A float with the right capacity is only the beginning. Where you place the shot on the line determines how the bait sinks and how clearly a bite is visible. For pole fishing, you can use round split shot, elongated Stotz or compact cube-shaped weights. Which should you choose, and how do you start shotting your float?
You do not need to copy a complicated shotting pattern. Start with the capacity marked on your float, build the rig step by step and test it in water. You can then move the weights or distribute them differently until the bait behaves as you want.
What is the difference between round split shot and Stotz?
Round split shot — often called shot — is the familiar choice for finely tuning a float. With several sizes, you can first put most of the capacity on the line and then adjust it in small increments. Preston Super Soft Shot Refills are soft, round refills in different weights. They are useful when you mainly want to replenish one commonly used size.
Preston Stotz Refills have a wider groove and flat ends. This allows you to group several weights compactly next to each other. Preston developed them with thicker lines in mind, but they can also be used on finer nylon lines. Another square option is the Guru Micro Cubes: small weights with a deep central groove that you can distribute along the line.
None of these shapes is automatically best for every rig. Above all, choose a range of sizes that suits your float, your line and the way you want the bait to sink.
How to start shotting your float
First read the capacity marked on the float. This is your starting point, not a guarantee that one calculation of lead weights will immediately produce a perfectly balanced float. The hook, bait, float model and water conditions also play a role. Therefore, first put most of the weight on the line and keep a few small weights aside for fine adjustment.
Test the rig in water. If the float sits too high, add a small weight. If it sinks too deeply, remove weight or choose lighter weights. Do this in small steps: a float that sits just right will usually show bites more clearly than a float pulled under by too much weight.
Do you regularly use different weights? With a Preston Stotz Dispenser, you have several sizes together. If you run out of one size, a refill is enough; you do not need to buy a new dispenser box straight away.
Grouped shot or spread-out weights?
A compact group of weights puts most of the weight in one place. This generally makes the rig sink faster through the upper water layers. That can be useful if you want to reach fishing depth quickly. The flat ends of Stotz keep such a group neat and compact.
If you spread smaller weights further along the line, you can make the bait and hooklength sink more gradually. This gives you more scope to refine the bait presentation. If desired, leave a small telltale shot closer to the hook; experiment with the distance and see how the float reacts when you lift or move the bait.
There is no fixed distance that works everywhere. A shallow, still pond sometimes calls for a different distribution than deeper or flowing water. Start simply, change one thing at a time and see what the float tells you.
Watch your line when placing and moving weights
Even soft lead can damage a nylon line if you squeeze it shut too hard or move it roughly. Place each weight in the groove, press it closed gradually and check that it does not slide off the line by itself. If you want to move a weight, do so carefully; replace the line if you can feel or see visible damage.
The choice of line therefore also matters. Unsure about nylon for your coarse fishing rig? Also read our guide to nylon fishing lines for feeder and coarse fishing.
Which weights should you choose for your rig?
If you want to adjust accurately with loose round weights, start with soft shot in a few suitable sizes. If you want to group weights compactly or fish with a slightly thicker line, try Stotz or cube-shaped weights. For both, the distribution on the line is at least as important as the shape of the weight.
View the active collection Shots & Stotz weights and choose the sizes that suit the capacity of your float. Then test your rig in water before fishing with it.
