Six float set-ups to try now
Whether you’re after big chub and barbel or a bumper net of silvers, these set-ups have it covered...
TO MANY anglers, running a float down a river is the epitome of fishing perfection.
It’s an all-action, immersive way to try to outwit our target species, one that requires concentration, effort and expertise in equal measure.
It also allows the angler to cover far more water than when feeder fishing, and to explore every potential fish-holding nook and cranny in the immediate vicinity.
There are thousands of different float patterns, each designed with a specific purpose in mind, and for certain water conditions and species. Some are suited to fishing slow, deep stretches on the pole, for example, while others are tailor-made for running baits down fast, gravelly glides.
The key to sustained success is to pick the right one for the circumstances, which is where this guide will hopefully come in handy!
We could never hope to cover all the bases, but this selection of six tried-and-trusted set-ups will cover most situations, whether you prefer to use a pole or rod and line. We hope they help you to have a river season to remember!
SHALLOW WATER STICK
This little float comes into play in shallow water situations and a 6xNo4 size is perfect for pacey swims that are around 3ft deep.
The shotting pattern is simple, with all the shot bulked up just 10ins from the hook.
You can use 3BBs, as shown here, or smaller shot if you want to have the flexibility of being able to spread them out a little.
Usually, this is fished with the rig set just at or a few inches off bottom.
BOLO/LARGE AVON RIG
This float is perfect for barbel and big chub, and the 6g rig shown here is best when paired with a power float rod of 14ft or therebaouts, and a 6lb to 8lb reel line tied to a strong size 10 or 12 hook.
Feed will be either casters and hemp, maggots, or fishmeal carp pellets, and on the hook a good choice is four or five maggots or a banded 8mm fishmeal pellet.
DEEP WATER POLE RIG
For holding still or easing through a deep swim when pole fishing on rivers, a pattern such as this DH12 float, which is available from 2g up to 6g, is perfect.
It features a long bristle, so when you’re targeting big fish you can wait for a bite to develop properly before striking.
UP-IN-THEWATER SILVERS
These dainty floats are perfect for fishing on light rigs with hemp, single maggot or caster hookbaits in slow-moving shallow water. They’re also a good choice for up-in-the-water work in the smaller sizes of between about 0.1g and 0.3g when fishing for silvers like roach and dace.
Try laying the rig in and holding a tight line to the float and you’ll be able to hit those lightning-fast bites which often come before the rig has settled.
INSERT PEACOCK WAGGLER
Use this float on rivers when the flow is slight and fish are shy biting.
Wagglers come in a wide range of sizes, and the 2AAA model shown here is ideal for casting distances of between 15m and 20m.
Pair it with a 3lb-4lb reel line and put most of the shot around the base of the float. Beneath this, space three No8 shot equally, with a No9 shot resting on top of a short hooklength of 0.08mm to 0.12mm.
Sometimes you’ll need to dot this float right down in order to spot and connect with bites in the early stages of a session.
THICK-TIPPED SPECI WAGGLER
This is a superb little float to use in fast water, and for targeting specimensized fish. It’s a bit of a ‘take no prisoners’ rig and should be used with mainlines of 6lb (0.20mm) or 7lb (0.22mm) in conjunction with hooklengths from 0.16mm to 0.20mm and strong hooks.
The shotting is simple – aside from the locking shot, the 3SSG float shown here has just three No4s down the line.