Your float is correctly shotted and the bait looks perfect, but where exactly is the bottom? Without that information, you can easily fish too high above the fish or with more line on the bottom than you intended. With a plummet, you turn a guess into a deliberate choice. It takes a few minutes at the start of your session and gives you a clear starting point for the rest of the day.
What do you measure with a plummet?
A plummet is a weight that you temporarily attach to the hook or hooklength of your float rig. It is heavier than the weight your float is set up for. This allows you to see when the plummet touches the bottom and move the float until you have found the depth. By plumbing in several places, you will also notice whether the bottom rises, falls or remains flat.
Plumbing tells you how deep it is at that moment and in that spot. It does not automatically tell you where the fish are feeding. The bottom depth you find is your reference; after that, you can deliberately fish just above the bottom, on the bottom or with some extra depth.
How to plumb step by step with a pole
- Attach the plummet as specified by the manufacturer of your model. Check that the hook point is securely fastened and that the line remains free and undamaged.
- Lower the rig gently at the spot where you want to fish. Hold the rod in the position you will actually be fishing from.
- If the float disappears under the water, slide it a little higher up the line: the rig is probably set too shallow.
- If the float lies flat or sticks unusually far out of the water, slide it down slightly: there is probably too much line between the float and the plummet on the bottom.
- Repeat with small adjustments until the float clearly shows the bottom indication. Then remove the plummet and check that your float is correctly shotted with the normal shotting pattern.
Don’t just plumb the exact spot where you put your groundbait. Also measure a little to the left, right, closer in and further out. A small depth difference or a flat area next to a slope can be more important than the first spot where you lower your rig. If necessary, note the depth or remember where the float sat on the line so you can find that spot again later.
Are you fishing on the bottom or with extra depth?
For a presentation close to the bottom, start with the measured depth and then adjust the rig to your bait and conditions. If you want to present more line or bait on the bottom, deliberately add some overdepth. How much works depends, among other things, on current, wind, bottom conditions and bite behaviour. Check your rig again after the first bites rather than keeping one setting all day.
Please note: with the plummet attached to the hook, you register the position of the hook. If you want to know how much hooklength is actually lying on the bottom, you need to take into account the position where the plummet is attached to the rig. Some models can also be secured slightly above the hook, providing extra control when setting up overdepth.
Which plummet suits your rig?
First, look at the attachment. The Preston Plummets have a spacious loop and a soft foam base in which the hook point is secured. This is also useful when using a hair rig with a bait band. The Guru Plummets run the line through the plummet's central axis, so the weight hangs directly beneath the rig. With the Cresta Supa Plummets, a soft insert protects the line and hook; you can attach the lead at different positions above the hook.
A lighter plummet is often sufficient in calm, shallow water. In deeper water, current or wind, a heavier weight helps you feel the bottom clearly. Do not choose solely by the number of grams: your float rig and elastic must also be able to handle the setup in a controlled manner. View the available weights on the product page before choosing.
Depth can change during your session
Are you moving your feeding spot, changing rod length, or suddenly getting lots of line bites and few proper bites? Then plumb the depth again. Even a difference of a few centimetres can matter when you want to fish very precisely on the bottom. A plummet is therefore not only for the start of your fishing day, but a simple tool for continually checking your presentation.
Would you like to set up your rig more accurately? View the plummet collection and choose a model that suits your hook, line and venue. Check the current variant and availability when ordering.
