Australian Coarse Fishing - Float Fishing: Stillwater - Waggler Floats

Waggler floats are designed for fishing stillwaters such as lakes and dams but can also be used in slow-moving rivers or estuaries. The key feature of waggler floats is that they are attached to the line only at the bottom of the float (see diagram). They come in various lengths and weights, and their streamlined shape allows for long-distance casting with minimal splash—a significant advantage when trout fishing, as they won’t spook surface-cruising fish.

The idea is to first plum the depth todetermine where you want to startfishing. Then decide on the tpe offoat you want to use depending on theconditions at the time. ie:a heavierfloat for casting long distances or maybe a longer float to give greatelstability in very windy conditions.

Having decided where to fish and which float to use the line is threadedthrough a float change adaptor (seeFloat change Adaptordiagram). The advantage of usingone of these is that you can changeyour float easily if you need to.should conditions change, withouthaving to completely break the rigdown and start again.The waggler float should be lockedonto the line by placing split shoteither side of the float to lock it intoposition.

Always remember to have at leastthree quarters of the weight in split shot required to cock the floataround the base of the float with the rest of the split shot below thehalfway mark between the base of the float and the hook. as this helpsprevent tangles when casting.

CASTING THE WAGGLER FLOAT

The rod and tackle should be cast in an overhead action with the float being cast a couple of metres past the spot where you want to fish and just before the float hits the water, feather the line from the reel (by this I mean trap the line as it leaves the reel with one finger). This will ensure that by stopping the float, the line below the float will not tangle around the float itself.

The idea of casting past the area you want to fish is that as soon as the float hits the water you must submerge the rod tip in the water and quickly wind the float back to the area you want to fish, then place the rod onto two rod rests with the tip of the rod still under the water (see diagram).

By sinking the line like this, wind and wave action will have almost no effect on the float, which enables you to fish the float in one spot and keep it there.
The advantages of being able to fish a float in a given position and keep it there are that you can fish baits over a groundbaited area, or keep a bait in one position and loose feed over the top of the float. With only the tip of the float above the water waggler floats will register the slightest of bites with almost no resistance to the fish.

Tip: To help sink your line simply place the spool in a bowl of dishwashing liquid the night before you go fishing. This dissolves any dirt or residue on the line, allowing it to sink easily.

Tip: Carry a couple of textas in your tackle box for changing the colour of your float tips. Black is often the easiest colour to see in many light conditions.

THE LIFT BITE!
One type of bite which cannot be seen with other types of floats is called the 'lift bite'. Pressure is 'lifted' off the split shot on the bottom as the fish picks up the bait and the float actually rises up in the water. This type of bite is impossible to see using conventional floats such as bubble floats.
Whether fishing mudeyes, maggots, worms or whatever, the waggler float is, without doubt, the most effective way of float fishing in stillwaters.

Always use a finer breaking strain under the float: Reasons!
Better bait presentation and if snagged you'll get your float back!

Always remember to use the lightest float possible that conditions allow and don't be afraid to change the float if conditions change.

When fishing crystal clear waters use a clear plastic waggler float. Clear floats cast almost no shadow and are less likely to spook fish.