Fishing floats, also known as bobbers or floats, are essential tools used by anglers to suspend bait at a predetermined depth in the water and detect fish bites.
They come in various sizes, types, and materials to cater to different fishing scenarios and target species.
Below, we have a comprehensive overview of fishing floats, covering their aspects.
Sizes
Fishing floats come in a range of sizes, from small to large. The size of the float you choose depends on the type of fish you’re targeting and the conditions of the water you’re fishing in. Smaller floats are suitable for smaller fish in calm waters, while larger floats are used for bigger fish in rougher waters.
Fish Specific
Different types of fish may require specific float designs. For example, certain species like mackerel are more sensitive to resistance, so anglers might use sensitive, lightweight floats. In contrast, anglers targeting larger, more aggressive fish might use larger, more buoyant floats.
Materials
Fishing floats are made from a variety of materials, each with its own set of advantages and characteristics.
Plastic
- Advantages: Plastic floats are lightweight, durable, and come in a wide range of colours and designs. They are easy to cast and retrieve and are less likely to break upon impact with water or rocks.
- Types: Plastic floats can be solid or hollow. Hollow plastic floats can be filled with water for added weight and stability.
Balsa Wood
- Advantages: Balsa wood floats are extremely buoyant and sensitive. They are highly responsive to even the slightest nibbles, making them ideal for detecting delicate bites from fish.
- Disadvantages: Balsa wood floats are not as durable as plastic floats and can be damaged easily, especially if they come into contact with sharp objects or heavy fish.
Cork
- Advantages: Cork floats are lightweight and natural, making them environmentally friendly. They are often used in fly fishing and for fishing in shallow waters where sensitivity is crucial.
- Disadvantages: Cork floats are not as durable as plastic floats and can deteriorate over time with exposure to water.
Foam
- Advantages: Foam floats are lightweight, inexpensive, and highly buoyant. They are commonly used for freshwater fishing and can be easily cut or shaped into various sizes and designs.
- Disadvantages: Foam floats may not be as sensitive as balsa wood floats, but they are more durable and cost-effective.
Composite Materials
- Advantages: Some modern floats are made from composite materials, which combine elements of plastic, wood, or foam. These floats often offer a balance between buoyancy, sensitivity, and durability.
- Disadvantages: The specific properties of composite floats depend on the materials used, so their advantages and disadvantages can vary.
When choosing a fishing float, anglers consider the characteristics of these materials in relation to the type of fishing they plan to do. For example, balsa wood floats are excellent for finesse angling in calm waters, while plastic or composite floats might be preferred for more robust conditions.
Additionally, the choice of material can also impact the visibility of the float in different lighting and water conditions. Brightly coloured plastic floats are highly visible, making them suitable for low-light situations, while natural materials like cork might be less visible but can be advantageous in clear, shallow waters.
Ultimately, the selection of the float material depends on the angler’s preferences, the target fish species, and the specific fishing environment. Each material offers a unique set of benefits, allowing anglers to tailor their choice based on the demands of their angling expedition.
Features
Visibility
Visibility is a crucial feature of fishing floats, especially when fishing in different light conditions or when there are significant ripples on the water’s surface.
Brightly coloured floats, such as red, orange, yellow, and chartreuse, are highly visible, even from a distance. High visibility ensures that anglers can detect any subtle movements or twitches, indicating fish activity or bites.
Some floats also come with reflective or glow-in-the-dark elements, making them visible during low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk.
Durability
Floats are exposed to water, weather elements, and the impact of fish bites, so they need to be durable.
Modern floats are often made from high-quality, sturdy plastic materials that can withstand rough use. Durability ensures that the float remains functional and intact after multiple uses, making it a long-lasting investment for anglers.
Some floats are also coated with additional layers to enhance their resistance to water damage and UV radiation.
Attachment Points
Attachment points on floats are designed to securely hold the line in place. These attachment points can vary in design, with some floats having simple holes through which the line is threaded, while others feature clips, swivels, or rubber bands for quick and easy attachment.
The attachment point’s design influences how easily the float can be set up or adjusted and how securely it holds the line, preventing accidental slips or breakages during casting or when reeling in a catch.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity in floats refers to how well the float can detect subtle movements or bites from fish. Floats designed for high sensitivity are often made from lightweight materials, such as balsa wood, and have a streamlined shape.
These floats are highly responsive to even the slightest touch, making them ideal for detecting cautious bites, especially from species that tend to nibble gently on the bait.
Anglers who target finicky or easily spooked fish, such as trout or crappie, often prefer highly sensitive floats to improve their chances of detecting bites promptly.
Visibility, durability, attachment points, and sensitivity of floats are crucial features that enhance their functionality and effectiveness. Anglers consider these features when choosing the right floats for specific angling conditions, ensuring they can detect bites accurately and improve their overall fishing experience.
Types
Pencil Floats
Pencil floats are long, cylindrical floats that resemble pencils, hence the name. They are slender and provide minimal water resistance, making them ideal for fishing in choppy waters or areas with moderate currents.
Pencil floats offer excellent stability in rough conditions, allowing anglers to detect subtle bites from fish without the float bobbing excessively. These floats are commonly used in sea fishing, where anglers target species like mackerel, bass, and garfish.
They come in various sizes, allowing anglers to choose the appropriate float based on the target species and fishing conditions.
Bubble Floats
Bubble floats are clear, spherical floats that have a hollow interior partially filled with water. This design provides weight for casting while allowing the float to sit upright in the water.
The partially filled water chamber gives the float stability, making it an excellent choice for still or slow-moving waters like ponds and lakes. Bubble floats are versatile and can be used for various fish species.
Anglers often use them with live bait or suspended artificial lures to entice fish swimming at different depths.
Clear Floats
Clear floats are made from transparent materials, making them less visible to fish. They are often used in clear or shallow waters where fish might be easily spooked by brightly coloured floats.
Each type of float has its unique characteristics, making them suitable for specific angling scenarios and personal preferences. Anglers often experiment with different types and sizes of floats to find the most effective and enjoyable setup for their fishing experiences.
Weight
Floats come in various weights to match different fishing situations. Lighter floats are suitable for calm waters and smaller fish, while heavier floats are used in rougher waters or when targeting larger fish that require more casting distance.
Fishing floats are versatile tools with various sizes, designs, and materials to suit different angling conditions and target species. Anglers choose floats based on factors like fish species, water conditions, and personal preferences to optimise their angling experience.