Under a float?

I’ve seen several folks lately mention fishing bait off the Octi under a float! Is this as simple as having it under a cork? How is it rigged ?
Thanks in advance

A float is usually the same as a cork, just styrofoam. Some rig them to slip with a stopper and a bead. Sometimes I will use a balloon to get the wind to blow it beyond other folks so the fish does not get tangled right away.

For a stopper I use a doubled piece of dental floss tied around my line with a uni.

Floats are sometimes looked down on by the cognoscenti and serious fishermen, but they sure do help keep track of the bait.

Using a float is a good method for controlling the depth of your live bait. The key to getting bit is having a good bait where the fish are feeding.

How large of a float is needed? I'm thinking my 9yo would be helped by actually seeing where his line is while fishing in the ocean.

I like using a float with live bait, 2-3" styrofoam. Usually 2-4' above a short single strand leader & a #4 2x treble..

https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/com...ildCatid=20518

So I am assuming you would line the float, then swivel with a bead, then leader?

Float fishing on the GSPPier has evolved over the decades much like other aspects of mackerel fishing.
Today's cigar shaped styrofoam peg floats are great, and I use them for many purposes from a bite indicator to keeping the bait at a predetermined depth.
They come in a variety of sizes and colors (even multi colors), without or with lead imbedded.
Betts 'Billy Boy' line has a nice variety... http://www.bettstackle.net/pdf/betts05-06rfloats.pdf

I try to carry a supply of each for different applications:
The 3" will usually support an adult LY (5" to 6" long), though it may occasionally pull it under briefly.
The 2 1/2" and 2" for smaller LYs, and the 2" or 1 1/2" for live shrimp.
I use only as large as necessary to suspend on the surface to minimize the amount of drag from wind 7 current and make the fish less likely to feel the resistance.

Most folks simply pass the line through the float and use the peg to pin the depth.
This works fine most of the time, but a fast running, hard pulling mackerel can cause the line to cut into the styrofoam loosening the line or peg.
I prefer to run the line through the small hole in the plastic peg and use a Bass Pro rubber sinker stop as a bobber stopper.
just run the rubber 'stop' up or down the line to set the maximum depth and fish it...
These are so small they easily go through the rod guides and I have fished this 'slip cork' rig as deep as 18 feet.
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass...s-sinker-stops

hope this helps!

I don't use a bead, just the pegged float, leader with swivel and hook.

I use it almost exclusively... until my shrimp are gone. 40lb(easier to tie) or 50lb mono 'leader' material. uni to uni on your mainline. about 3' is plenty. I then put a weighted cork about 3.5' above the hook(a #8-10 treble) maybe even add a tiny split shot a foot above the shrimp.. you can watch the spanish circle and attach it.. you'll loose a good bit of bait if you don't hid the hook well. I'm gonna try a gold # 10 next time just for kicks.

Is that live or dead shrimp? Do you let it float or pop it?