Fly Fishing Gear | Floatant and Sinket

WHAT IS FLOATANT IN FLY FISHING?

Floatant is a specially formulated substance used in fly fishing to ensure that dry flies remain buoyant on the water’s surface. The primary goal in dry fly fishing is to imitate insects like mayflies, caddisflies, or hoppers that naturally float or skitter on the surface. When a dry fly becomes saturated with water, it can lose its buoyancy and start to sink, making it less effective at attracting fish. Applying floatant creates a water-repellent coating that helps maintain the fly’s position on the surface, making it more lifelike and visible to fish. Floatants are essential tools for anglers targeting species that feed on surface insects, such as trout.

WHAT TYPES OF FLOATANT ARE THERE?

Different conditions and fly designs call for different types of floatants:

Gel Floatants: are thick and viscous, ideal for large and medium-sized dry flies with bushy hackles. They are easy to control and work well in most weather conditions. Apply a small amount by rubbing it between your fingers and then working it into the fly’s fibers to ensure even coverage. They are excellent for extended fishing sessions.

Liquid Floatants: are more fluid and penetrate the smallest crevices of a fly, making them perfect for smaller, more delicate dry flies. Dip the fly directly into the liquid or apply a few drops and gently massage into the fly.

Paste Floatants: are thicker and heavier, suitable for both the fly and the leader or tippet to prevent them from sinking. Apply a small amount to your fingers and work it into the fly or leader. Paste floatants are excellent for maintaining a high-floating presentation, especially useful for flies like terrestrials.

Powder Floatants: are fine, water-repellent powders used as a drying agent for wet or waterlogged flies. Place the fly in a container or pouch filled with powder, shake gently to coat, and then tap off excess powder. Ideal for on-the-water fly maintenance and reviving flies that have been fished for a while.

WHEN DO YOU USE FLOATANT?

Floatant is applied before you start fishing and during your session whenever your dry fly starts to sink or lose buoyancy. Apply floatant to a dry fly before casting and reapply as needed throughout the day, particularly after catching a fish or if the fly starts losing buoyancy. It is especially essential in choppy water or conditions with high surface tension.

HOW DO I MAKE MY FLIES SINK FASTER?

To target fish feeding below the surface, you need your flies to sink quickly:

Sink Paste: A thick, greasy substance applied to the fly or leader to make it more water-absorbent and sink faster. Apply sparingly to avoid overloading the fly. Ideal for nymphs or wet flies needing quick descent.

Split Shot: Small weights attached to the leader or tippet above the fly to pull it down quickly into the strike zone. Place split shot about 6-12 inches above the fly, adjusting based on depth. Best for nymphs or wet flies in fast-moving water.

These tools and techniques help control your flies’ buoyancy, allowing adaptation to different fishing conditions and improving your chances of targeting fish effectively, whether feeding on the surface or near the bottom.

If you would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.