How to set up a Float Ledger Rig

The float ledger is one of the most popular ways of fishing for pike. The method is usually associated with fishing a static deadbait on the lake or river bed. We have had a look at the 10 Essential Items of Tackle in a Float Ledger Rig for Pike but how do you go about setting up the rig?

Pike float laid flat

Most pike anglers will have their own way of setting up the float ledger and I want to take you through my method.

If you need a reminder of the right tackle to set up the float ledger rig take a look at this previous post: The 10 Essential Items of Tackle in a Float Ledger Rig for Pike

Here are my fifteen steps to setting up a float ledger rig for pike.

  1. Load your reel with 150 yards of 15lb monofilament line.
  2. Attach your reel to your pike rod.
  3. Open the bail arm on the reel.
  4. Thread the line through all of the rings on the rod.
  5. Thread the following items onto the line:
    a. Bead
    b. Quick change bead
    c. Bead
    d. Rigid rig tube (2 inch)
    e. Bead
    f. Quick change bead
    g. Bead

  6. Tie the pike trace onto the line.
  7. Attach a Drennan pike float onto the first quick change bead.
  8. Attach a swivel lead onto the second quick change bead.
  9. Tie a stop knot 12 inches over the estimated depth.
  10. Attach a deadbait to the pike trace.
  11. Cast out and allow bait to settle.
  12. Slowly reel in until float stands up.
  13. Place rod in a rest and make final adjustments to float.
  14. Open the bail arm and attach the line to a clip.
  15. Sit back and wait for pike to pick up the bait.

Common problems with a float ledger

You might need to make some adjustments along the way to set up the float ledger rig correctly. Here are some of the common issues that you will need to resolve to ensure the float ledger rig is working correctly:

The float has not surfaced after casting out.

1. Weed and debris can cause the float to stick on the line. Use the rod to shake line to see if the float rises up.

2. Check the rig did not tangle on the cast. The float and lead can tangle if you don’t add the two inch piece of rig tube between the two quick change beads.

3. The bait can tangle around the lead or float. This is more likely to happen if the lead is heavier than the bait.

4. Check the stop knot is set correctly.

5. If you are fishing an unfamiliar venue you should check the depths in the swim. Depths can be checked by casting around the swim without bait attached. This has the added bonus of teaching you where weed is located.

The bait moves when I try to cock the float.

The lead is not heavy enough. Swap the lead for a larger one.

The float will not cock but the bait is not moving.

The stop knot has slipped. Reset and tighten the stop knot.

The wind or flow is dragging the float under.

Change to a larger float and lead.

The float seems to be moving before I finished setting the rig.

A pike has taken the bait on the drop. Wind down quickly and strike when you feel resistance.

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