Question 1

What rig do I need for sea float fishing?

Accepted Answer

A sliding float rig is the beginner's best friend. You thread a stop knot and bead onto your line, then the float, another bead, a small weight to cock it, a swivel and a short fluorocarbon trace to your hook. The stop knot lets you set exactly how deep your bait sits, so you can search the water until you find the feeding fish. Our pre-tied float kits take the guesswork out of setting one up.

Question 2

What are the best baits for float fishing?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your target. Ragworm and strips of mackerel are brilliant all-rounders for wrasse, bream and pollock. For mullet, soft bread flake or tiny harbour ragworm fished light works a treat. Peeler crab and limpets also score well over rocky ground. Keep baits small and fresh, and match the hook size to the bait rather than the fish.

Question 3

How deep should I set my float?

Accepted Answer

Start shallow, about a metre or two below the surface, then deepen gradually if nothing shows. Many mid-water species like garfish and mullet feed near the top, while wrasse and bream sit lower. The beauty of a sliding float is that you can keep adjusting the stop knot until bites come, so treat each session as a bit of gentle searching.

Question 4

What conditions suit float fishing best?

Accepted Answer

Calm to gently rippled water with reasonable clarity is ideal, as you need to see the float clearly. Float fishing also shines in deeper water close in, such as off piers, breakwaters and rock marks. A little tidal movement helps carry your bait naturally, but always check swell, wind and footing first, and keep children well back from the edge.

Question 5

What fish can I catch float fishing from the shore?

Accepted Answer

Plenty. Float fishing is a lovely way to target wrasse, pollock, garfish, mackerel, black bream, gilthead bream and both thick-lipped and golden grey mullet. It's a true mixed-bag method, which is part of the fun, you rarely know exactly what will take the bait next.

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Float Fishing

The essentials

Stay safe

Beginners Guide to Buying Sea Fishing Gear...

Sample Species to target using Float Fishing

Float Fishing Rigs

Float Fishing Tackle Pack

Which Bait?

Peeler Crabs

Frozen Sand Eel

Drop Nets

Worms