Beginner’s Guide to Float Fishing This Autumn
Float fishing, more often than not one of the first styles you will encounter as a child starting out with a parent, grand parent or friend. (my first was actually sea fishing then pike before I got onto coarse fishing with a float.) It is also one of the most enjoyable and effective ways to catch coarse fish in the UK, and autumn is the perfect season to start. With cooler water temperatures, fish feed more confidently and can be caught in good numbers. From roach and perch on canals to bream and chub on rivers, float fishing offers variety, simplicity - simple in my opinion is a lot more enjoyable - and plenty of action.
If you’re new to the method, this guide will walk you through the basics of setup, tactics, bait, and fish care - plus recommend kit from Voyagers Hook Fishing Company to get you fishing quickly and confidently this autumn.
Why Autumn Is Ideal for Float Fishing
Cooler Water Temperatures: Fish such as roach, perch, dace, and chub feed harder as water cools after summer, storing energy for winter.
Declining Natural Food: Insects and surface activity decline, so fish rely more on anglers’ baits.
Daytime Feeding: Shorter days mean fish often feed strongly in daylight hours, not just dawn and dusk.
Stable Conditions: Early autumn offers steady water clarity and predictable flows, making presentation easier.
The Standard Float Fishing Setup
A basic float fishing rig is simple, affordable, and covers almost any coarse species you’ll find in UK waters.
Rod & Reel: A 11–13 ft float rod paired with a 2500–3000 size reel is perfect. This gives control over line and float, even at distance. Starter rod & reel bundles are ideal for beginners. but to be honest, anything you have within reason will be sufficient. Whether it is your grandads old Shakespeare rod paired with a 4000 sized bait runner, or a brand new Guru with a slick 3000 reel. along as your on the water you will enjoy it.
Mainline: 3–5 lb mono strikes a balance - light enough for delicate presentation, strong enough to handle larger fish, again, whatever you have will work, just don’t spool up with 100lb sea line, this might be a bit overkill.
Hooklengths: Always use a lighter hooklength than your mainline (e.g. 2–4 lb). If it breaks, you only lose the hook and not your entire rig. Ready-made rigs are available to save time.
Floats:
Wagglers — for stillwaters and canals.
Stick floats — for rivers.
Insert wagglers — slimmer, more sensitive for shy-biting fish.
Weights (Shot): Used to “shot down” the float so only the tip shows above water. This improves bite detection.
Essentials: Plummet (for depth finding), landing net, disgorger/forceps for unhooking, unhooking mat, camera to keep the memories of your first fish.
Recommended from Voyagers Hook:
maver floats are generally a pretty good choice, we have a range available on the main site.
Barbless Hooks & Ready-Made Rigs, choose from Mikado, Maver, NGT, Kamasan, the list is endless.
Mono Line Spools (3–5 lb), again, Mikado, Maver, Etc. good budget friendly lines that will get you out on the water without emptying your wallet.
Shot & Weight Packs, choose a pack with a good selection. the floats you choose will advise of their required shot weights.
Starter Rod & Reel Bundles, we have a new rods on offer. if there is something you would like that you can’t see please feel free to send us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Setting Up Your Rod for Float Fishing
Getting your rod set up properly is one of the most important steps in float fishing. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get beginners started without worrying about complicated “tech.”
Assemble the Rod
Fit the rod sections together gently, making sure the guides (the rings the line passes through) line up.
Don’t force them - they should fit snugly with a slight twist.
Attach the Reel
Place the reel in the rod seat above the handle and tighten the locking rings.
Make sure the spool faces straight through the guides.
Thread the Line
Open the bail arm and pull the line from the spool.
Thread it through each guide, starting from the bottom and moving toward the tip.
Close the bail arm when done.
Attach the Float
Wagglers (stillwaters & canals): Attach at the bottom only (through the hole). The easiest way for beginners is to secure it with one or two small shot on the line - this keeps it in place. You can also use a float adapter if you prefer to swap floats quickly.
Stick floats (rivers): Attach top and bottom with silicone float rubbers. This ensures the float sits straight and runs true in the current.
💡 Tip: The float must be held firmly but not too tight - it should stay in position during casting but still show delicate bites.
Add Shot (Weights)
Pinch a few small shot onto the line below the float.
Shot does two jobs: it balances the float and also secures it in place if you’re using wagglers.
don’t use too much shot, there is usually a guide on the side of the float which will tell you how much to use.
Tie on the Hook or Hooklength
Beginners can use ready-made hooklengths - just loop them on to save time.
Hook sizes 16–20 work for most autumn coarse fish.
Plumb the Depth
Plumbing the depth means finding how far down your bait needs to sit in the water. Getting this right is essential — fish will ignore bait that’s too high or too low. Here’s how to do it simply:
Use a Plummet
A plummet is a small weight (often teardrop-shaped) on a line that you can cast out.
