Float Fishing Rig Guide

Popular Rigs for Float Fishing on Rivers and Still Waters

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

Copyright 2016 TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

All rights reserved.

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................1
FLOAT RIGS FOR STILLWATERS.......................................................................................................2
BASIC MARGIN AND MEDIUM RANGE FLOAT RIG..........................................................................2
BASIC MEDIUM TO LONG RANGE FLOAT RIG..................................................................................3
LIFT METHOD FLOAT RIG FOR TENCH AND BREAM........................................................................4
PELLET WAGGLER FLOAT RIG FOR SUB-SURFACE CARP FISHING....................................................5
FLOAT RIGS FOR RIVERS.................................................................................................................6
BASIC TROTTING FLOAT RIG............................................................................................................6
FAST WATER FLOAT RIG..................................................................................................................7
DEEP MODERATELY PACED RIVER FLOAT RIG.................................................................................8
FAST FLOWING SHALLOW RIVER FLOAT RIG...................................................................................9
FAR BANK AND UPSTREAM WIND FLOAT RIG...............................................................................10
LONG RANGE FLOAT RIG...............................................................................................................11
FLOATS AVAILABLE FROM TRADITIONALFISHINGFLOATS.CO.UK..................................................12
TRADITIONAL RANGE.................................................................................................................... 12
CLASSIC RANGE............................................................................................................................. 14
FURTHER READING......................................................................................................................16
ABOUT TRADITIONALFISHINGFLOATS.CO.UK...............................................................................18
DISCOUNT VOUCHER...................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
This short guide contains details of 10 popular float rigs for river and still
water fishing.
Included for each rig are:
Instructions on setting up and shotting the rig.
A diagram of the constructed rig.
Tips and advice on using the rig.
Float patterns available from TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk that are
suitable to use with the rig.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

FLOAT RIGS FOR STILLWATERS

BASIC MARGIN AND MEDIUM RANGE FLOAT RIG
A sensitive rig that can catch fish at all depths.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The bulk of the shot required to set the float
should be used to lock it on to the line.
Smaller shots, number 6 or number 8, are
spaced evenly down the line, finishing with
a number 8 or number 10 dropper shot 5 to
10 inches from the hook.
Strike at any indication that the float is not settling in the
water.
If bites occur soon after you have cast the float, these will
often not result in the float being pulled under, but
instead it may move across the surface or appear to have
stopped settling.
If you find that you are getting bites only after the float
has settled, you can increase the rate at which the hook
bait falls by moving the shot nearer the hook.
Similarly, shot can be moved nearer to the float if the fish
are feeding higher in the water.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Traditional Insert Reed Waggler
Victorian Stepped Reed Waggler
Classic Insert Waggler
Classic Sensitive Still Water Antenna

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

BASIC MEDIUM TO LONG RANGE FLOAT RIG

An ideal rig for long range fishing when there is a
tow or strong ripple on the water.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The bulk of the shot required to set the float
should be used to lock it on to the line.
Smaller shots, number 6 or number 8, are
bulked below half depth finishing with a
number 8 or number 10 dropper shot 5 to
10 inches (12 to 25 cm) from the hook.
The thicker tip helps to prevent the float from dragging
under when fishing over depth and is more visible than
the thinner tip of the bodied insert waggler.
If you find that you are getting bites 'on the drop' the shot
can be moved further up the line or spaced out to provide
a slower sinking hookbait.
There are occasions when fish are feeding on the bottom
and will only take a static bait. If tow is causing the float to
drift, this can be overcome by fishing over depth with one
or two shots lying on the bottom.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Traditional Balsa and Cane Antenna
Traditional Balsa and Quill Antenna
Traditional Victorian Stepped Reed Antenna
Classic Bodied Waggler / Antenna

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

LIFT METHOD FLOAT RIG FOR TENCH AND BREAM

An effective rig for bottom feeding fish such as
tench and bream.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The float is locked on to the line using two
small shots. A single shot, large enough to
set the float, is placed 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15
cm) from the hook.
The depth must be accurately plumbed so that when the
large shot is sitting on the bottom of the water, only the
very top of the float is visible.
Bottom feeding fish may not move far after picking up the
hook bait, so a bite may not be seen using a standard
waggler rig.
When a fish takes the bait, the shot will be lifted off the
bottom and the float will come up in the water signaling
the bite.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Traditional Slim Reed Waggler
Classic Straight Waggler
Classic Slim Straight Waggler

