For river fishing, purchase a float that can be rigged “top and bottom” with silicone tubing sleeves (float caps) or a peg-style float where the line can be pegged through the centre.  These types of floats will keep the line above the water, allowing the float to be checked or held-back without pulling under.  When fishing water that is deeper than the length of your rod, it is necessary to run a slip float to get your bait to the bottom. Use a float stop to set the depth and bulk the shot together to get the bait down quickly.

Selecting Gear
Diameter and carrying capacity: The larger the diameter, the more buoyant and stable the float will be in the current.  The greater the carrying capacity (marked in grams or number of split shots) the farther you can cast, the deeper you can fish and the better it will track as it trots down river.  For large baits, select a float size that will be able to carry enough weight to quickly drop the bait down to the bottom.

Tip size: The resistance that fish feel while taking the bait is a combination of the amount of tip above the water and the total weight of the float and shots.  The more tip showing above the water line, the more resistant the float will be to undertow and the better it will track.  If the float pulls under too much in the current, changing to a float with a larger tip will help. If the fish are hitting lightly and dropping the bait, use a smaller float, as a float with a large tip will be less sensitive to striking fish.

Colour: Floats with dark, matte bodies will blend well with river debris, such as leaves and sticks.  Clear or light bodied floats blend in with the sky when seen from below, creating a less distinct silhouette.