Depends on what kind of water you're going to be fishing and what kind of lure/bait set up. I use 10 pound braided line for my main line (it floats, mono doesn't, so it creates less drag on your float) and 8 pound mono for my leaders. i use a 12-18 inch leader below a barrel swivel, and above that i use a slider float. Float size depends on what kind of weight you are running below your float and how fast the water is moving. typically i use a float rated for 1/2 oz because i run jigs below it that range in weight between 1/8-1/2 oz, if i use a jig less than 1/2 oz i make up the weight with split shot below my swivel. I use slider floats because they make casting much easier, slider floats usually come with a float stop that consists of a dacron stop and a bead, you put this above your float, you can adjust the depth by sliding the stopper up and down your line (it will go through the eyelets without any problem). Float fishing is simple. cast upstream a bit to get it where you want it, and then keep your line tight, this means reeling in, and gradually mending it with your hand as it goes downstream. You want your float to be straight up and down, if it's leaning forward your leader is dragging on the bottom, if it's leaning back, you need a bigger float and more weight. Jig's only work if you have perfect presentation, and you only get that when your jig is directly below your float, you know it's below your float when it's vertical. i'm not so great at explaining things, but..that's basically it. you learn as you do it what works and what doesn't. The great thing about float fishing is that you know when you have a fish down, your float goes down hard and fast usually.