which floats?

[Santiago]

Depends on the river flow, the depth, and the type of turbulence you might encounter. So anything from a small Avon style float to a chunky loafer, the latter being ideal for faster turbulent waters.

[Gobio Gobio]

I always prefer using a larger float, you should be able to control the float better when holding back.

[Coral Maestro]

Regarding your second question, if you make up your float rigs beforehand and store them on winders you won't have to worry about making up a whole new rig on the bank. This will save you lots of time during those short winters days when you go grayling fishing.

[Wida]

Many thanks for the replies and the advice.
I do have a copy of Ade Bristows book (signed), he gives much info on floats but nothing on when any size should be used..."to match the type of water" is not very informative. So, do I use a 4BB, 6BB or 8BB float? I think I have a better idea now from some of the advice above.
I have gleaned much useful info from the book but found some questions raised, eg Sheffield ? is this Nottingham cast?, and several diagrams portray their message confusingly.
On the question of the float rubbers for different floats...I have played with this but as the float is on the main line, with a link to the weaker hook line, not sure of the best system.

Will get there though....no great numbers yesterday, but a few nice grayling.
Thanks

[Olly]

Many floats can take 3 float rubbers - tip - under the body and at the base. The only really awkward one is the metal stem - which can be very thin.

[Tengisgol]

Many thanks for the replies and the advice.
I do have a copy of Ade Bristows book (signed), he gives much info on floats but nothing on when any size should be used..."to match the type of water" is not very informative. So, do I use a 4BB, 6BB or 8BB float? I think I have a better idea now from some of the advice above.
I have gleaned much useful info from the book but found some questions raised, eg Sheffield ? is this Nottingham cast?, and several diagrams portray their message confusingly.
On the question of the float rubbers for different floats...I have played with this but as the float is on the main line, with a link to the weaker hook line, not sure of the best system.

Will get there though....no great numbers yesterday, but a few nice grayling.
Thanks

The previous advice was good - use a float big enough to boss the water. With a few basic styles it is then trial and error. Good luck.

[Paul F]

I agree with Phil & other comments by others, use as heavy a float to boss the river/swim, a 4-6ssg float if shotted correctly, is just as sensitive as a 3bb float.

I have fished for grayling a lot on the southern chalk streams, I will bulk the shot 18" from the hook with a dropper 6" from the hook, and ease the bait through the swim, holding back, where I would expect a bite.

It is all a big learning curve, and that is the best thing about fishing that will keep you keen