Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Bass Fishing => Bass Fishing Tips, Techniques & General Discussion => Topic started by: Redbone on May 18, 2010, 10:01:11 PM

Title: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: Redbone on May 18, 2010, 10:01:11 PM
I have been using the xtools cull floats for a couple of years now.  It seems like every tourney I have one or two slip off the fish (As summing I can catch fish that day :P) I love the idea of how they work but I dunno.  Maybe a rubber band around them to make them grip the lip a little more?  I read somewhere that they used the cheap fish stinger clips on the floats. I like this idea but I really dont want to cut the original clips off unless its a proven fix.  I dunno.  I am looking for ideas.
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: fowlmouth on May 18, 2010, 10:17:08 PM
I switched mine out a couple years ago, simple to do and works great. I sharpened the open part of the stringer clip so it goes in alot easier. Also, look around for the smaller gauge wire stringers. The thing I like best is that you can pick up the fish by the floats and they will not come off, makes culling alot faster.
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: TCook on May 18, 2010, 10:17:17 PM
Its proven, all the xtool cull floats I seen has the stringer clips including mine.
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: Cy on May 18, 2010, 10:36:15 PM
I've replaced all original clips with metal stringer clicks.  All still float just fine and work great.

Cy
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: motocross269 on May 18, 2010, 11:32:16 PM
I am thinking about trying the "Glory bags"....I have a set of X tools with stringer clips...I don't like putting the big hole in the fish to tag them...If I get the Glory bags and they work out well I will give someone my Xtool markers..I may need to keep one for when I go as a Co angler...
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: Ranger5Smallie on May 19, 2010, 02:09:27 PM
I went with the Ardent Culling Balls.  Its so easy as the weights are listed right there on the balls!!!
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: fasttrack on May 20, 2010, 11:48:38 AM
My partner has of the Ardent balls and they worked great last year for us. Picked up a set for myself  this off-season. Gander had them buy one, get one so a buddy and I went together and split the cost.
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: Redbone on May 20, 2010, 11:51:34 AM
OK... So I need to cut plastic clips out and put the metal string clips on.  I just am having a hard time getting the courage to cut the original clips off. If its proven, I should just do it.  I cant stand it when two fish come off in the well. Kind of defeats the purpose of putting the floats on in the first place.
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: fowlmouth on May 20, 2010, 02:36:58 PM
If you decide to go back to their clips a new set of floats will run you $17.99
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: Cy on May 20, 2010, 10:31:48 PM
Quote from: Redbone on May 20, 2010, 11:51:34 AM
OK... So I need to cut plastic clips out and put the metal string clips on.  I just am having a hard time getting the courage to cut the original clips off. If its proven, I should just do it.  I cant stand it when two fish come off in the well. Kind of defeats the purpose of putting the floats on in the first place.

You don't have to cut them off.  If you look in the middle of clip, the sliding point, you will see the plastic rivet.  Put a screw driver under the rivet and pop the head off it.  You can then separate the clips and take it off the float.  Save the pieces and epoxy it back together if you want to.....but you won't want to.

Cy
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: champion_206 on May 21, 2010, 01:41:03 AM
I did the metal stringer deal to, also I cut off the green plastic rod that the # and the stringer end attaches to and took some line that you use in a weed eater and cut them to the length I wanted, say 16 inches maybe longer, then I took some aluminum clevises and looped the # through the line and the stringer at the other and crimped them, they work great, just another idea for ya
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: Redbone on May 21, 2010, 09:47:12 PM
I Got the stringer pieces seperated, and sharpened to a point.  Now I just gotta rip apart the original lip grips.  I didnt realize that they were only $20 for a new set. Thanks for the tips everyone.
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: zooker on May 22, 2010, 04:17:28 PM
i use the floating rope type my self. they are the best idea to assorty come along in a long time..

cause nothing sucks like tring to wrestle a frisky fish out of a live well in early febuary..

zooker
Title: Re: X-Tools floats/cull rings
Post by: djkimmel on May 22, 2010, 11:24:25 PM
In early February, we'd need an axe and an ice pick to get bass out of our livewells! They wouldn't be very frisky though! ;D