Unboxing the Prize Float from Fishing Enthusiasts Platform
On the noon of December 6th, I received the 11th place prize from the Fishing Enthusiasts Platform’s contribution list—an upgraded carbon float from Yiwei. It’s not super expensive, but hey, it’s a reward I earned by writing posts! I was genuinely thrilled when I got it.
The prize was shipped on the evening of December 4th, and I got the delivery notification on the morning of the 6th. The logistics were lightning fast! When I picked up the package at noon, I even thought it was a wrong delivery—why was it so big? Even when I saw the “Fishing Home” label, I still doubted it. It’s just a single float, but the packaging was so sturdy and detailed. No wonder it’s a well-known brand! I want to say a huge thank you to the staff at Fishing Home for their hard work.
First Fishing Trip with the Yiwei Carbon Float
After receiving the float, I was dying to take it to the water and give it a “blessing” (a tradition for new fishing gear). But I had stuff to do that afternoon, so I had to hold back. Finally, on the afternoon of December 8th, I made it to Wangchang River.
The weather that day was cloudy with light rain, 5°C to 7°C, west wind level 1, and atmospheric pressure 1025 hPa. The fishing index app said only 34 points—not ideal. But I felt good! No strong wind, no big waves, and the temperature didn’t feel too harsh.
Fishing Setup Details
- Rod: 5.4 meters
- Line Combination: 1.5 main line + 0.8 leader line
- Float: Yiwei upgraded carbon float (the prize)
- Hook: Size 4 Gold Sleeve hook
- Bait: Wine-soaked rice (for nesting) + red worms (for fishing)
- Water Depth: Around 1.7 meters
Finding the Perfect Spot
I arrived at Wangchang River at 1:12 PM. I noticed some patches of aquatic plants nearby—you know the saying: “No grass, no catch.” So I hopped over the fallen leaves and dry grass to get to the grassy area. Great! There were fresh footprints from other anglers and two well-prepared fishing spots. They must have fished there in the morning. I decided to set up there.
Since I didn’t know how long the previous anglers’ rods were, I used a nest feeder to throw wine-soaked rice in front of both spots. “No nest, no big catch”—I wasn’t taking any chances.
First Catch with the New Float
At 2:20 PM, after hiding in the car to avoid a heavier rain shower, I went back to the river. It was time for the prize float to shine! I first measured the water depth—about 1.7 meters. Then I started adjusting the float. Just from the feel, I could tell it was high-quality, but it seemed a bit heavy for the lead. It would probably be perfect for summer/autumn or deeper water, though.
I was still casting to adjust when suddenly the float was pushed up sharply! I lifted the rod—yes! I caught a fish. It was a 10+ cm topmouth culter that came to “bless” the new float. Since topmouth culter die quickly out of water, I took a photo and released it right away.
The Fishing Spree: 7 Crucian Carp and a Near-Miss with a Big Fish
After the topmouth culter, I felt lucky. I knew the afternoon would be good!
At 3:12 PM, the float gave a tiny twitch and then rose one eye. I lifted the rod—my first crucian carp of the day! Winter crucian carp bites are so light, you can barely feel them if you’re not paying attention.
While I was jotting down notes for this post, I looked up and the float was gone! I lifted the rod—it was heavy. Could it be something other than crucian carp? I was using 0.8 leader line and size 4 sleeve hooks, so I didn’t dare pull hard. I just followed the fish as it swam around. After 3 or 4 rounds, I tried to pull it up to the surface. But right before it came out, it darted down hard. I heard a “pop”—the leader line broke! The fish splashed and swam away without looking back. It must have been a big carp—what a bummer.
After losing that fish, I ran back to the car and grabbed my 6.3-meter rod with a carp setup: size 5 Iseami hooks, one with corn and the other with rubber band red worms. But nothing bit that rod for the rest of the trip.
At 4:24 PM, the 5.4-meter rod’s float twitched slightly, and I lifted it—second crucian carp, pushing through the grass to get to me. A few minutes later, another twitch and rise—third crucian carp. Two minutes after that, the fourth one came. Around 4:30 PM, the bites went crazy! Almost every time I cast, there was a movement.
By 5 PM, it was too dark to see the float, so I packed up. My final catch: 7 crucian carp of different sizes, plus the topmouth culter I released. Exactly “prize float first use: 7 crucian carp and 1 topmouth culter”!
Final Thoughts on Fishing Addiction and Gratitude
Since I started fishing (even though it hasn’t been long), my trunk is stuffed with bait and gear. My car smells like fish all the time—yep, I’m hooked. If I don’t fish for a day, I feel like something’s missing. Anxious, fidgety—like I need my fix.
This trip with the prize float was amazing. It not only gave me a great catch but also made me appreciate the little joys of fishing more. A big thank you again to the Fishing Enthusiasts Platform and Fishing Home for the float. To all fellow anglers: hope you get good catches in December, and may your contribution list rankings soar. Happy fishing, everyone!
