Tips on Float Fishing

Float Selection

Most fish are suspicious of bait attached to a float because, while it appears to float in a neutral state, it will resist when a fish attempts to move it. It is therefore important to select a float with buoyancy equal to the weight of the bait. If your float is more buoyant than your bait, line weights may be used to strike a balance. The buoyancy of a float is due to two factors, its shape and its size. As size and surface area in contact with the water increase, so does buoyancy. When selecting a float, consider both the weight of the bait you will be using, and the strength of the current, if you are fishing on a river.

Techniques

Wait several seconds after your float disappears beneath the surface before you set your hook. Many types of fish will nibble at non-moving bait to test it before striking. If the float fails to surface after several seconds, feel free to set your hook.

When trolling with a float, troll at a speed of roughly one fourth your normal trolling speed. Movement will pull your bait higher in the water. Moving too fast will keep your bait near the surface of the water, where fish will rarely strike.

Locations

The more surface area a float has in contact with the surface of the water, the greater the buoyancy of the float. In choppier water, larger, rounder floats should be used to counteract the motions of the water. In calm waters, use long slender floats that will provide a more sensitive strike indicator.

Be aware of the depth of the water where you are fishing as well as the depth where the fish are likely to be (different for different fish). Attach your float to your line at a point so that your bait will hang an ideal distance above the bottom. For example, if the depth of the water is 10 feet and the fish are known to swim 4 feet above the bottom, set your float so there is 6 feet between the float and the bait.