Float fishing on the seashore, a simple and effective technique

Float fishing is a versatile and accessible technique that appeals to many anglers for its simplicity, efficiency and tactical pleasure. The aim is to present a live or dead bait (shrimp, worm, piece of fish) at a certain depth, held in suspension by the float, while avoiding undesirable bottom elements.

Laurent Duclos Published on November 24, 2025

Principles and benefits

The float allows you to explore crowded or rugged areas inaccessible to traditional land-based fishing.

Adjust the depth of the bait with a stop-float or stop-knot, to fish between two waters or skim the bottom, depending on the target species and topography.

This method is equally suited to dykes, jetties, rocks, quays, beaches and river mouths.

Prospecting is often done 10-40 meters from the shore, with repeated casts to cover different areas.âeuros

Equipment and fixtures

3 to 6-meter rod, fairly light and sturdy (multi-purpose rod for sea, Bolognese, English, light casting).
Reel fitted with 24 to 30/100 nylon or fine braid, soft brake for beautiful fish.âeuros
Floats adapted to sea conditions and bait (5-20 g lift), classic or sliding to adjust to all depths and currents.âeuros
Soft lead (olivette, buckshot) to stabilize the bait, hook adapted to the size of the prey.

The sliding rig remains the most versatile: stop-float, drilled float, olive sinker, swivel, leader from 50 cm to 1 m in strong nylon.âeuros It's also possible to add bait float beads to loosen the bait from the bottom.

Les diffÃ©rents vers marins peuvent Ãªtre utilisÃ©s pour pÃªcher au flotteur. — Various marine worms can be used for float fishing.

Bait and target species

The most effective live baits are shrimp, clumps, marine worms, some small fish and soft crabs. On beaches, prefer naturally occurring baits (sand crabs, razor clams, sand eels).

Baiting or roping techniques: baiting attracts fish to the spot, while roping involves moving the bait around structures at different depths.âeuros

This approach makes it possible to target a wide range of species: bass or wolffish, sars, sea bream, mullet, bream, and certain rock fish such as serrans or girelles.âeuros

Fishing tips

Fish with the rod high, watch the line and be ready to strike at the first (often sharp) touch.

Adjust your drag and adapt the strength of the leader to the presence of obstacles (oyster beds, rocks).âeuros

Vary your prospecting area and depths, and be aware of the effects of tides and weather conditions.

DiffÃ©rentes espÃ¨ces de poisson Ã rechercher au flotteur. — Different species of fish to look for on a float.

Seaside float fishing combines observation, patience and mobility. Fun and instructive, it allows you to multiply your strokes and take full advantage of the coastal atmosphere, for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike.âeuros