I use West Coast Floats. They are made of foam. I like the ones that are rated for 1 oz. If the tide isnt running too hardI use 1 1/2 oz banana wieghts to really load the float down. Only about 3/4 of an inch is above the water. If a chinnok even snifffs the bait, I can see it. And if the tide is running hard I use a 1oz banana weight and add a couple split shot.
If you havent seen a West Coast Float, You should check them out. In my opionion they are the best slip float on the market.