Attach it to your hooklength in place of your bait.
Cast and Let It Sink
Gently cast the plummet to your chosen spot.
Let it sink straight to the bottom — don’t try to pull it down.
Measure the Depth
Mark where the line meets the float or use your fingers to feel how much line is needed for the plummet to touch the bottom.
This is the depth your bait needs to sit.
Adjust the Float
Slide the float up or down the line so the bait will rest just on or slightly above the bottom.
For stillwaters, your bait often sits 1–2 inches off the bottom.
For rivers, it may need to be just above the riverbed to drift naturally with the current.
Test and Fine-Tune
Drop the float into the water and watch it.
If the float bobs too much or drags along the bottom, adjust the depth.
Fish will often take the bait more confidently when it sits at the correct level.
💡 Tip for Beginners: You don’t need fancy tools — just a simple plummet or a small weight on your line works perfectly. Once you’ve plumbed the depth a couple of times, you’ll get a feel for how deep the fish are feeding.
Bait and Cast Out
Once your rig is set up and the depth is correct, it’s time to hook your bait and cast. This step is where beginners often feel unsure, so we’ll break it down clearly.
Choose Your Bait
Common autumn options include maggots, casters, bread punch, sweetcorn, or worms.
Use a single bait for smaller silver fish like roach and dace, or a slightly larger piece for bigger chub or bream.
Keep the bait fresh and firm — it should stay on the hook during casting but still look natural in the water.
Hook the Bait
Push the hook gently through the bait so it sits naturally.
For maggots or casters, hook through the middle so it wiggles freely.
For bread or sweetcorn, a small punch or flake is enough - don’t overload the hook.
Check the Rig
Make sure the hooklength is untangled and hanging straight.
Ensure the float is secured with shot or rubbers and can move slightly without sliding.
Verify your depth — the bait should sit just on or slightly above the bottom.
Casting and Presenting Your Bait
Think of casting like placing the bait rather than throwing it.
Use a smooth underarm or overarm motion, depending on distance. For nearby spots, a gentle underarm cast works best; for slightly further casts, use a controlled overarm motion.
Avoid swinging the rod wildly — it can tangle lines or dislodge the bait.
Let the float settle upright in the water and drift naturally into position. Adjust the shot or float if it leans or drags.
Watching the Float
Keep your eyes on the tip. Small dips, twitches, or slow slides indicate a bite.
Strike gently but firmly when the float moves decisively. Too hard can pull the bait off or tear the hook out.
Beginner Tip: Accuracy and presentation matter more than distance. Smooth, controlled casts and patience are key - fish respond to naturally presented bait, not to how much further you can cast than your mates.
Shotting Patterns Explained
Bulk Shotting: Place most shot in a group above the hooklength. Good for rivers where you want the bait to reach bottom quickly.
Spread Shotting: Distribute shot evenly down the line. Perfect for canals and stillwaters where a slow fall through the water attracts fish.
Strung-Out Shotting: Several small shot spaced evenly. Excellent for roach and dace, giving a natural drop of bait.
Tip: Always leave just enough shot so the float tip is barely visible — this makes bites much easier to see.
Where to Fish & How to Approach It
Stillwaters (Lakes, Ponds, Canals)
Target Features: Reeds, lily pads, moored boats, and overhanging trees all hold fish. Fish love cover.
Depth Changes: Shelves and drop-offs often attract shoals of bream and skimmers.
Margins: On mild days, plenty of fish feed within a rod’s length of the bank.
Rivers (Somerset Levels, River Tone, River Brue)
Steady Glides: Use stick floats to trot bait downstream naturally.
Eddies & Slacks: Chub and dace often sit just off the main flow.
Inside Bends: Fish use slower water as holding spots, especially in autumn.
Tactics
Feed Little & Often: A pinch of maggots or grains of hemp every couple of minutes keeps fish competing.
Vary the Depth: Try just off the bottom, hard on the bottom, or even mid-water if bites are slow.
Stay Mobile: If no bites come after 20–30 minutes, adjust depth, swap bait, or move swims.
Choosing the Right Floats
Wagglers (Stillwater): Cast easily and show delicate bites. Use an insert waggler when fish are finicky.
Stick Floats (Rivers): Designed to trot downstream with the current. Hold back slightly to make your bait rise naturally.
Pole Floats (Whip Fishing): Small and sensitive, excellent for canals or commercial fisheries.
At Voyagers Hook, you’ll find float packs covering wagglers, stick floats, and more, so you’re ready for any venue.
Baits That Work in Autumn
Maggots: The number one autumn bait for roach, perch, dace, and chub. Feed them loose and use a single or double on the hook.
Bread: Great for roach and chub in clear water. Use bread punch for small silver fish or flake for bigger fish.
