can look at a pin and some nicer rods (keyword, some).

Jokes aside. I've only been on this forum a year. And have seen this question countless times.I can't believe the patience of these members who still take the time to repeat what they've posted over and over again.
Beauty of this forum is if you simply click on Float fishing there's tons of info to get you started. Anything you might need further detail on they'd be happy to help you out.
Tight Lines

try a spinning reel and do some short drifts on short pools. No rush buying into the centerpin if you might not want it later on. It's easy to purchase one but it's harder to get rid of one without a big cut on the cost. Plus you will get a good grasp with what you're against in salmon, steelhead fishing in rivers. Most people like the pin because you're fighting fish with full control of the reel without relying much on the drag. Remember an entry level centerpin will cost you $150+...

Thanks thebig... for posting this - I was thinking the same thing. I hit a trib today and tried my hand at float fishing for salmon and kept wondering 'do I just get a CP?'

Tossing - you're completely right, this question must come up again and again. Thanks to all of those who take the time to help newbs like me who wait until someone else asks so they take any flak! It really helps people like me who are transitioning from water warm to cold water fish.

What I found is that I could drift a float by opening my bail on my setup. I probably f'd it up completely in terms of presentation but I still had fun even if I caught nothing (again!). I think I'll hold off on a CP rod and use the money for waders so I can get to a better position to present my setup and release fish.

Gear:
rod: 9'6" medium light power, fast action float rod
reel: 2500 size spinning
mainline: 10 mono
leader: 5.6# or 6.6# redwing tackle phantom fluorocarbon leader
terminal tackle: xs swivel, 7 gram clear fixed float, non-removable black coloured split shot, size 10-14 hook
lures: beads, roe, pink worms, wooly bugger jigs (black, olive green)