Long before you can cast out a rod, you need to decide what species of fish you're targeting. This will determine line/hook length strength. For silver fish, use 6/8 elastic, 0.4g+ float, 16 hook, with 3lb/2lb main line/ hooklink. I generally use ready-made rigs these days; most of them are quite good quality and I don't have the bother of trying to use tiny shot, plus they usually have guidance shotting on the back. Otherwise attach your hooklink about 10/12inchs, loop to loop or using a water knot, placing your last shot no 11 above the hooklink, with your bulk shot midway between the dropper and the float.
Determine the Depth of your Water
How shallow you fish depends on the overall depth of the venue you are fishing, so before you start, you need to plummet the water to determine its depth. I work in thirds. That is to say six feet deep, shallow rig 2ft, middle rig 4ft etc. I also set up my feed pattern before even thinking about setting up my gear. Decide where you're going to fish and feed a few samples, this will get the fish feeding freely without fear. If you decide to fish with your pole fully extended then use your pole cup or catapult to reach your designated area.
With hookable pellets - as with any bait - it pays to know how it behaves in the water. Some will sink to the bottom straight away. Others will fall quite slowly. When fishing higher up in the water I choose the slow sinking pellets, because they'll make your hook bait appear much more natural.
Remember to feed a little and often, to keep the fish interested and to keep them competing. If you are expecting to catch larger fish - tench or carp, for example - increase the relative size of all your end tackle, except your hook.