The Waggler - The Most Common Float Used in Still Water Float Fishing.
Unless I'm float fishing a hair rig, I always like to use the smallest float I can get away with. This means I can get maximum sensitivity, which results in more fish. This means I also like to keep line strength and hook size as low as possible.
Waggler floats come in many different sizes and varieties. Which to use is dictated to by conditions such as wind, depth of water and the distance you are fishing at. Some are "self-cockers" that have weight built into the base of the float, so they only need a few very small shot to lock them in place and sink the hook. Some are called "crystal wagglers" which means nothing more that they are made out of clear plastic.
They can be broadly grouped into three types, that are listed below.
Different Types of Waggler
1 - Insert Waggler:
A straight waggler float with an insert at the top, of thinner diameter and sometimes made of material that doesn't float. This is to give it maximum sensitivety, so it needs shotting down so that only part of the insert is above water.
2 - Straight Waggler:
Not as sensitive as the insert waggler. Better for windy days, waters that have a fair amount of undertow and those of us with failing eyesight.
3 - Bodied Waggler:
These floats have a built up body at the base of the float, so it will carry more weight. This enables the float to be cast a greater distance. It's extra weight carrying capacity can also be used in rough conditions to help keep the float stable
Attaching Waggler Floats to the Line.
The photograph on the right shows the bottom end of a waggler, as can be seen there is a small hole or eye at the end. The line is threaded through this eye and locked either side with split shot. Please don't do the following:
1 - Tie the float to the line to keep it in place.
If you do this you will not be able to move the float up and down to alter the depth. Depending on the way the knot is tied, you could have a weak spot which could cost you a good fish.
2 - Use a float rubber.
Float rubbers are great for attaching stick floats when trotting down a river, but not for attaching wagglers. Wagglers should be attached at the bottom end only, by locking in place with shot. Not by the line going through a float rubber at the top and then through the eye at the bottom.
Locking the Waggler in Place.
This is not the way to lock a waggler on the line, it's amazing how many times I see it done. Here the bulk split shot are spead out all over the place, for no reason.
It looks untidy, makes the float rig more prone to tangles and it will not cast anywhere near as far.
When adding shot to a rig, always say to yourself, why am I putting this shot here. It will help your fishing improve.
The picture above is the correct way to lock a waggler on the line. The bulk of the shot is place either side of the float, the weights are bunched together, so they touch. Notice that there is a slight gap between the 2 groups, this allows the float to sit naturaly in the water.
Placing the bulk of the shot together like this also provides more weight for casting. Always keep rigs as simple as possible
Presenting the Float Correctly.
It is important that the float is dotted down in the water as much as possible. This means that the fish feel less resistance and the float shows bites much more positively. It's amazing how many "light houses" I see sticking well out of the water.
Of coarse you have to bear in mind the conditions and how good your eye sight is. I always fish with the float right down, but not so far down that I struggle to see it. I don't fish matches, so I'd rather miss a few fish that screwing my eyes up all day to try and see the float.
Sink the Line Between the Rod Tip and the Waggler.
The above drawing shows why wagglers are attached bottom end only. When you cast out you need to sink the line between the float and the rod top. This prevents the line being blown about by the wind, or any water surface drift and moving your float.
The best way to do this is to cast out, tighten the line to the float slightly, bury the rod tip beneath the water 2 or so inches and quickly strike upwards. With practice you will be able to sink the line in one movement. Take care if you have a delicate bait on the hook, or you may well strike it off.
It also helps to soak your line in a dilute solution of washing up liquid. I carry a small spray bottle with some in, if I have difficulty I just spray some on the line. This way you will find the line almost sinks at once if you wind in a little, without having to strike upwards. This is an excellent method for delicate baits, that could easily come of the hook
I just want to add that there are times when you don't want the line to sink. For example if it's a sunny, windless day and you are fishing "on the drop".