FS Digest

I tried float fishing for Steelhead today, and I think I just had an exercise in drifting rather than fishing. The river was a mixture of currents, I casted into the walking speed water, and got a couple drifts. Occasionally, the float would just stop moving. Other times, it would reverse direction. I realize I am not going to get much specific advice from anyone who wasn't at the exact same spot (Mouth of Tokul creek for any Washington peeps) at the exact same day, but generally what could I have been doing wrong. Was I not mending my line at the right time? When are you supposed to mend line and how? I am looking forward to many more days on the river. Thanks a lot guys!

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by ChumPNW

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Not sure of your river, depth, flow, etc.
If it's "bobber fishing" and you experienced the action you described, depending on the depth, you likely missed some fish. Bobbers don't always go under, those that just stop moving are often a "soft take", I would set the hook ! If it "reversed direction", almost a sure thing it was a fish. Are you using a slip bobber ? You might be hanging up on the bottom, as well, if you have too much distance between bait/bobber.
You don't state what's dangling under the bobber, as in...bait ? beads ? lure ? spin jig ? That would help make a judgement on what's occurring.
Good that you know about "mending" your line. Hopefully you are using floating braid, which mends beautifully. Technique is quite like a fly line.... uninhibited drift is your goal, mend often for the longest drift possible. It's much easier with a 10' rod than with shorties.
Are you using any weights ?
So many variables it's hard to give solid advice, sorry. PM me, if you like, we could delve into some of those variables. Good luck !

Jeremy Loc: America

Fish are usually suspended ( stay at same depth). You may of missed fish that mouthed it. Your line could of caught on debri momentarily. When the line went in different direction it could be fish or undercurrents. Also do you know what an eddy is?

dougk Loc: WA

Mending is important. I loaded one reel with braided dacron just for bobber fishing. Change depths periodically. With the colder water temps the fish are lethargic and you may have put your offering right at their snouts. Most importantly, don't get discouraged!!