hey catch-N-fillet, here's a tip that has really helped my float fishing. Maybe your already aware of this but I'm sure somebody out there will find it helpful.
It's essential while float fishing that your line floats on the top of the water. If the line sinks it will make setting the hook almost impossible. My solution for this is very simple...chapstick! I've see some people coat their lines with candle wax but chapstick works really well. Just cast out and retrieve your line with the line running between your thumb and the chapstick and you have nicely coated the line with a waxy type coating that will float very well.

keep working with the floats they really do work great. I picked up 8 steelies last sunday all on jigs and floats while I never touched a fish with conventional drift gear.

Good luck,

Duke