What is a fishing float?

A fishing float, also called a bobber, suspends your bait or jig at a set depth and helps you see when a fish takes the bait. GEM Floats offers handcrafted cork fixed floats and slip floats for a variety of fishing situations.

Are GEM fishing floats made from cork?

Yes. GEM fishing floats are handcrafted from cork. Cork was chosen for its buoyancy, durability, and the casting characteristics we were looking for when we developed our floats.

What is the difference between a fixed float and a slip float?

A fixed float stays in one position on your fishing line, making it a simple choice when you're fishing at a consistent depth. A slip float slides along the line and uses a bobber stop to set the fishing depth, making it useful when you need to fish deeper water.

When should I use a slip float?

A slip float is useful when you want to fish at different depths or fish deeper water without using an extremely long fixed-float setup. The bobber stop allows you to adjust the depth of your presentation.

When should I use a fixed float?

A fixed float is a good option when you want your float to stay at a specific position on the line. Fixed floats can be especially convenient when you're fishing relatively consistent depths.

What size fishing float should I use?

The right float depends on the weight of your jig or bait, the depth you're fishing, and the conditions. The gram rating on a GEM Float indicates approximately how much weight the float is designed to support to the paint line. This includes the weight of your jig, bait, and other terminal tackle below the float.

What are UV-reactive fishing jigs?

UV-reactive fishing jigs have finishes that react to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can make the finish appear brighter or more visible under UV light and in certain fishing conditions.

What are glow fishing jigs?

Glow fishing jigs have a glow-reactive finish that can provide additional visibility in low-light conditions. Charge the glow finish with a light source before fishing.

What size jig should I use?

The right jig size depends on the species you're targeting, water depth, current, wind, and the presentation you're trying to achieve. GEM jigs are available in multiple sizes, giving anglers options for everything from smaller panfish presentations to larger applications.

What colors of jigs should I use?

Jig color can depend on water clarity, light conditions, depth, and the species you're targeting. GEM jigs are available in a variety of sparkling, UV-reactive, and glow colors so anglers can choose different presentations for changing conditions.

What fish can I catch with GEM jigs?

GEM jigs can be used for a variety of freshwater species depending on the jig size, color, depth, and fishing technique. Anglers use different GEM jig styles and sizes for panfish, crappie, bluegill, perch, walleye, trout, steelhead, and other freshwater species.

What size jig should I use for walleye?

The best jig weight depends on water depth, current, wind, and the presentation you're using. GEM jigs are available in multiple sizes, including 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, and 3/16 oz. Our Walleye Jig Box includes 1/8 oz and 3/16 oz jigs in five colors.

What size jig should I use for panfish?

Smaller jigs are commonly used for panfish, with the ideal size depending on the species, conditions, and presentation. GEM offers smaller jig sizes including 1/32 oz and 1/16 oz, as well as other sizes.

Can I use GEM floats and jigs for trout and steelhead?

Yes. Trout and steelhead are species we regularly target with GEM Floats and jigs. We've caught brook trout using a slip float and jig, and we've used fixed floats and jigs for steelhead.

GEM Floats offers weighted and unweighted fixed and slip floats, allowing anglers to choose a setup based on the water they're fishing, the depth they need to reach, and the weight of their jig and other terminal tackle. GEM jigs are also available in multiple sizes and colors for different species and fishing conditions.

How do I choose a GEM float and jig combination?

Start with the conditions you're fishing and the presentation you want. Consider the water depth, current, wind, and the weight of your jig and other tackle.

GEM and Bulber floats are available in fixed and slip styles, with weighted and unweighted options, while GEM jigs are available in multiple sizes and colors. Matching the float to the weight of your setup helps create a balanced presentation.

The gram rating on a GEM Float indicates approximately how much weight the float is designed to support down to the paint line. This includes the weight of your jig, bait, and other terminal tackle below the float.

Are GEM Floats made in Wisconsin?

Yes. GEM Floats is a family-owned small business that handcrafts fishing floats and jigs in Wisconsin.