centerpin/float fishing info?

[chris f]

hello looking for some advice from some of the regulars centerpin float fishing at whirlpool in niagara. line weight, line color,leader weight, hook size and float type and sizes etc.also looking for some of the same info for the credit riverarea .only able to make up to these spots a few times, trying to be better prepared when i go. hoping to hook up and land some fish this year. thanks any info appreciated.

 

[Djsms]

Hi Chris,This is how I fish at Niagara, try to go 10' or longer if you can. I use a 7 gram float and load up my shots accordingly. Beacause of the strong current at Niagara you have to go on the heavier side for weight to get your bait down as close to the bottom as possible. To be honsest with you most the fish I saw caught at Niagara were less then 15' from shore in about 6' of water. I use about 8 -10 #1 bb's. and a couple more near the hook. Hook size generally depends on what bait you are using. I float roe using the smallest hook possible, #14. I used 5 lb (or less) flourocarbon for my leader.

 

[chris f]

thanks djsms for the tips looking forward to putting them to use when i get out to the niagara. question about the floats are you using a slip float or the style with the float caps?

 

[float^drifter]

slip float float woud be your best bet. i'm sure 80% of guys float fishing down there use em.

 

[despotiko]

Drennan pikers are great either the 6gr or 11grm work best. Personally id go with the 11 gram makes casting a bit easier if the fish are hold out in deeper water also allows you to fish faster drifts. Use a two foot leader of 4 or 5lb flouro tied either to a micro swivel or using a albright knot. As for weight, bulk shot a couple of inches above your leader onto your mainline. Best bait for this time of year is either a 2-3 inch gulp minnow in a smelt pattern or 1/16 or 1/32 black or white maribou jig, they are killer and they sink quicker staying in the strike zone longer. Hope this helps. :grin:

 

[Djsms]

thanks djsms for the tips looking forward to putting them to use when i get out to the niagara. question about the floats are you using a slip float or the style with the float caps?

Hi Chris your welcome.

I use blackbird floats, with slip floats you have to make sure the temp is above 0C or the ice stops the float from moving properly.

on the credit I use 4 gram floats but also depends on the water conditions and the section I am fishing, after a rain I use 7 Gram, on low water days I go down to 2.5. Just depends on the flow and the floats are easy to change from size to size. adjust your shots to the size of the float and always drift along the bottom.

Looking forward to your pics and good luck! weather is looking good the next little while.