The (beginners)Complete Guide to Fishing Floats

How to Choose the Right Float for Rivers, Lakes & Traditional Angling

Fishing floats are one of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of float fishing. Choosing the right float can mean the difference between missing bites and consistent success, whether you’re fishing a fast-flowing river or a calm stillwater / canal.

While this brief guide will be rather too basic for the majority of my customes, I hope it will help explain to newcommers what fishing floats do, the different types available, how to choose the right float for the conditions, and why handmade fishing floats still outperform mass-produced alternatives.

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What Is a Fishing Float?

A fishing float is a buoyant indicator attached to your line that serves three main purposes:

1. Bite indication – showing subtle takes that might otherwise go unnoticed

2. Depth control – keeping your bait at the correct depth

3. Presentation – allowing natural movement of the bait in water

While modern tackle has evolved, the fundamental role of the float remains unchanged — it’s the angler’s visual connection to what’s happening below the surface.

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Types of Fishing Floats Explained

Different fishing conditions require different float designs. Understanding float types helps you fish more efficiently and with greater sensitivity.

Stick Floats

Stick floats are long, slim floats designed primarily for river fishing. Their shape allows them to run straight and true in flowing water, making them ideal for trotting baits downstream.

Best for:

• Rivers and streams

• Flowing water

• Trotting techniques

Stick floats excel where control and stability are needed in current.

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Waggler Floats

Waggler floats are bottom-attached floats commonly used on stillwaters. They are versatile and popular with anglers of all skill levels.

Best for:

• Lakes and ponds

• Calm or lightly windy conditions

• Adjustable depth fishing

They are especially effective when fishing at range.

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Avon Floats

Avon floats are a hybrid design, combining the stability of stick floats with the versatility of wagglers. They’re often used in slower rivers and glides.

Best for:

• Medium to slow rivers

• Deeper swims

• Controlled presentation

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Pole Floats

Pole floats are highly sensitive and designed for use with a pole rather than a rod and reel.

Best for:

• Match and competition fishing

• Precision depth control

• Shallow to medium depths

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River vs Stillwater Fishing Floats

Choosing the correct float starts with understanding the water you’re fishing.

River Fishing Floats

River fishing requires floats that can:

• Hold their line in flowing water

• Resist drag

• Remain stable during trotting

Stick floats and Avon floats are the most effective choices, especially when fishing natural baits downstream.

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Stillwater Fishing Floats

Stillwaters demand floats that:

• Sit upright in calm water

• Remain visible at distance

• React to delicate bites

Wagglers and insert floats are typically preferred, particularly when fishing for wary fish in clear water.

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Fishing Float Materials & Buoyancy

The material used in a float has a major impact on sensitivity, durability, and performance.

Common Float Materials

• Balsa wood – extremely buoyant and sensitive

• Cane – strong, stable, and traditional

• Reed – natural, lightweight, and responsive

Handmade floats often combine these materials to achieve the ideal balance between buoyancy and bite detection.

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Handmade vs Mass-Produced Fishing Floats

While factory-made floats are widely available, handmade fishing floats continue to be preferred by many anglers — and for good reason.

Advantages of Handmade Fishing Floats

• Greater sensitivity to bites

• Balanced buoyancy

• Superior durability

• Repairable and long-lasting

• Traditional craftsmanship

Each handmade float is individually tested and finished, ensuring consistent performance that mass production can’t replicate.

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How to Choose the Right Fishing Float

When selecting a float, consider the following factors:

1. Water Type

• Flowing water → stick or Avon floats

• Still water → wagglers or insert floats

2. Depth

• Shallow swims → lighter, more sensitive floats

• Deeper water → floats with more buoyancy

3. Flow Speed

• Faster flow requires more stable designs

• Slower water allows greater finesse

4. Target Species

• Smaller fish → finer floats

• Larger species → stronger stems and bodies

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Caring for & Maintaining Fishing Floats

Proper care ensures floats last for many seasons:

• Dry floats after use

• Avoid storing damp floats

• Check paint and varnish periodically

• Repair chips promptly to prevent water ingress

Well-maintained handmade floats can last decades.

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Why Traditional Float Fishing Still Matters

Despite advances in modern tackle, float fishing remains one of the most enjoyable and effective angling methods. It offers:

• Direct visual feedback

• Natural bait presentation

• A strong connection between angler and water

Float fishing rewards patience, observation, and skill — values that handmade fishing floats embody perfectly.

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Explore Handmade Fishing Floats

If you’re looking for floats that combine traditional craftsmanship, proven performance, and long-term reliability. CLICK TO explore our range of handmade fishing floats designed for rivers and stillwaters alike.

Each float is crafted to fish properly — not just look good.