Okay--I don't know about you guys, but I'm never quite as prepared for a fishing trip as I'd like to be. You know what I mean--always needing to run out to the tackle store (in my case, Outdoor Emporium in Seattle) the day before a trip to get line or floats or hooks or whatever. That said, this year I'm planning on stocking up on gear BEFORE the winter steelhead season so I can spend more time fishing, less time shopping. I recently discovered that Lindy Little Joe, the company that puts out Thill floats, has a website where you can order the floats direct--a good chance for me to build a nice little stockpile. So my question for you float fisherman is, what's your favorite Thill float for all-purpose winter steelheading? I myself have been using their Center Slider model the past couple of years, but that's mostly by default as this seems to be the only Thill float I can find in tackle stores on a regular basis. Are there other Thill models that I should try out?

Thanks for the help.

HSL,

You might want to check out the Turbomaster model. It's a slim float with a wire tail. The TBM-3 is the one I use most, with 1/4 and 1/8 oz. jigs. For 1/16th oz jigs, try the TBM-2.

For worm or bait under the float, check out the Brute Force floats. They need additional weight to stand upright, which you often use when worm or bait fishing. I think the 5" model is a good size.

These are both fixed floats. Your line is held to the float with silicone sleeves so you can slide the float up and down your line. You're already familiar with the center-slide model, so no need to talk about them.

Just some suggestions.....

Fish on.......

[This message has been edited by Dan S. (edited 10-18-2000).]

I like the Thill America's favorite floats. I use the 1" for 1/4 oz jigs and the 7/8" for 1/8th oz or 1/16th. The 1 1/8th works well for 3/8th oz jigs.

My vote also goes for the Turbo master,It floats bait great too.I perfer the fixed,
only thing I don't like is the small silicone sleve for the bottom wire, Dan have you had to replace this item yet ,I'm looking for something a little easier,I'm still experimenting.I still keep agood supply of small dinks as back ups...good luck

------------------
Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll definitely give the Turbomaster and the "America's Favorite" and try. Jigman, do you find that the springs on the America's Favorite floats ever nick or otherwise weaken your line?

I buy the slip model and drill out the top hole so I can peg it with a toothpick.

Ah, good idea, Jigman!

Os,

I agree, that little silicone sleeve is a pain. Especially when the fingers are COLD! I'm going to try using a small o-ring on some of mine.....I'll let you know how it turns out.

Fish on........

I hear Thill just came out with a weighted float for steelies, anyone have any feedback on it?