Stick Float
A slim river float fished top-and-bottom for 'trotting' - running a bait downstream at current speed under total control. The classic running-water float.
On flowing water the stick float is king. Slim, buoyant-topped and dense-bottomed, it's fished attached top-and-bottom so you can hold it back, ease it forward and 'trot' a bait down the swim at exactly the current's pace - the most natural presentation in river fishing. Roach, dace and chub fall to a well-run stick float and a trickle of loose feed drifting alongside.
What it is
A slim float (often wire-stemmed for stability) attached top-and-bottom, designed to be controlled through a downstream trot on flowing water.
When to use it
Trotting rivers for roach, dace, chub and grayling at close-to-medium range in steady flow; the go-to when you want a bait to travel naturally with the current.
How to set it up
Attach top-and-bottom with float rubbers; string the shot down the line (shirt-button style) for a slow natural fall. Trot it down, holding back gently so the bait leads ahead of the float.
Reading the bite
The tip buries or checks unnaturally as a fish intercepts the trotting bait; strike on any dip or hesitation that isn't the current.
Sizing & shotting
Sized by shot capacity and stem material; shirt-button shotting spreads bites through the drop. Bigger, wire-stemmed sticks for pushier water.
Mistakes with this float
Letting it run unchecked (bait drags below the float unnaturally), bulk-shotting when spread shot fishes better, and using it in water too fast or deep for a stick (Avon/bolo territory).
Float-fishing kit
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