Floats

Float Fishing: Types, Techniques, and Key Features

Float fishing can be practiced in both freshwater and saltwater, using floats made of balsa wood or other materials. Whether you’re fishing in a holding position or drifting with the current, understanding the different types of floats and their specific functions is crucial. In this category, you’ll find a wide selection of floats designed for various techniques—from fixed or sliding types to piombato (weighted) and luminous options—to help you fish effectively in a range of conditions.

Why Floats Are Essential

A float is indispensable for techniques like bolognese or English fishing, both in fresh and saltwater. Although seemingly simple, floats come in numerous shapes and forms. Each float consists of:

• A body, typically made of balsa or other buoyant materials.
• A stem or keel, the lower part that helps set the float’s depth once attached to the line.
• An antenna at the top for visibility and bite indication.

Among the various floats, you’ll find fixed models, sliding types, weighted floats for long-distance casts, English waggler floats, and luminous floats for low-light conditions.

Types of Floats

Fixed Float

• Definition: This float is set at a desired depth on the line based on where you want the bait to work.
• Shapes:
  • Inverted Teardrop: A great balance between stability and sensitivity for detecting bites.
  • Teardrop: Similar to the inverted teardrop but used upside down, excellent for trotting in moving water due to stable performance in currents.
  • Spindle or Fuselike: Perfect for calm waters and cautious fish, offering superior sensitivity.
  • Round or Spherical: Ideal for windy or choppy conditions; very stable in rough water.

Sliding Float

• Definition: This float moves freely on the line until stopped by two stoppers, making it easier to fish at depths greater than the length of the rod.
• Variants:
  • English Waggler: Often partially weighted, featuring a bulbous or straight design. Tarable with split shot or torpilles, and recommended for windy conditions when fishing in the English style.
  • Weighted Float (Piombato): Ranging from 3 g to 40 g, ideal for reaching distant spots, with pre-inserted weights in the balsa or cork body.

Luminous Float

• Definition: Designed for night fishing, featuring a hollow, transparent body housing a small LED that illuminates the float when activated, ensuring clear visibility after dark.

Choosing the Right Float

1. Weight and Shape: Determines stability in the presence of wind, waves, or currents, and influences casting distance.
2. Material: Balsa, cork, or modern composite materials provide different buoyancy and durability characteristics.
3. Configuration (fixed, sliding, weighted, luminous): Each type addresses specific depth, distance, and visibility needs.

Conclusion

Within our float fishing collection, you’ll find solutions suited to every technique and fishing environment: from coarse fishing in lakes or rivers to sea fishing off beaches or piers. Choose the float that best meets your needs and enjoy a more precise and rewarding fishing experience.