Loaded / Self-Cocking Float

A loaded float carries its own ballast: a weight moulded into the base so it rides upright on its own with little or no split shot on the line. That does two useful things - it casts a light rig much further than an unweighted float (the weight is in the float, not strung down the line), and it removes most of the fiddly shotting, which makes it a brilliant beginner and margin float. Add a dropper shot near the hook and you're fishing.

What it is

A float with internal ballast in the base so it self-cocks upright using little or no line shot, easing casting and shotting.

When to use it

Beginners and simple stillwater sessions, casting light baits farther than an unloaded float allows, margin and surface work, and any time you want to minimise fiddly shotting.

How to set it up

Fix or slide it on; because it's pre-weighted, add only a small dropper shot near the hook to fine-tune and slow the fall. Cast - the built-in weight loads the rod nicely.

Reading the bite

The tip dips or slides away just like any float; loaded floats often ride a touch higher, so watch for the positive take and lift.

Sizing & shotting

Choose the load rating for the distance and conditions; add minimal dropper shot only - over-shotting a loaded float sinks it.

Common mistakes

Adding as much shot as an unloaded float (it sinks), assuming the load replaces all finesse (a dropper shot still helps bite registration), and using it where a fully-shotted waggler would show finer bites.