float n' fly for smallies

[Hookhead]

Last weekend I visited one of my favorite bass haunts, a resevoir, where the water was extremely low.  I traveled upposite of the dam to where the river flowed into the lake and saw a group of guys in a drift boat.  They had just arrived and began to throw bobbers with long leaders into the water.  After all of their lines were in the water they began to float away in the current with lines in tow.  By the time I worked up the courage to ask them what they were up to (without feeling like an idiot) they were gone.  Were these guys using the float n' fly technique?  All of the articles I've read about it are a little vague and don't describe it as drift type fishing.

If anyone out there uses the float n' fly, could you please accurately describe this method?  

Thanks!

[roadwarrior]

Yep, that's it. The technique was developed at Dale Hollow.

With the float n'fly you are basically fishing for suspended bass. Your jig needs to be close to their depth, but they will come up some for the lure. My understanding is that they usually won't go down to strike. Once you locate smallmouth you can usually catch a bunch since they tend to school. Dale Hollow is a very deep, clearwater reservior and that may be an important consideration.

[Cajun1977]

i seen them use a floatandfly on a infisherman dvd and they said the jig under the bobber had to have a skirt of hair not rubber or anything else he said just cast it out and pull the rod after the bobber is moved the fly   will glide into position under it

[stonewall]

Just starting this year doing this. done good around new year, but it has been terrible late. I think it is do to the warmer than normal weather. It is really fun to get a big brown fish on light tackle.  

[Bass Hunter12]

I don't really like useing the float and fly technique I have more success with just a fly. What I do is I use a white fly, and I drop it all the way till I feel the bottom. Then after I feel the bottom I reel up about 5 feet, and drift. This techniqued worked well this weekend when I landed a 5 Pound smallie. I also caught others including a 3 pounder, and several 1-2 pounders. I find this technique very effective from mid January threw end of February.

[fisherman_54]

ive got a question will the float and fly technique work on largemouth bass. im facing some really tough conditions lately and i cant get them to bite on anything and if i do get a bite i usually dont get them hooked. any tips?

[Jawjacker]

According to the experts, that leaves me out, that the fnf is intended for water temp. 50 & below with clear water a plus. It is intended to imitate dying baitfish. Yes it will work with LM & spots or any fish suspended. Find the right depth, usually 8-12'. I fished Dale Hollow last yr. with Bob Coan & caught SM, spots, trout & bluegill & saw a nice LM fall to it as well. Hope this helps.

[paparock]

Here is a couple of good sources of two different schools of thought on Float-N-Fly.

http://www.punisherjigs.com/

http://www.bulletlures.com/

[Guest avid]

There are no smallmouth in Florida, but this is also a great method for crappie fishing.  There are alot of crappie in my home lake.  Some pretty big ones fer sure.

On a real lazy day, I'll rig an ultrlight outfit with a bobber and some maibou jigs.  It may sound funny coming from a dedicated bass man, but I love bobber watchin.  

[paparock]

I hear you Avid! Maybe it's because bobber watching and a cane pole was such fun as a kid; it gives that extra visual excitement of anticipation every time that bobber moves. It's just fun no matter how old I get. Maybe I'm going through my second childhood?

[.ghoti.]

I with you guys. 1/32 oz jig and a thill slip float. Nothin better than a mess of slabs for dinner.