For many people who enjoy fishing, their first experience with the sport was going down to the local fishing hole and dropping a line with a hook and a worm, along with a weight, a sinker and a simple float. They would watch that float like a hawk, just waiting for it to suddenly submerge under the pull of a fish. Float fishing hasn't changed much over time. Some of the tackle and gear has become a bit more sophisticated, but the idea is still the same.
Principle
The basic principle of float fishing is to attach a buoyant float to a fishing line so that it suspends the tackle below it in the water, somewhere between the surface and the bottom. The float also acts as an indicator to the fisherman: when a fish has taken the bait, the float will submerge. That is the time to set the hook and real the fish in.
Tackle
The basic tackle setup for float fishing consists of fishing line attached first to the float itself. Floats often have clips or pins that can be loosened and tightened to allow the float to be moved along the line and adjust the distance between the float and the rest of the tackle below it. The fishing line then continues past the float and is attached to a swivel and weight. Finally, a leader line is tied to the swivel, and then lied to a hook and bait (or a jig or other lure).
Floats
Floats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can vary from a simple red and white plastic bobber with a spring-loaded clip to a complex float rig with beads and a foam float with an inverted mouth set on a stiff wire that makes noise to attract fish. The float should be just big enough to hold up the tackle below it and stay afloat. Too large a float, and it will not submerge once fish strikes; too small a float, and the tackle will simply sink.
Location
Float fishing is particularly effective in areas of calm water. Lakes, ponds and slow-moving rivers are all good choices for float fishing, where the float can remain stationary for long periods of time. In faster moving water, floats can still be used. Once cast, the float is allowed to be swept downstream by the current. The reel is then turned to stop the line, and tension on the line holds the float in place in the water. The lure or baited hook then trail behind the float.
Types of Fish
A variety of fish can be caught using float-fishing techniques. Panfish, such as blue gills, crappies and perch can all be caught with this method. Larger game fish such as trout, salmon, largemouth bass, walleye and northern pike can also be caught using this technique.
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