12" or 9" pole float makes me happiest.

I use 3 inch cigar bobbers on my Driftfishing rigs  :wink:  ::  :lol:  :lol:

Floats are an excellent way to fish. I rig up 4 different ways using flooats and for 3 different situations.
 The first way is to use a slip cork. If you are using a pre-tied bobber stop knot slide it on your main line first and remove the plastic part and discard pull both tag ends but do not tighten or remove tag ends yet now slide on a bead then your bobber then a slip sinker of your choice then another bead then tie on your swivel of choice. Now tie your leader ( I use 8 - 12 inch for this ) and the hook of your choice. Now slide the stop knot to the depth you want to fish and tighten the tag ends. This rig can be fished many ways. You can drift this rig with the current or with the wind. You can use this rig to drift fish in the boat and can also be used to fish straight down in the trees or snags to a set depth It can be used in a lot of situations. I like the cat bobbers that I purchased from Main Wolf products.
 The second is using a crappie or what I call a cigar float on a drift fishing rig. There is a lot of different ways to make the sliding sinker but this is how I do mine. I use 30 lb. on the main line and 50lb. test for my leaders but for the slide sinker leader I use 15 lb. test. Tie on a snap swivel small enough that it will not slide past your swivel when it hits it. then tie a 2 oz. bell on the other end try to keep this leader between the sinker and the snap swivel 2 to 3 inches long. ( the shorter the better ). Now make your leader 18 to 24 inches long and tie on your swivel then slide on the cigar cork then tie on the hook of your choice. Now peg the cork in place 5 to 8 inches from the hook. Now put the snap swivel on your main line between your pole and the swivel on your leader. The snap swivel should slide down the main line and stop on the swivel on the leader. As you drift along the 2 oz. bell will be all that actually comes in contact with the bottom and depending on how far you pegged the cork from the hook and how long your leader is will determine how far your bait is suspended off the bottom. Usually the only thing that hangs will be the sinker and that is why I use light line for the sinker drop so it will break easily and not cause me to lose a fish from being hung. These cigar corks can be purchased at Walmart. And work really well.
  Another way is to rig the same cigar cork but in a different way and for a different reason. It is rigged in a basic carolina rig by sliding on the sinker of your choice onto the main line and then a bead if you choose to use one. Now make your leader 18 to 24 inches long and slide on the cork and peg it 5 to 8 inches from the hook. I use this rig if I am fishing a very soft bottom or in silt or a bunch of leaves to keep the bait suspended up above the mud or trash.
 One other way I’ve just learned and am experimenting with is to slide a cigar cork on the main line then tie a bank sinker on go up 2 ft. and tie a dropper loop. Attach the hook of your choice and when you throw it out the cork will slide up the line to the dropper loop and keep your bait suspended off the bottom.
 This is four ways that I use corks It may not be the best way but it is how I use them and it works for me.

Plain ole slip float works for me.

I prefer 8" weighted betts slip corks and Thill cigar shaped center sliders w/o weight in 6"- 8".I have many rigs I use with these.