Fishing Floats - Are They Still Effective? by Tim Beachum

Fishing floats also referred to as fishing bobbers, have been around for years. Most experienced anglers understand that this device serves two prongs. Primarily anglers use this device to control the depth at which they fish their bait. The second use for this device is to alert anglers when a fish has taken the bait. The angler knows this has happen because the float will disappeared from site, do to the fact that the fish has taken it under water. This action lets the angler know that it is time to set the hook.

A favorite among anglers is the skinny, long float, which is most commonly used to fish coarse type waters. In still waters it is recommended that you use a thin tube style fishing bobber made of plastic - most fishing enthusiast refer to this style float/bobber as a waggler.

Then there is the third fishing float which is extremely popular among fishing circles that is known as an avon bobber or float. To the new fisher (person) this piece of equipment can be identified by its oval shape, and hollow top. The avon was specifically designed to be cast further than its counter parts.

One of my favorite types of float are the ones that allow you directional control. If you are on a river, and the current is not to fast, you can use this float to move your bait down stream, left or right. Having this type of control will allow you to reach areas of the river that you may not have otherwise been able to access. Most anglers will use this type of lure to fish under docks etc...

Who does not remember sitting with eyes glued to that fishing bobber as a child. The excitement was unbearable! After looking for a few minutes your eyes began to play tricks on you and you thought that you seen the bobber wiggle a little. Years later I still have that feeling as I fish with my son. Although fishing floats have changed over the years the emotion has not.

Since my childhood floats are now manufactured in more color, shapes and sizes, some anglers have even developed different techniques for rigging up the floats. Underneath all the fancy new designs and techniques, the job of fishing floats still remain the same.

Fishing Float Basics

I want to take a moment to share a few basics that will ensure you a great fishing experience. When using a float you should choose a size large enough to support the type of bait and weight that you are using. You can tell if you have everything right because only the top of the float will show once you have cast.

When adding a leader you want to ensure that it is light, this will avoid frightening the fish. You should use the type of bait that will sink once the bobber hits the water, it should dangle below the bobber. Another good tip is to check your hooks before leaving for your day of fishing, there is nothing like loosing that award winning fish because you have a weak or dull hook.