Generally speaking there are two ways to float fish on a river depending on the distance you need to cast in order to reach the fish.
Top and Bottom Floats
If you do not need to cast a long distance to reach the fish, you will usually attach the float at both the top and bottom by means of plastic or silicon tubing. Three basic patterns will be required to cover these ‘top and bottom’ fishing situations:
Stick Floats
These are floats constructed in two parts, the top part being of balsa or polystyrene construction and the bottom of either cane or plastic.
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Generally speaking, the further you need to cast, the larger the float you will use, but a small range of ‘Stick floats’ in no more than three or four sizes will be enough to get you started. Avoid the smallest and largest of this type of float, and obtain a few ranging in size from 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) in length.
Balsa Floats
These floats are similar in appearance to Stick Floats, but are more buoyant as they do not incorporate the heavier material in the base that Stick Floats do. These are fished in the same way as Stick floats, but as they take more shot they are suitable for faster water where it is necessary to use a lot of weight to get the bait down to the fish near the bottom. You can, instead, use a more specialised form of Stick Float referred to as ‘Big Sticks’ which incorporate a wider buoyant top section to achieve the same purpose. A range of these in lengths from 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) will cover most of your angling needs.
Avon Floats
These are floats that incorporate a large body of balsa or polystyrene or sometimes cork to increase the amount of shot that can be placed on the line. These are mostly used when the river is deep and slow flowing to get the bait down to the fish as quickly as possible. You will not use these as often as Stick Floats and Balsas, but it is useful to have two or three just in case. A range with shot capacities ranging from 4bb to 6bb will cover most eventualities.
Bottom Only Floats
When you need to cast long distances to reach fish, either in the middle of larger rivers, or close to the far bank, a float attached only at the bottom will cast further and be less likely to tangle.
Straight floats made of plastic, peacock quill or reed and known collectively as Wagglers, are the floats designed for this situation. Wagglers are available in several styles, and types which have a thin piece of can inserted at the top and sometimes incorporates a body near the bottom, is used for fishing lakes and canals as well as slow moving rivers.
For most river fishing you will need a range of straight Wagglers (those with no insert or body) ranging in length from about 5 to 9 inches (12 to 23cm) carrying shot between 2AAA and 6AAA.
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Coarse fishing tackle
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Barbel and specialist fishing rods
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