Guide to Fishing Floats, Sinkers & Buoys: Improve Your Presentation and Catch

Terminal tackle, including fishing floats, sinkers, and buoys, plays a crucial role in both freshwater and saltwater angling. Proper use of these tools improves bait presentation, controls depth, and increases catch rates. In Kenya, anglers targeting Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, tigerfish, and coastal species benefit significantly from understanding how to select and use the right terminal tackle.

This guide explores the types of floats, sinkers, and buoys, their applications, best practices, and recommendations for both professional and recreational fishers.

Why Terminal Tackle Matters in Kenyan Fishing

Terminal tackle connects your bait or lure to your fishing line and helps control its movement in water. The right choice can:

Keep bait at the correct depth for target species.
Increase strike detection through visible or tactile indicators.
Stabilize the line in varying current conditions.
Prevent snags and improve hook-up rates.

In Kenya, where freshwater lakes like Victoria, Turkana, and Naivasha coexist with coastal waters, selecting the correct float, sinker, or buoy ensures optimal presentation for both inland and marine species.

Types of Floats

Fixed Floats

Fixed floats remain stationary on the line and are ideal for shallow or moderate depth fishing. They are simple to rig and allow easy detection of bites.

Best Use:

Tilapia and catfish in lakes and small rivers.
Surface or mid-depth bait presentation.

Sliding Floats

Sliding floats move freely along the line, allowing the bait to reach deeper water without adjusting rig length.

Best Use:

Nile perch, tigerfish, and deeper channel fishing.
Situations where fish feed at varying depths.

Bubble and Stick Floats

Specialty floats for precision casting and control in flowing rivers or windy conditions.

Best Use:

Small streams or shallow dams.
Anglers targeting selective species such as tilapia or juvenile Nile perch.

Types of Sinkers (Weights)

Split Shot Sinkers

Small, versatile weights that can be added or removed easily to adjust bait presentation.

Best Use:

Light freshwater species.
Shallow water fishing for tilapia or small catfish.

Egg Sinkers

Oval-shaped sinkers ideal for sliding rig setups and river currents.

Best Use:

Nile perch and tigerfish in flowing rivers.
Maintaining bait at depth without snagging.

Bank Sinkers

Heavier, conical weights used to hold bait in place in strong currents or deep water.

Best Use:

Coastal fishing for snapper, trevally, or mackerel.
Deep lake or river channels with strong flow.

Pyramid Sinkers

Triangular-shaped sinkers designed for stability in sand or mud bottoms.

Best Use:

Bottom-feeding species like catfish.
Maintaining bait presentation in shifting riverbeds.

Buoys and Marker Floats

Buoys and marker floats help anglers track bait, nets, or positions in both commercial and recreational fishing.

Uses in Kenya:

Identifying trap locations in Lake Victoria or coastal waters.
Maintaining net positions in aquaculture ponds.
Enhancing longline or drift fishing setups.

Advantages:

Improves catch efficiency.
Reduces gear loss.
Helps manage multiple lines or nets simultaneously.

How to Choose the Right Terminal Tackle

Match weight to species and water conditions.
Choose float size and type based on visibility and water depth.
Select corrosion-resistant materials for saltwater fishing.
Consider the bait type to ensure natural presentation.

Proper selection ensures the line is neither too tight nor too slack, bait movement is natural, and fish strikes are easily detected.

Freshwater vs Saltwater Applications

Freshwater

Floats and sinkers are lighter.
Target species: Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, tigerfish.
Shallow and medium-depth presentations dominate.

Saltwater

Floats and sinkers must withstand waves and current.
Target species: snapper, trevally, barracuda, kingfish.
Heavier weights and large buoys are preferred for offshore stability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using too heavy or too light sinkers for the species.
Selecting floats that are difficult to see or inappropriate for conditions.
Ignoring current or wind, leading to poor bait presentation.
Not maintaining terminal tackle after saltwater exposure.

Proper maintenance and selection increase both efficiency and tackle lifespan.

Call to Action (CTA)

Visit Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd at www.shop.mft.co.ke to explore fishing floats, sinkers, buoys, and complete terminal tackle kits. Contact our team at 0706 903465 for guidance on selecting the best terminal tackle for your fishing environment.

Store & Delivery Information

Address: Darosa Plaza, Karen Rd, Nairobi
Call / WhatsApp: 0706 903465

Store Hours:

Monday–Friday: 08:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 14:00

Countrywide Deliveries Available

Same-day delivery within Nairobi
Next-day delivery across Kenya
Towns served (shuffled for uniqueness): Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kitale, Malindi, Thika, Voi, Meru, Bungoma, Nyeri, Kericho