Float fishing tips?

[MacGregor]

New'ish player. From three main fishing methods. I find float most fun. Or I should say requiring most attention. But mechanics aren't well explained and finding any actual up to date guide is almost impossible.

My main issue is that even with exactly same setup as bottom rig without any groundbait. In same spot. Bait rate is extremely low. Why?

Any tips on setting the hook? I know about getting higher quality hooks but it still is more of hit or miss rather than consistent mechanic. Especially annoying when you have two or more rods in water and while you take care of one. Second float goes under water. If you won't be able to react instantly. Most of the time it won't hook even though it stays under water for very long. Or gets dragged around. Even putting load on line! Is it really just RNG and I should get used to this or there is something I'm missing?

Currently trying to grind to Bolognese rod but it's starting to get less and less fun. I wouldn't mid inconsistent hooking. But it's no bites that get me. On triple bottom setup I mostly can't keep up with all the fishes. While here with two floats in 1h I caught less than 20 fish

[Ramathor]

I've learned that hook size is a big thing when fishing in this game. Also, your depth really matters too with float fishing. Thats the best advice I have. The only other thing I can recommend is making sure your line floats with the current, it helps increase the bite rate.

[KillJoy]

I would switch to spinning fishing. The maps between level 16 and 20 are mostly spinning/trolling maps. Once you get into trolling it will be much more fun and interactive than either of the other methods.

[Graubart]

Float fishing works well once you have found the right approach. Fish plays with the bait, often for a long time, before it really takes it. Often, but not always, this is visible, in the way the fish suddenly acts more "aggressive". It is then you set the hook. Fish (e.g. at the dead end of winding rivulet, there you can hook many different species with float fishing. Patience is key. I was there yesterday with a very simple "hazelnut Rod" from last year's christmas event, and got some really good catch, amongst others a 1.9 kg carp.
as Ramathor says, hook size matters as well. Use small to medium sized hooks for a start. At the fishing shop you can buy an assortment of bait (worms, maggots, casters, and more) which should keep your fish happy ;-). Also, all sort of dough works well.
When it comes to Bolognese fishing, do not expect to be able to cast far out with them. Only match rods allow casting over long distances. But Bolognese rods have a reel and that makes them perfect for drifting your float fishing equipment over longer stretches of the water. Works extremely well at all rivers in the game. In my opinion, the Bolognese rods are really underestimated by many players.