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

PELLET WAGGLER FLOAT RIG FOR SUB-SURFACE CARP FISHING

A rig for fishing near the surface on commercial
carp fisheries.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The hook length is attached to the main line
using a small swivel to avoid line twist.
All of the shot required to set the float is
used to lock it on the line by placing equal
numbers of shot either side of the float.
Normally used with hair rigs to fish with banded or drilled
pellets as the bait.
As large shots are required, some anglers place thin silicon
tubing either side of the float and attach the shot to the
tubing to avoid the shot damaging the line.
A depth of around 2 feet (60 cm) is a good starting point,
but be prepared to adjust this until you find the depth at
which the fish are feeding.
Flicking the rod tip to move the float every 30 seconds or
so will lift the bait and cause a disturbance which may
induce a bite.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Classic Pellet Waggler
Classic Dumpy Bodied Waggler

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

FLOAT RIGS FOR RIVERS

BASIC TROTTING FLOAT RIG
A rig for medium paced rivers up to 7 feet deep.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The float is attached to the top and bottom
of the float by silicon tubing at the top and
either silicon tubing or an eye attached to
the bottom.
The shot required to set the float is made up
of several shots, size 4, 6 or 8 depending on
the capacity of the float, spaced evenly
down the line.
The float should be allowed to travel through the swim at
the speed of the current. Mend the line as necessary to
keep a straight line to the float so it is not dragged or
pulled out of position by the current.
Bites can sometimes be induced by holding back the float
momentarily from time to time so the bait lifts in the
water.
Bunch the shots together if a slower or faster falling bait is
required.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Traditional Single Goose Quill
Traditional Victorian Plugged Quill
Traditional Roach Float

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

FAST WATER FLOAT RIG

A rig for fast flowing rivers.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The float is attached to the line using two
pieces of silicon tubing.
The shot required to set the float is made up
of bunches of shots spaced evenly down the
lower half of the line. Depending on the
shot capacity of the float and the speed of
the current, quite large shots, up to number
1 or BB may be required.
For very fast flows where the fish are feeding very close to
the bottom, it may be necessary to bunch all of the shots
together a few inches above the dropper shot.
The float should be controlled through the swim usually at
the speed of the current, but it can sometimes be
effective to release line under tension so the float travels
slightly slower.
Mend the line as necessary to keep a straight line to the
float so it is not dragged or pulled out of position by the
current.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Traditional Double Goose Quill
Traditional Victorian Plugged Quill
Traditional Roach Float

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

DEEP MODERATELY PACED RIVER FLOAT RIG

A rig for fishing at close to medium range in deep
rivers with a medium to fast flow.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The float is attached to the line using three
pieces of silicon tubing placed at the top
and bottom of the float and just below the
body.
Shotting consists of a bunch of large shot,
AAA or BB depending on the shotting
capacity of the float, about 2 feet (30 cm)
from the hook, and a smaller dropper shot.
On entering the water, the bulk of large shot will quickly
take the hook bait to the bottom and the float is them
allowed to move through the swim at the speed of the
current.
Mend the line as necessary to keep a straight line to the
float so it is not dragged or pulled out of position by the
current.
Bites can sometimes be induced by slowing down the float
or holding it back momentarily from time to time so the bait lifts in the water.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Traditional Crow Quill Avon
Classic Balsa and Cane Avon

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

FAST FLOWING SHALLOW RIVER FLOAT RIG

A rig for fishing fast flowing shallow rivers with
large baits such as worms and bread.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
The float is attached to the line using two
pieces of silicon tubing.
The shot required to set the float is made up
of a single bunch of large shot, AAA or SSG
depending on the shot carrying capacity of
the float, with a single dropper, number 4 or
number 6, near the hook.
The float should be controlled through the swim usually at
the speed of the current, but it can sometimes be
effective to release line under tension so the float travels
slightly slower.
Mend the line as necessary to keep a straight line to the
float so it is not dragged or pulled out of position by the
current.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Classic Chubber
Traditional Double Goose Quill

