Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Cut and shape your body material to the desired form. Size depends on the buoyancy of the material and the desired sensitivity. A catfish float that will be larger and less sensitive, but you will be able to cast it farther because it will hold more weight. Cork is more dense than balsa so the same sized float of the same material will not react the same. Trial and error is the only way I know to figure this out, unless you have a degree in Physics.
Drill a hole as close to center as possible through the center of the body. You can make corrections with a little more shaping later.
Cut your stick to the desired length, this again is dependent on the intended use. Longer floats are usually better suited to dipping with a long pole. Shorter floats usually cast better with less chance of tangling. I glue the stick in place with water resistant wood glue or a super glue. I like the mast to be shorter than the keel this seems to make them stand up quicker with the least amount of weight.
The style I make has a eye on the keel end. I use a very small safety pin with the clasp and the pointy end cut off. I use thread to wrap the legs to the stick and a touch of super glue to hold in place. You can also make simple loop out of just about any stiff wire. Try to get one that will not rust.
Now you can finish your float anyway you want. I like to keep the natural colors of the materials. But you can paint them bright colors if you want. I then dip mine in polyurethane to water proof.
The only thing left is the keeper at the top. I use a silicone tubing used on archery peep sights. It won't dry rot. Rubber band and surgical tubing can be used.
Try these simple floats and you enjoy seeing them disappear as much as I do.

Views: 90

Replies to This Discussion

Sounds great! Nice write up and thanks!

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group East coast Ice fisherman
"Speedo Beads - Bluegill - Big Bluegill "
16 hours ago
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's blog post Speedo Beads
"They look like they should work as good line markers."
17 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's blog post Speedo Beads
"Bruce-Buttons used this way; I've heard of and seem more practical economy wise. Who…"
yesterday
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's blog post Speedo Beads
"Great idea for a line marker. I use buttons and that's a lot easier. Where did you buy those?"
yesterday
John Sheehan posted a blog post

Speedo Beads

I have heard of only one use for these Speedo Beads and have never used them . A you tube video I…See More
Sunday
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Thumbnail

A Young Flier Flexed Out……12/28/2024

"Thanks Dick….Happy New Year..l"
Jan 1
dick tabbert commented on Jeffrey D. Abney's photo
Jan 1
dick tabbert commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003250

"Nice black crappie."
Jan 1
Troy Dorman commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003250

"Thank you! Happy New Year to you, Jeffrey!!"
Dec 31, 2024
John Sheehan commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003177

"Ah and Crappie in the shallows. Go get 'em, Troy!"
Dec 31, 2024
Troy Dorman commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003177

"The water temperature here in Western Kentucky is in the middle to upper 40s, John. "
Dec 30, 2024
John Sheehan commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003177

"Hey Troy, nice to see you catching cold water Fish. What's your water temp?"
Dec 30, 2024
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on Troy Dorman's photo
Thumbnail

1000003250

"Pretty crappie Troy, Happy New Year!"
Dec 30, 2024
Troy Dorman posted photos
Dec 29, 2024
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Dec 29, 2024
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's group East coast Ice fisherman
"Bruce-Only got on the ice once last year. Last time i was on the ice before new years was 2010!"
Dec 28, 2024
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Scenic North Carolina…..Waterlily Sunset……..

Sunsets in the winter are so breathtaking……The Weather Channel actually maintains a camera close to…
Dec 28, 2024
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a photo

Grapefruit Gill….12/28/2024

I released these since I just got a bushel of oysters yesterday, still got a few to open…..
Dec 28, 2024
Bruce Tomaselli commented on John Sheehan's group East coast Ice fisherman
"+ We really don't get much winter and ice making temperatures in my area any…"
Dec 28, 2024
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Dec 28, 2024

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service