Choosing right fishing floats and bobbers

Matching the perfect float to the right condition is not a difficult task. Think of it this way; A typical NASCAR racing team will carry at least six different compounds of tires to the qualification day.
This allows the engineers and the driver to pick the right set of tires in order to find the best suitable grip and top speed for the track conditions. The tendency of weather and water conditions to change from spot to spot is the most common reason for anglers to own a wide selection of floats.

A typical set of our floats is designed for use in moving or still water conditions. That is why Expodex diverges from its competitors by caring an amazing variety of floats suited for all types of fishing conditions.

Each individual float is characteristically designed to outrival any water or weather circumstances.

Float style and size should be determined by waves, wind strength, the depth of the water, shyness of fish, current, its size and type of bait use and required casting distance.

Experimentation is the key to success in float fishing.

The most important principle in proper float selection is diameter. Larger diameter floats have a tendency to be more stable in the current.

Wider floats are great for riding over and through rough current. This allows for a very adequate and authentic presentation of the bait, unfortunately the use of wider body float may have a tendency to make it more resistant and less sensitive to fish strikes.

The key resolution to this problem is to use the thinnest flat that will perform effectively in current weather conditions, and the widest flat that will not give to much resistance to the biting fish.

The buoyancy or capacity is another principal in float selection. Expodex’s quality floats are typically indicated with the size number on the side of the float.

This allows the angler to select the most effective shot weight for the specific float. The quantity and weight of the shots used in balancing depends on float’s capacity.

The larger the float, the more shot is required to set it up properly in the water.

The addition of an extra shot allows larger floats to be cast further, to run the bait deeper and hold the bait down through faster water.

Unfortunately larger size flats offer more resistance, which in fact reduces sensitivity.

Float types come in many different sizes, colors and shapes to accommodate even the harshest conditions presented to the angler.

For years floats has been exposed to constant changes in fishing tactics and gone through a total evolution to accommodate the needs of an American angler. There are three main types of floats: the waggler, stick, and pole.

Waggler Floats

Without doubt the most used and versatile float in the tackle box today. The waggler is a float that is attached bottom end only. Because of its shape, it is capable of flying through the air like a dart and allows the angler to cast the float at great distances.

This type of float is fastened to the main line by way of either an eye or by rubbers and is locked by split shot on both sides. Depending on the fishing conditions, a waggler can be locked in one fixed position, or left free to slide up and down the line.

The waggler versatility allows it to be used for almost all forms of fishing. There are two types of waggler floats: the bodied and straight waggler. Both types of waggler float can be used for fast to slow, to deep, to shallow waters.

The waggler’s main advantage is its great sensitivity, ease of casting without tangling and ability to combat windy conditions. When fishing in choppy water, the extra buoyancy helps to stabilize the float, preventing the tip section from waving around too much.

This ultimately assists in greater bite detection. The body of the waggler acts as a stabilizer in windy habitat. It is an ideal type of float for shy biting fish, lift and the drop bites.

The shape of the body also affects the performance of the float. Wide body at the bottom portion of the wiggler gives more balance in choppy conditions and allows it to have a much visible and ideal presentation. Waggler float has by far the most diverse design.

When to use the waggler float:
• Still water or slow to medium paced rivers
• Turbulent water during windy conditions
• Choppy lake waters with medium to large size waves

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Stick Floats

The stick floats are attached top and bottom with rubber bands or rubber band at the top and through eyelet’s at the bottom. This holds the float in place, but allows the angler to easily allocate the float position along the line. Because these floats are fixed into position, they have limited use for fishing at depth. The advantage of using this float is that it can be immersed in the flow of the water against a tight line without the float submerging as the tide pulls on the trace.

Stick floats are designed for river fishing. The top portion of the float gives adequate buoyancy, while the bottom material acts as a stabilizing weight, preventing it form riding out of water when being held back.

The tendency to sit in a more upright position in the water allows it to be a perfect choice for choppy water conditions.

The stick floats offer less resistance to wind and water, they drift slower and cast farther, as well as respond quicker to light bites and give anglers a better chance to see the bite before the fish releases the bait.

When to use the stick float:
• Choppy and open water
• Running waters with strong drift
• River fishing

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Pole Floats

The pole floats are very small and do not require much weight to control stability. These floats are ultra sensitive.They range from many shapes and sizes, allowing anglers to fish most venue types. Each pattern of a pole float has been designed to do a specific job.

Using the correct float for a particular venue enables anglers to achieve a perfect presentation of the bait and therefore catch more fish. Pole floats tips are made from wire, nylon, balsa or cane. Float stems are usually made out of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber steams are very durable and heavy enough to give a float suitable stability. The pole floats are considerable by most professional fishermen as all around type of the float.

When to use a pole float:

• River fishing (float with the widest part of the body at the top)
• Fishing in windy conditions on still waters (float with the widest part of the body at the bottom)
• Fishing deep and shallow lakes and canals
• When fish are shy (float with slim body as they will indicate the most delicate bites)