As far as reference material is concerned, anything mentioned by Redneck, Elwood or any of the other regulars here is a safe bet. You may also want to pick up the latest issue of In-Fisherman. In it is an article on the Float-N-Fly. Fred McClintock who's a very well known guide on the Cumberland River has a few words and suggestions regarding float-n-fly technique's, the types of bobber's used as well as lure's, line and equipment.

I was surprised to read that Fred uses 14lb FireLine and then attaches a smaller fly-line leader to it. I hadn't seen anyone here mention using anything over 6 or 8 lb for the FNF. Apparently a line that foats (Fireline) is better for FNF that a line that sinks? Fred also goes on to say that very few smallmouth over 6lb are caught on the FNF method, he says he thinks there are other methods that are just as good or better for catching the larger smallmouth. Oh well...not trying to stir the pot on the 12 pounder not being caught on the FNF, it's just what I read in the article from "The Man". Get the latest issue and check it out for yourself.