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

FAR BANK AND UPSTREAM WIND FLOAT RIG

A rig for medium to fast flowing rivers where a
downstream wind prevents use of a float attached
'top and bottom'.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
Most of the shot required to set the float is
used to lock it on the line at the base.
The remaining shot is made up of number 6
or number 8 shots spaced evenly down the
line, one shot for every two feet of depth,
plus a number 8 dropper shot.
The float needs to travel through the swim naturally at the
speed of the current, but the technique of mending the
line used with floats attached top and bottom would drag
the float under.
Instead, allow a bow to form between the rod tip and float
and feed the bow by paying out enough line to allow the
float to move unhindered down the swim.
A powerful strike is required with this method as you have
to recover all of the line in the bow before making contact
with the fish.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Traditional Thick Reed Waggler
Classic Straight Waggler
Classic Thick Straight Waggler

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

10

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

LONG RANGE FLOAT RIG

A rig for medium to fast flowing rivers where a
long cast is required.
HOW TO SET UP THE RIG
Most of the shot required to set the float is
used to lock it on the line at the base.
The remaining shot is made up of number 4
shots spaced evenly down the line, one shot
for every two feet of depth, plus a number 6
dropper shot.
The float needs to travel through the swim naturally at the
speed of the current. Due to the extra thickness and
buoyancy of this float, mending the line is usually
possible without moving the float out of position.
If conditions make mending the line difficult on the day,
allow a bow to form between the rod tip and float and
feed the bow by paying out enough line to allow the float
to move unhindered down the swim.

SUITABLE FLOATS FROM THE TRADITIONAL FISHING FLOATS RANGE

Classic Pellet Waggler
Traditional Thick Reed Waggler
Classic Thick Straight Waggler

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

11

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

FLOATS AVAILABLE FROM TRADITIONALFISHINGFLOATS.CO.UK

TRADITIONAL RANGE
A range of floats for river and still water fishing made to traditional designs
with natural materials. All floats incorporate a whipped eye at the base.
Prices start from just 2.00 per float.
Crow Quill Avons
Traditional spiral whipped balsa and crow quill Avons, perfect for
deep or fast flowing swims.

Single Goose Quills

Classic spiral whipped goose quills for general trotting work. A
traditional alternative to the modern stick float.

Double Goose Quills

Spiral whipped double goose quills. Ideal for pacier swims where you
need to use more shot to get the bait down to the fish. A traditional
alternative to the modern balsa float.

Roach Floats
Traditional floats for light and medium trotting work on rivers.

Victorian Quill and Cane Plugged Floats

Based on a classic Victorian design, these attractive floats can be
used as an alternative to a heavy stick float or light balsa float.

Thick Reed Wagglers

Thick reed wagglers for distance fishing and difficult conditions such
as a strong upstream wind.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

12

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

Balsa and Cane Antennas

Traditional balsa and cane antennas, perfect for medium and long
range fishing on still water fisheries.

Sensitive Balsa and Quill Antennas

Traditional balsa and quill antennas, perfect for shy biting fish such
as crucians.

Victorian Stepped Reed Antennas

Based on a Victorian design, these attractive stepped reed antenna
floats are perfect for use on stillwater fisheries.

Slim Reed Wagglers

Traditional slim reed wagglers, perfect for margin and medium to
long range fishing on still water fisheries.

Insert Reed Wagglers

Traditional insert reed wagglers, perfect for margin and medium to
long range fishing on still water fisheries.

Victorian Stepped Reed Wagglers

Based on a Victorian design, these attractive stepped reed waggler
floats are perfect for margin and medium to long range fishing on
still water fisheries.

Stepped Reed Margin / Stalkers

Traditional stepped reed floats designed for margin and stalking
work on still water fisheries.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

13

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

CLASSIC RANGE
A range of classic floats based on proven and popular designs. The floats in
this range are made to the same standards as our traditional range, but
with less decoration and most incorporate a plastic eye, compatible with
modern silicon float adapters. Prices start from just 0.85 per float.
Pellet Wagglers
Short buoyant wagglers, ideal for fishing up in the water on
commercial carp fisheries.

Dumpy Bodied Wagglers

Bodied wagglers with a short stem, ideal for fishing up in the water
on commercial carp fisheries when more sensitivity than a standard
pellet waggler is needed.

Balsa and Cane Avons

Classic balsa and cane Avons, perfect for deep or fast flowing
swims.