Worms: Deadly for perch and tench. Use half a worm or worm tipped with maggot for extra attraction.
Sweetcorn: Bright and visible — perfect for bream, skimmers, and carp.
Casters: Excellent for quality roach but feed sparingly to avoid overfeeding.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Not Plumbing the Depth: Fishing at the wrong depth is the most common reason for missed bites.
Overfeeding: Too much bait too quickly can fill fish up. Feed little and often.
Using Too Much Shot: A float sitting too low or too high is hard to read. Balance is key.
Fishing Too Far Out: Many fish are close to the margins — don’t always cast to the middle.
Striking Too Hard: Float fishing needs a smooth, gentle strike to set the hook without breaking the line.
Handling & Fish Care
Landing Net: Always net your fish - even small ones thrash and can be damaged.
Unhooking Mat: Always use an unhooking mat, fish safety is paramount.
Unhooking: Carry a disgorger or forceps at all times.
Wet Hands & Nets: Protect the fish’s slime layer by wetting equipment first.
Barbless Hooks: Safer and faster to unhook, reducing stress on the fish.
Keepnets: Only use where permitted, and ensure they’re fish-friendly.
Voyagers Hook Essentials:
Disgorgers & Forceps
Landing Nets
Unhooking mat
Barbless Hooks & Rigs
Observation & Timing
Mild, Overcast Days: Often produce the best bites.
Early & Late: First and last light are productive, but in autumn fish also feed well through the middle of the day.
Watch the Water: Look for topping roach, bubbles from feeding bream, or small fish scattering from predators.
Which Fish Bite Well in Autumn
Autumn is an excellent time for coarse fishing. As water temperatures drop, fish feed actively to build energy for the winter, making them more likely to take bait. Here’s a guide to the most common species you can target with float fishing in the UK, including Somerset and South West England:
1. Roach
Where to Find Them: Canals, rivers, and stillwaters; often near margins and submerged features.
Why Autumn is Good: Roach school together and feed consistently to bulk up for winter.
Bait Tips: Maggots, casters, or small bread flake on a light rig.
2. Perch
Where to Find Them: Shallow margins, weed edges, and near submerged structures.
Why Autumn is Good: Perch hunt actively before winter and are more confident feeders in cooler water.
Bait Tips: Worms, maggots, sweetcorn, or a worm/maggot combo for bigger fish.
3. Chub
Where to Find Them: Rivers, especially in slower glides, inside bends, and slack water behind obstacles.
Why Autumn is Good: Chub feed aggressively in daylight hours, storing energy for winter.
Bait Tips: Bread punch, maggots, and worms presented naturally.
4. Bream and Skimmers
Where to Find Them: Deeper areas of lakes and canals, often in mid-water or near the bottom.
Why Autumn is Good: Bream feed heavily in shoals, making them easier to catch.
Bait Tips: Sweetcorn, maggots, or small pellets with slightly heavier shotting to keep the bait near the bottom.
5. Dace
Where to Find Them: Rivers and streams with steady flow, often near the surface or mid-water.
Why Autumn is Good: Dace feed confidently and school near margins, making them ideal for light rigs.
Bait Tips: Maggots, casters, or small worms.
6. Tench
Where to Find Them: Stillwaters with weed beds and soft bottoms.
Why Autumn is Good: Tench feed steadily in cooler weather, often near margins or slightly deeper water.
Bait Tips: Worms, maggots, sweetcorn, or small pellet baits. Present carefully to avoid spooking them.
7. Carp
Where to Find Them: Stillwaters, canals, and lakes; often near margins, reeds, or overhanging trees.
Why Autumn is Good: Carp feed actively in autumn to bulk up for winter, especially in daylight.
Bait Tips: Sweetcorn, maggots, bread, or small pellets. Use subtle presentation with light hooks and small baits to avoid spooking them.
8. Barbel
Where to Find Them: Rivers with steady flow, especially over gravel or sand beds downstream of riffles. In Somerset, rivers like the Tone and Brue hold barbel.
Why Autumn is Good: Barbel feed strongly in early to mid-autumn, particularly on cooler days.
Bait Tips: Maggots, worms, or small boilies presented naturally on the bottom. Float fishing for barbel works best in slower sections or shallow margins.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is one of the finest seasons for float fishing. The cooler conditions get coarse fish feeding confidently, and the method is simple to learn but endlessly rewarding to master. By plumbing the depth, feeding little and often, and choosing the right float for your venue, you’ll soon be catching fish regularly.
If you’re just starting out, explore our float fishing bundles, float packs, hooks, rigs, line, and fish care tools at Voyagers Hook. Everything you need to enjoy a successful autumn session is available in one place - so all that’s left is to get out on the bank.
Tight lines - and enjoy your float fishing journey this season!
