Fish Better with Des Shipp

River float fishing

THIS MONTH: ESSENTIAL RIVER FLOAT PATTERNS

THERE’S no greater feeling than trotting a float down a scenic stretch of river. The float is carefully cast into place, the current slowly trots it downstream and moments later the tip dips. A firm strike is met with a solid resistance and the element of surprise provided by this style of fishing means it could be a chunky roach or a big chub.

As with all styles of fishing you need to get your rigs bang on and the type of float you choose will have a big impact on your success rate. This month I reveal the only five floats you need for red- hot river action.

1 Standard waggler

If you are fishing 15m or beyond in water with a bit of pace then this is for you. It has a buoyant tip which resists being dragged under, aiding presentation. Use a 2AA or 3AA in shallow water, going all the way up to 5AA in deeper swims and at greater distance.

2 Insert waggler

This pattern doesn’t have a particularly buoyant tip and it is therefore most at home on rivers with less flow. They are extremely delicate and are deadly when shy- biting silver fish are high on the agenda.

3 Lignum stick float

When fishing at short range in a slow to medium flow this takes some beating. Keep a tight line between rod tip and float and you can manoeuvre it with ease.

4 Avon float

Set up in a swim that is swirling erratically and a really buoyant float is required. The thick tip, bulbous body and wire stem provide that necessary steadiness. Using a bulk shot helps keep the rig tight, further aiding stability.

5 Crow quill

There are days when the upper layers of the water are teeming with tiny silverfish and getting through them can prove impossible. These big floats are heavy, allowing you to put plenty of shot on to bomb the hookbait to the deck very quickly.