Chubbers
Ideal for fishing fast flowing shallow rivers with large baits such as
worms and bread.

Trent Trotters
Based on the Trent trotter designed by Billy Lane, the first English
world freshwater champion, for fishing shallow swims on the river
Trent.

Margin Stalkers
Small stepped reed floats designed for margin and stalking work on
still water fisheries.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

14

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

Still Water Darts

Based on the canal dart designed by Billy Lane, the first English
world freshwater champion, this sensitive still water float is ideal for
detecting the shyest bites when fishing light.

Insert Wagglers
Straight wagglers with a 3mm insert tip. Ideal for conditions where a
more sensitive float is needed, such as fishing on the drop.

Straight Wagglers
A good all round waggler for stillwater and river fishing. Made with
a 5mm body diameter.

Slim Straight Wagglers

A slim version of the straight waggler for extra sensitivity. Made
with a 4.5mm body diameter.

Thick Straight Wagglers

Thick straight wagglers with a 6mm body, ideal for pellet fishing and
where a heavier float is needed such as far bank river fishing.

Bodied Wagglers / Antennas

Wagglers with a 3mm cane stem and balsa body. A sensitive float
that is perfect for medium and long range fishing on still water
fisheries.

Sensitive Stillwater Antennas

Antennas with a 2mm cane stem and balsa body. An ultra sensitive
float that is ideal for shy biting fish on still water fisheries.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

15

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

FURTHER READING
If you have enjoyed this short guide and found it helpful you may be
interested in our more detailed guides which are available both in print
and for the Amazon Kindle.
FLOAT FISHING TACKLE AND TECHNIQUES FOR STILLWATERS AND RIVERS
Whether your preference is for large or small still water
fisheries, deep slow moving rivers or small and overgrown
rivers and streams, this book will provide you with all the
information and guidance on tackle, floats, techniques and
shotting patterns that you need, to learn and enjoy float
fishing.
RIGS AND KNOTS FOR COARSE AND CARP FISHING
This book is a handy pocket guide to the various float rigs,
leger rigs and knots that an angler needs to know to catch
coarse fish in a variety of still waters and rivers. Diagrams
and instructions for tying essential knots for making loops,
joining line, tying hooks and making hair rigs are included.
FISHING SMALL RIVERS AND STREAMS
Fishing small rivers and streams doesn't mean only catching
small fish!
In this fully illustrated colour guide the author draws on over
40 years of coarse fishing experience to explain the tackle,
tactics and bait needed to catch a variety of fish including
barbel, chub, dace, roach and pike from small rivers and streams.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

16

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO CARP FISHING FOR BEGINNERS

This full colour illustrated guide to carp fishing contains
everything the beginner needs to know, from buying the
right tackle and choosing the best type of carp water for a
beginner, to the tackle, baits and techniques that will make
you a successful carp angler.
THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO COARSE FISHING
This comprehensive guide for beginners is packed with
information about tackle, rigs, baits and the different species
of fish you can catch in British waters.

THE ANGLER'S BOOK OF BRITISH FRESHWATER FISH

This book is a reference guide for anglers to the many species
of freshwater fish that can be caught the British Isles.
Colour illustrations, descriptions and record weights of all
species currently listed in the official records are provided,
together with information on distribution, habitat, baits and
fishing methods.
MAKE YOUR OWN TRADITIONAL FISHING TACKLE
The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with the
information needed to produce a range of traditional fishing
tackle items that not only work, but look good too. There can
be a lot of satisfaction in using traditional fishing tackle and
methods, and if you are using tackle that you have made
yourself, the satisfaction can be that much more.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

17

FLOAT FISHING RIG GUIDE

ABOUT TRADITIONALFISHINGFLOATS.CO.UK
We supply a range of classic and traditional handmade floats, with prices
starting at just 85p per float.
All our floats are handmade in the UK and can be customised to your
specifications. We can also make floats to your personal specifications and
it may also be possible to make replicas of existing floats if you have a
favourite float that has worn out or broken, or you want floats in different
sizes to complete a set.
Floats are made to order and are usually ready within one week.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.traditionalfishingfloats.co.uk/.

DISCOUNT VOUCHER
Enter the code:

RIGGUIDE05
In the shopping cart at TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk
to get a discount of 5% off your total order.

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and special offers.

TraditionalFishingFloats.co.uk

18