Waggler vs Stick Float: Which Float for Which Water
Wagglers are attached bottom-end only and suit still water and slow rivers. Stick floats are fixed top and bottom and suit running water.
A waggler is attached to the line by the bottom end only, with most of the weight locking it in place. It casts far and stays stable in wind and on still water. A stick float is fixed top and bottom with float rubbers and is designed to trot down running water, where you control it with the rod.
Quick comparison
Waggler | Stick float | |
|---|---|---|
Attachment | Bottom end only | Top and bottom |
Best water | Lakes, canals, slow rivers | Steady flowing rivers |
Casting distance | Long | Short to medium |
Wind | Line sinks under the surface, stable | Struggles in wind |
Control | Let it drift | Hold back and steer |
How to set up a waggler
Thread the line through the float's eye and lock it with locking shot either side (about 70–80% of the float's capacity).
Put the rest of the shot as small droppers down the line.
Plumb the depth and set the bait just on or off the bottom.
After casting, sink the line with the rod tip under the water so wind cannot drag the float.
Loaded wagglers carry their weight in the base, so you need fewer locking shot. Pellet wagglers are short, loaded floats for shallow fishing for carp over fed pellets.
How to fish a stick float
Fix the float top and bottom with float rubbers.
Shot it in a shirt-button pattern (evenly spaced small shot) for a natural fall.
Trot it down the swim, holding back slightly so the bait goes first.
Which to choose
Still water or wind: waggler.
Steady river: stick float.
Fast or deep river: a heavier sliding float or an Avon float.
See every float on the tackles page.
