hi guys
can anyone give me any tips on what make of line i could use for trotting a float for barbel?

you dont need a floating line for trotting, i used to use 4lb maxima when i used to do alot of trotting for chub etc using single caster and hemp, when i,ve tried trotting for barbel lately (i havent caught on the float yet) i upped everything to 6lb maxima.
me personally i have always rated maxima especially when it comes to knot strength
cheers
jerry

Many thanks Jerry i'll be putting some Maxima onto my c-pin and giving it a go as soon as the rivers open. Have you ever tried larger baits than maggots or caster for float fishing also?

to be honest i,ve only tried big bunches of casters, generally 3 or 4, normally when i wish to use a moving bait i tend to roll a bait as i,m more confident fishing that way for the barbel rather than trotting.
Another good line to note is the drennan super specialist double strength line, i,ve used that when float fishing for carp unfortunately i found i used to suffer from twists and kinks in the lower breaking strains, however i did find it ok from 8lb an up. Its had some good reviews over the years from anglers
cheers
jerry

Having a floating line for trotting is the way I go, pick up on the strike is more immediate as you're lifting the line off the water rather than through it. When it's on top it's visible so that you can mend it otherwise you haven't got a clue where it is and that'll result in missed bites.

Maxima is very robust but it's one I personally avoid when fishing the stick, chubber etc... It's not the narrowest in line diameter and tends to have the properties of elastic. See how much it stretches over a yard of line, then multiply that by the distance you're trotting. I doubt you'd stop a good fish from getting into any snags without some good fortune. It is however good under the rod tip as this quality is very forgiving.

I've been using some different line for the last 18 months* that I've become comfortable with, it has little give, almost like a braid in some ways barring the price of course


*I have replaced the line, it's not been on for 18 months

many thanks
Not giving away any brand names then Drynetter or should i know which one it is???

No secrets with me TT. It's "Direct Mono". No doubt there will be people who don't like that too. It's all down to personal preference. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another.

MAP also make an aerosol (or did) that makes your line float, depending on how much float stuff you do, a can will last a long time. A quick squirt on the spool is usually enough for a session.


Trial and error, try having your line under the water and on top, see what works best for you.

You can buy floating line. try edgeley sports.

if you are still after a good floating line i can recomend ultimas flo cast which has a hollow center i was put on to it by Andy may top match man when having trouble on the pellet waggler and tryed it and its spot on. Andy also tells me its top line for trotting ive got it on me reel but not had chance to try it yet

that is a good floating line but I like drennan float fish - it does what it says on the tin and not too expensive.

Martin.

PS.

dont be scared of fishing massive lumps of meat on the float you would be amazed at how much they can fit in and the best bit is they cant get rid of it too easily.