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Beginners Guide to Float Fishing

Jul 29, 2021TackleTartsGuides

Float fishing is a popular way of fishing and can be used to catch a variety of different species. This guide will cover everything you need to know about float fishing while using a rod and reel. We also have a Buyers Guide to Fishing Poles if you're interested in float fishing with a pole instead.

 

STYLE OF FLOAT

Straight floats are the most common type of float design used alongside a rod and reel and have both a standard and loaded style. A loaded float is similar to the standard design but has a weighted section at the bottom and won't require any additional weight when attaching it to your mainline.

To attach a standard float to your line you will also need two split shots. The float will have a small ring at the bottom where the line can be threaded through to your desired length. The average length is around eighteen inches but can be altered for deeper or more shallow waters. 

When attaching a loaded float to your mainline you'll want to do the same thing however replace the split shots for rubber float stops. This is because the split shots will add too much weight in addition to the weighted bottom section and won't sit correctly in the water. 

HOOKS

After the float has been added all you need to do is attach a hook and you're ready to start fishing. Hooks are available in a huge variety of sizes and it's important to match the hook size with the size of the fish you're targeting. For example there's no point having a size 6 hook if you're only fishing for smaller roach or perch as you will be struggling to get any hook holds. A size 6 hook is targeted at larger species like Carp. For smaller species it should be any size below 10. 

When attaching the hook a simple palomar knot will do the trick. Palomar knots are easy to tie but really strong which makes them great and are used by many anglers. 

SETTING THE FLOAT

You may also find that the float is laying flat on the surface or not sitting correctly. This can be because there is not enough weight below the float. To solve this you can add evenly spaced split shots above the hook until the float sits with a couple of inches sticking  out from the water.  

TESTING THE DEPTH

Depending on how deep you want to fish it could be a good idea to measure the depth of the water. When using the popular waggler rig it's important to know the depth so you can have just a few inches of line resting on the bottom. The most common way to find the water's depth is with the help of a plummet.

CHOOSING A ROD

When choosing a rod for float fishing it's important to choose the correct length for the size of the venue you will mostly fish on. Float fishing rods are available in lengths up to 17ft which will likely only be used on larger lakes and rivers to get further distances.  Float rods are also available with a wide range of prices, starting at around £10 and going up into the hundreds. The cheaper rods will generally be crafted from fiberglass, whereas the more expensive rods will be made from carbon fiber. If you're a beginner it might be best to start off with a cheaper rod and see if you enjoy this type of fishing before breaking the bank.

For example NGT does this 10ft float rod at an amazing value which is great if you're new to float fishing. It's also available as a three piece which makes it more compact and easier to transport.

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