Float Rig Diagram & Gear List

A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

Also known as: Waggler Rig (GB, IE), Stick Float Rig (GB, IE)

Where to use it: pier, jetty, boat, kayak, river, lake
Difficulty: intermediate

Gear List

main Line8-15 lb monofilament running through the float
leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
leader Length18-24in from the float to the hook, shorten in clear water, lengthen in off-color water
hook Range3/0 - 4/0 for salmon tied with an egg loop, #4 - #1 for panfish, #8 - #6 for jacksmelt on a multi-hook leader
weight TypeSmall split shot on the leader, just enough to cock the float upright
sinker Drop LengthShot placed 8-12in above the hook, or spaced 2in apart in a cluster halfway down the leader for salmon
swivelBobber stop and bead above a small barrel swivel

How to tie the Float Rig

Thread the float onto the main line, or fix a waggler with shot either side of its base.
Set depth with a bobber stop and bead, then tie on a small barrel swivel and leader.
Pinch split shot onto the line until only the float tip shows above the surface.
Tie on the hook, bait it, and let the float carry the bait through the swim.

When and where it works best

Fish holding off bottom, current seams in rivers, and calm pier or harbour water.

Is the Float Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Pier Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Float Rig good for?

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Float Rig?

A 8-15 lb monofilament running through the float main line, a 15-25 lb fluorocarbon leader (18-24in from the float to the hook, shorten in clear water, lengthen in off-color water), a 3/0 - 4/0 for salmon tied with an egg loop, #4 - #1 for panfish, #8 - #6 for jacksmelt on a multi-hook leader hook, and a Small split shot on the leader, just enough to cock the float upright. Full gear list is above.

What is a Float Rig best for?

The Float Rig works best for pier, jetty, boat, kayak, river, lake fishing, and is a recommended setup for Chinook (King) Salmon, Jacksmelt, Black Crappie, Bluegill. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Float Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.