Stick Float

Another float used for river fishing is the stick float. The stick float allows delicate presentation of bait on medium paced water. There are many types of stick floats available, made from materials such as plastic, balser wood, lignum and cane. The shoulders and weight variations of the float also differ quite substantially, dependent on the pace, turbulence and depth of water you are fishing.

Shirt-Button Shot Spacing

Generally, the stick is fished shirt-button style; the shot evenly spaced down the line, allowing the bait to fall as naturally as possible. This style can be fished at most depths, but I prefer using it when Im middle- to bottom-fishing, when the bait can trip enticingly along the bottom. The shoulder of the float helps to prevent the float being dragged under, which it can do with a waggler. I also prefer this method over the waggler for rivers as I find it easier to keep the line mended; being connected to the line both top and bottom.

My first choice bait on the stick is maggot and/or caster.