Do you love big bluegill?

Easy Goose Quill Floats

I picked up some large goose feathers at a local lake that has a resident population of Canada Geese. I have been wanting some to make a quill type floats. I found these to be extremely easy and quick to make.

Just cut the feather to the desired length then remove the vanes and barbs by cutting them as close as possible to the quill.
Then take sand paper and sand the quill smooth. Don't just strip the vanes off as you will ruin the integrity of the quill.
I then make an eye by bending a wire around a nail to create a loop. Insert the legs of the eye into the cut end of the quill and glue into place with super glue.
Take thread and whip it around the lower end of the quill just above the eye for about 3/4 in. to reinforce the eye end of the float.
Coat the thread with super glue and let dry and you are ready to fish once you add your keeper. A small rubber band, o ring or tubing will do.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by carl hendrix on July 3, 2015 at 5:21pm

Keith;; you make it sound to easy buddy! great idea for those ultra shy bites!

Permalink Reply by Keith Ritter on July 3, 2015 at 7:24pm

This is all you need right here Carl. took me 7 and 1/2 minutes after I gathered up my tools and supplies. If you want to decorate them it will take a little longer.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Wilson on July 4, 2015 at 7:11am

I like it Keith !!....Ought to be super sensitive

Permalink Reply by Keith Ritter on July 5, 2015 at 1:40pm

They are very sensitive Steve, they stand up with minimal weight and still have between 11/2 and 2 inches above the water depending on the size.

Permalink Reply by Keith Ritter on July 4, 2015 at 10:35am

These are are the first ones I've finishes 3 natural and 3 hand painted. They range from 6 to 8 inches long. I'll have to go find a few more quills now.

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Permalink Reply by Keith Ritter on July 18, 2015 at 11:00am

Another batch of decorated goose quill floats. I moved inside to paint today because it got to dern HOT!

I did a little whipping on a couple as a salute to the UK, most of their quill floats are decorated that way.

Y'all need to try these, too easy to pass up.

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Permalink Reply by carl hendrix on July 18, 2015 at 2:13pm

those new goose quills look great Keith! its only a heat index of 105 today!

Permalink Reply by Keith Ritter on July 25, 2015 at 11:22am

I tried out a few of the goose quill floats today and really like the way they worked. Very sensitive and light enough that they follow the weights as you cast it and doesn't tumble and tangle. The colors showed up very well, at least 2 and 1/2 inches of quill stayed above the water with just enough weight to cock it. Very pleased and will be making some more like this one.

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Permalink Reply by scott mcilrath on August 6, 2015 at 9:12am

those are beautiful...how deep would you be fishing when you use these?

do you set the "keeper" above or below the water line?

thanks.

Permalink Reply by Keith Ritter on August 6, 2015 at 6:20pm

Thanks Scott I appreciate that, you can fish these just like any other fixed float. Max depth depends on the length of the rod you are using especially when casting. I set the keeper to hold the line tight enough to keep the float from moving when casted and can still easily adjusted shallower or deeper. The keeper gets tighter as the diameter of the float increases. That usually determines the keepers position.

Permalink Reply by Keith Ritter on September 7, 2015 at 5:44pm

Getting ready for the Reelfoot Arts and Crafts Festival next month. These are 48 goose quill floats ready for paint. Most are 6 inches and about a dozen 8 inch Magnums. These are turning into my favorite floats to make.

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