THE KIT AND GEAR
All of his research led Lain to put together a Float-N-Fly kit that consists of four colors of jigs in several sizes. Lain’s color selection includes a white jig to match small baitfish, varying shades of browns to match crayfish, and black to match tadpoles. He keeps the size selection fairly simple, sticking to either 1/8-, 1/32- or 1/16-ounce jigs. The actual size of the jig employed is largely dependent on wind and the desired water depth. Lain opts to use the lightest jig possible under the given water conditions.
Lain opts for an unweighted Thill Pro Series Slip Bobber Float paired with a standard bobber stopper that is used to position the bobber according to the desired water depth that he wants to place the jig. Lain usually places the bobber 10- to 15-feet above the jig.
Lain worked with Daiwa to select what he thought would be the best rod and reel combination for this ultra-light technique. His research led to the selection of an 8’ Daiwa Stigmatic spinning rod which he paired with a Daiwa Steez 2508 spinning reel. He spools his reel with either four or five-pound-test Toray Fluorocarbon line which he ties via a double uni-knot to 15-pound Daiwa J-BRAID braided line.
INTO ACTION
Lain spent several outings on his home lake in Hemet, Calif., perfecting the Float-N-Fly technique. “There are several places on Diamond Valley Lake that set up just like Lake Shasta,” Lain said, “I was able to
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immediately apply what I
learned on Lake Shasta to Diamond Valley Lake and I have been catching fish on the Float-N-Fly ever since.”
Lain’s perfect cast consists of keeping his rod tip pointed at the water and periodically slowly winding in the slack line (avoiding a very tight line). This presentation targets those inactive, suspended fish in a slow, but subtle manner that is very tempting to a bass that is in search of an easy meal.
During the pre-spawn, bass are starting to feed sparingly and they spend much of their time suspended near deep water. Lain will work the Float-N-Fly along deep vertical banks that lead to spawning areas.
In early spring and summer, Lain focuses his efforts on bluffs and vertical banks, notably banks with either shade or large boulders in the water.
“I make long casts with the bait, making sure to keep the boat in deep water parallel to the bank.” Lain said, “I learned that it is a do-nothing technique, where I pretty much try to dead stick the bait and let the bobber do all the work.”
He has also suggests that the technique is deadly catching highly-pressured bass behind people who are dropshotting or using other traditional techniques.
The Float-N-Fly is a presentation that just may be one of the best all-around ways for catching highly pressured, suspended pre spawn bass. Give the Float-N-Fly a try this spring, I am sure that you will be impressed.
Editor’s Note: Since the writing of this article, the Float-N-Fly made headlines as the only lure used in Ryan Friend’s victory of the 2017 Wild West Bass Trail Lake Shasta Pro/Am.
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