More sensitive floats, that is floats with finer tips, are required for lake and canal fishing than for river fishing, the reason being that when a float is fished in moving water the flow of the current will cause the float to ‘go under’ or sink when a fish takes the bait. In still water, such as lakes and canals, it is the fish alone that causes the float to ‘go under’ so a sensitive tip is required to give the least resistance.
A range of straight floats with sensitive tips that are designed to be attached to the line just at the bottom will cover most Stillwater situations. When fishing close to the bank and long casting is not required, small thin floats will be suitable whilst for situations that require long casting to reach the fish, such as on larger lakes or in windy conditions, a thicker float, or one with a buoyant body will be necessary.
These floats are known as ‘Insert Wagglers’ and ‘Bodied Insert Wagglers’ and a range covering lengths from 5 to 9 inches (12 to 23cm) carrying shot between 2AAA and 6AAA will be enough to begin with.