How to Use Pool Noodle Fishing Floats

Many anglers use pool noodles for catfish.

Using swimming pool float noodles on your next fishing adventure may save more time than setting out standard trot lines. Fishing noodles are free-floating devices that can be thrown into the water with lines, hooks, and baits attached. These fishing floats can be made by hand from swimming pool noodles assembled with other needed items or purchased already assembled from a sporting goods store. Your days of breaking your back to set trot lines could be over after experiencing the ease of using your own fishing noodles.

Things You'll Need

• Two- to three-dozen fishing noodles
• Duct tape
• Black permanent marker/pen
• Fishing line
• Fishing hooks
• Fish bait

Instructions

1. Check the state's fishing regulations and comply with all requirements listed for noodle fishing. Write your name and address on the foam part of the noodle with a permanent marker. Wrap a piece of duct tape around the metal clip of the noodle and on it and write the date you set out the noodle.

2. Attach fishing line and hook to the eyelet on the end of the noodle. Bait the hook with your preferred bait, specific to whichever type of fish you are hoping to catch. Drop the noodles in the water, setting out between two- and three-dozen noodles at a time.

3. Check the noodles periodically. Remove the noodles that are standing straight up, indicating that the bait was taken and there is a fish on the hook. Re-bait the noodles if needed and set them out again according to regulations.

Tips & Warnings

• Fishing line length should be between six- and nine-feet for a water depth of around 12-feet. A hook sized between 6/0 and 7/0 is the standard need to catch most fish.

• Noodle fishing is only legal during certain fishing seasons on some states. Although noodle fishing may be legal in the state you are fishing in, the amount of noodles you are allowed to cast and/or fish you are allowed to catch may have a limit.

References

• Captain Dave: Captain Dave's Tackle Tips
• The Outdoor Smorgasbord: Catfish Noodle Instructions

Resources

• Willie Fishing Noodle: Willie Fishing Noodle Juglines
• Fish-a-Noodle: Easy to Use