Pole floats

Pole, Ruba, Bolo floats

The float is arguably the most traditional form of indicator used in fishing, for detecting bites, signaling line movement, and implicitly the hook underwater. Additionally, the float serves other roles as well. It can keep bait suspended at a predetermined depth or transport the rig and bait to less accessible spots, especially when utilizing water or air currents.

Originally made from bird feathers, twigs, or pieces of wood, today fishing floats are constructed from a wide variety of materials ranging from classics like balsa wood or peacock feathers to modern options like plastic, fiberglass, or carbon.

The design of floats is extremely varied to match the fishing style practiced, the distances accessed, or even the type of water they are used in. Generally, floats used in river fishing will have a thicker body towards the top, while those used in ponds or lakes will have the thickest part of the body at the bottom of the float.

Floats can be attached to the fishing line at a single point or at several points, but there are also models where the line passes through the entire body of the float. Furthermore, some floats may have a keel made from heavy materials like stainless steel to stabilize the overall float - weight - hook and bait when fishing at greater depths or just above the substrate, while lighter materials like carbon or fiberglass can be beneficial in situations where we want to see any signals that might occur as the hook and bait descend through the water column to a predetermined depth.

When choosing a float, it's advisable to consider aspects such as the material it is made from, its shape, size, and weight, as well as factors like color, the material of the keel, how the float attaches to the fishing line, and whether it allows the use of starlite for fishing in low-light conditions.