How to Set Up a Fishing Float

Float fishing has been a popular method of angling since fishermen first employed the use of cork to suspend their bait in the water. Fishing floats let you present live bait in a more natural way, by keeping it off the bottom and below the surface, and the floats alert you when a fish is biting as it is dragged under the water.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rod and reel Fishing float Split shot Hook
Rod and reel
Fishing float
Split shot
Hook

Step 1

Use the common round red and white fishing float to attach to your fishing line.

Step 2

Decide at what depth to keep your bait for the specific species you are targeting. A good rule of thumb is to keep the bait at least a 1 1/2 feet below the surface for panfish like crappies and bluegills and as deep as 3 feet for fish like catfish and carp. Hold your fishing line there. This is where you will set up your fishing float.

Step 3

Grip the float between your first two fingers and push down on the red button on the top with your thump. This causes the tiny catch in the spring-loaded float to come out on the bottom.

Step 4

Loop your fishing line around the small catch two separate times before letting up on the top button. This will keep the fishing float from moving around on your line, which makes casting harder and changes the depth of your bait.

Step 5

Hold the float tightly with your thumb on the very bottom and your index finger pushing down on the very edge of the top red button. This will make the top catch poke out and allow you to wrap the fishing line around it once.

Step 6

Add a split shot about 6 inches above your hook if you so desire to keep your bait down. This is often needed for minnows or shiners, who are so lively that they can swim upwards.

Tips & Warnings

Keep changing the depth of your bait under your float if the fish aren't biting to find where they may be feeding.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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