Late summer temperature changes mean a switch in tactics for many anglers. Tackle Tester Dan Webb picks out his favourite floats for the season ahead...
Malman Banker
What they are: Designed by top-flight match angler Adam Richards, the Banker is a one-size float to cover all mudline fishing on the pole. A buoyant tip and a heavy 5xNo8 loading anchor this float in place and ensure that the only time it goes under is with a proper bite. Available with red or yellow tips.
Why you need them now: One float with a simple shotting to cover all your near- and far-bank shallow water fishing. Mega strong and high performing, 20p from each float bought goes to Prostate Cancer UK. The memory-free Titan Steel stem makes it difficult to permanently bend the float out of shape.
Sizes: One size
Price: £2.30, www.malmanfloats.com
Dave Harrell DH12 Pole Floats
What they are: A large, thick-tipped pattern with a strong construction and an inline design – perfect for big fish approaches in deeper water on lakes and stronger flows on rivers.
A rounded body and wire stem add further stability in towing and turbulent waters.
Why you need them now: Be it whacking into a big perch or tench next to lilies, or slowing a bait down in the main flow, there isn’t a better method or float for having fun on your local river in September.
Sizes: 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g
Price: £2.50, www.daveharrellangling.com
Guru MW Margin Diamond
What they are: A virtually indestructible margin pole float built to the highest standards, as specified by legendary float builder Mick Wilkinson. The smaller sizes are great for trickier fish, while the bigger ones really come into their own when loads of fish are present, a big weight is on the cards, and foul-hookers can become an issue.
Why you need them now: Margin fishing puts more strain on a pole rig and its float than anything else. These floats really are tough, and should put up with a number of years of abuse.
Sizes: 0.1g, 0.2g, 0.3g, 0.4g
Price: £2.49, www.tackleguru.com
Benwick Silverlite Ghost mini waggler
What they are: Self-cocking mini wagglers that are already loaded to the base of the bristle, meaning they can suspend a big bait like a large pellet. Ideal for shallow or floater fishing, they will also take a 4.5mm Starlight for fishing late into the evening. Each is supplied with both a red and a yellow tip.
Why you need them now: After a summer of angling pressure, and with the nights now drawing in, some of bigger carp are now only feeding off or close to the surface as it starts to get dark. These floats are the perfect companion to a bread and biscuit evening session.
Sizes: 3g, 4g, 5g
Price: £2.75, www.benwick-sports.co.uk
Preston Innovations Des Shipp Paste
What they are: A slim paste float designed for ultimate bite registration because it’s cocked by the weight of your ball of paste. An eye on top of the stem and on the body ensures strength as well as a direct line to the pole- or rod-tip. Two sizes cover both deep and shallow water.
Why you need them now: Although it works all year round, September is when paste really starts to take off on commercial fisheries. These floats are perfect for the job.
Sizes: Paste 1 and Paste 2
Price: £2.10, www.prestoninnovations.com
Matrix 12mm pellet waggler
What they are: A uniquely designed pellet waggler made from a tough and flexible aerated plastic material.
Why you need them now: Bigger venues and bigger fish – these are the choice for catching those crafty carp shallow at range. Not only can you get a great distance with them, but they stand up to the rigors of catching big carp, even when they decide to throw a wobbler in your landing net!
Sizes: 6g, 8g, 10g, 12g
Price: £7.99 for two, www.fishmatrix.co.uk
Daiwa Gloucester Carbon
What they are: An adaptable all round silverfish pole float for still or slow-moving waters. A medium thickness fibre tip provides both sensitivity and visibility. Features a carbon stem and a classic rugby ball-type body.
Why you need them now: September is when roach become the prime target on many natural waters. This float is a firm favourite, as it can be used on so many different waters with a wide variety of baits.
Sizes: 0.5g-3.0g
Price: £2.30, www.daiwasports.co.uk
Dave Harrell Insert Speci Waggler
What they are: A thick and heavy float designed for running plenty of line on the bottom when targeting big fish on flowing water. Available with red or yellow tips.
Why you need them now: With the sun now dipping lower in the sky, spotting your float well down the swim can become a bit of a mission. The thick hollow tips on these Speci Wags positively glow in difficult light, meaning even September’s sun can’t stop the river action.
Sizes: 3AAA, 4AAA, 5AAA, 3SSG, 4SSG
Price: £2.40, www.daveharrellangling.com
Drennan Insert Crystal Wagglers
What they are: A clear-bodied plastic waggler with a visible 2.3mm insert, designed not to spook fish in clear water. Available in loaded and unloaded versions. Tips are interchangeable throughout the range, with packs of additional tip variations available separately.
Why you need them now: These have been about since 1983 but were revamped in 2016, so probably every angler out there will have used one of these at some point. They remain as popular as ever today and are a great ‘go to’ float for general coarse fishing.
Sizes: 0.8g, 1g, 1.5g, 2g, 2.5g, 3g (loaded or unloaded)
Price: £1.99 - £2.35, www.drennantackle.com
Preston Precision Pellet wagglers
What they are: 10mm balsa self-cocking pellet wagglers designed for fishing on the drop within the top few feet of water.
Why you need them now: They fly like a dream, with zero wobble, and dive very little on impact. Ideal for making the most of the shallow sport before the fishing starts to slow down for winter.
Sizes: 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g, 6g
Price: £2.75, www.prestoninnovations.com
